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The Ravens backed out of a trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby after the defensive end failed a physical with Baltimore on Tuesday. Could the Bucs now be in the running for Crosby? ©Maria Lysaker
Hours after backing out of a trade with the Raiders for defensive end Maxx Crosby, the Ravens agreed to sign free agent Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal.
Crosby failed a physical with Baltimore on Tuesday, which isn’t that surprising since he is recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
There’s speculation that maybe the Ravens got cold feet after they agreed to send two first-round picks to the Raiders for Crosby. The market for Hendrickson was falling a bit, and the Ravens pivoted.
Baltimore’s move wasn’t well received around the NFL, with some calling it “bush league.”
In any case, it means Crosby remains the property of the Raiders with the new league year beginning today at 4 p.m.
The Bucs were among the teams interested in signing Hendrickson, so now their search for a dominant edge rusher continues.
The Raiders don’t have many options with Crosby. They can keep him or try to find another trade partner, but the compensation undoubtedly would be less than what the Ravens offered.
Crosby is a game-wrecker with 69 ½ career sacks and would immediately upgrade any defense with his energy and production.
Would Bucs general manager Jason Licht help his former first lieutenant, Raiders general manager John Spytek, by taking Crosby off his hands for something short of two first-round picks?
No doubt Crosby would have an immediate impact once healthy, but Licht is reluctant to part with any draft picks.
With Hendrickson reaching a deal with the Ravens, the Bucs are likely to pursue a less pricey option such as former Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, who had five sacks last season for the Bills.
Improving the pass rush is the first priority for the Bucs, who had only 37 sacks last season. Yaya Diaby led the team with seven.
The Bucs still have work to do in free agency. They did not make a tender of $3.5 million to restricted free agent Sean Tucker, but they would like to re-sign him at a lesser amount.
The Bucs already have reached agreements with tight end Cade Otton (three years, $30 million), running back Kenneth Gainwell (two years, $14 million) and inside linebacker Alex Anzalone (two years, $17 million).
They also await a decision from inside linebacker Lavonte David. His agent, Ron Butler, confirmed David’s decision should come soon, and he will either play for the Bucs or retire. David is recovering from offseason knee surgery.
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