Tuesday was a rollercoaster ride for Baltimore Ravens fans. After rejoicing about Maxx Crosby joining the team via trade, Baltimore backed out of the deal—citing long-term health concerns for Crosby. But what the Ravens did next is far worse news for Pittsburgh Steelers fans and AFC North rivals.
On Wednesday, the Ravens quickly pivoted from a Crosby trade that seemed like a done deal by signing high-profile free-agent edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Ravens are finalizing a deal with the former Cincinnati Bengals star.
And just like that, the Ravens silenced all critics.
By spurning the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade that wasn't officially finalized, the Ravens were still able to land an All-Pro edge rusher while holding onto two first-round picks.
And just like that, the Ravens are sitting pretty atop the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans should wish the Baltimore Ravens' Maxx Crosby trade had gone through.
Don't get me wrong, Crosby is a better and more valuable player than Hendrickson. Not only is Crosby nearly three years younger, but he's infinitely better as a run defender.
But considering the difference in cost, this was the best-case scenario for Ravens fans—and the worst-case scenario for Steelers fans.
In the Ravens' last-minute decision to pivot from Crosby to Hendrickson, Baltimore is getting a slightly worse edge rusher, but they can hold onto a pair of first-round picks. I can't overstate how critical this part of the argument is.
Parting ways with two first-rounders would have meant the Ravens were going all in for now, while jeopardizing the future of their team. This could have resulted in a full-on rebuild by Baltimore in 2-3 years. Instead, general manager Eric DeCosta gets the best of both worlds. The Ravens should be competitive now, while still having their first-round picks to build for the future.
And if Steelers fans are upset bout this, you can only imagine how Cincinnati Bengals fans feel right now. The Best defender the Bengals have had in this generation just spurned the team for a hated AFC North rival. Hendrickson recorded back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 before playing just seven games last year.
Crosby was due $122.93 million over the next four years. Ironically, Hendrickson's contract is a four-year deal worth $112 million. So this contract comes at no greater financial cost to the Ravens.
It's been a bizarre few days for NFL chaos, but it looks like the Baltimore Ravens are going to be winners through the Maxx Crosby fiasco in the end by landing Trey Hendrickson and keeping their first-round picks.
This was not the outcome Pittsburgh Steelers fans hoped for.