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Packers Quickly Send Multiple Picks and Young Edge Talent in Bid to Trade for Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Immediately After Ravens Back Out of Deal Over Health Risk Concerns

 

GREEN BAY — The NFL offseason rarely pauses long enough for the shock of one deal collapsing before another begins forming. Just hours after the Baltimore Ravens abruptly backed out of their blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, the Green Bay Packers reportedly explored a bold alternative.

Baltimore’s sudden decision immediately reshaped the market. What had been expected to become one of the defining transactions of the 2026 offseason unraveled due to unexpected medical concerns.

Only days earlier, the Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders had reached a preliminary agreement. Baltimore would acquire Crosby — a five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher and one of the NFL’s most relentless defenders — in exchange for two first-round picks.

One of those selections was believed to be Baltimore’s 2026 first-round pick, No. 14 overall, along with another first-round pick scheduled for 2027. Crosby had already traveled to Baltimore as the trade approached completion.

But the final step proved decisive.

During his physical examination, medical concerns surfaced surrounding Crosby’s knee — specifically lingering effects from a meniscus injury that required surgery last season. After reviewing the risk, the Ravens ultimately chose to withdraw from the deal.

The Raiders confirmed the development with a brief statement: “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby. We'll have no further comment at this time.”

Across the league, the failed blockbuster instantly became one of the most surprising developments of the 2026 offseason.

Reports from ESPN, NFL.com, and The Athletic confirmed the Ravens’ decision centered entirely on medical concerns rather than disagreements about compensation.

That sudden opening quickly sparked interest from other teams — including Green Bay.

According to league sources, the Packers explored a balanced package built around mid-round draft capital and young defensive talent. The proposal reportedly includes a 2026 second-round pick, a 2026 third-round selection (No. 84 overall), and a young edge defender such as Barryn Sorrell or Collin Oliver.

Both players are viewed as developmental pass rushers with upside. At just 23 years old, they represent the kind of young rotational edge prospects rebuilding teams often prioritize.

For the Raiders, the structure offers flexibility during a potential roster reset. Instead of betting on Crosby’s medical uncertainty, Las Vegas would gain multiple draft selections along with young pass-rush talent to develop over the next several seasons.

For Green Bay, however, the appeal lies in upgrading the ceiling of the defensive front.

Crosby’s relentless motor, elite pressure rate, and proven production would immediately elevate the Packers’ pass rush. His presence could transform the unit into one capable of consistently disrupting elite quarterbacks.

Green Bay would still maintain strong depth at the position, allowing the team to sacrifice young rotational pieces without losing its core defensive foundation.

In today’s NFL, a dominant pass rush remains one of the few defensive elements capable of reshaping games against high-powered offenses.

For now, Crosby technically remains a Raider.

But in the turbulent hours following Baltimore’s stunning withdrawal, Green Bay has quietly positioned itself among the teams ready to capitalize if Las Vegas decides to reopen negotiations

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Sources Say Packers Are "Finalizing Terms" to Trade Jayden Reed to Boost Pass Rush with Defensive Player Who Has 243 Tackles
The Green Bay Packers have been selective with their free agency additions this offseason, bringing in cornerback Benjamin St. Juste, former division rival from the Minnesota Vikings Javon Hargrave, and return specialist Skyy Moore. However, after the departures of Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare through trade and free agency respectively, the edge rusher group is certainly looking a bit thinner than the team would otherwise want beyond All-Pro Micah Parsons. So, it is not shocking that rumors have already surfaced claiming that the Packers are “interested” in Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat. However, given that Green Bay is not exactly blessed with draft capital in 2026, having given up their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 in the trade that had them acquire Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, it stands that general manager Brian Gutekunst may well be wary of moving any and all draft picks. Especially for a franchise that is notorious for its draft-and-develop approach. Cardinals don’t have a natural slot receiver after Greg Dortch hit free agency.Josh Sweat for Jayden Reed, who says no? — Mark Oldacres (@MarkOldacres) March 12, 2026 So, a proposal coming from Cheesehead TV and The Packers Wire’s Mark Oldacres suggests that Green Bay could consider moving receiver Jayden Reed in return for Sweat, citing the Cardinals’ need in the slot and the Packers’ desire to bolster the pass rush. Mark Oldacres@MarkOldacresCardinals don’t have a natural slot receiver after Greg Dortch hit free agency. Josh Sweat for Jayden Reed, who says no?12:48 pm · 12 Mar 2026 Why Would the Packers Trade Jayden Reed? It has been suggested by some Packers media that the team could quietly look to move off of Reed this offseason. The former second-round pick has been productive when on the field, but with imminent extensions likely for wideout Christian Watson and tight end Tucker Kraft, it could be difficult to justify also handing one to Reed, especially given the presence of 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, who is expected to have a more substantial role in 2026. The Packers also have players like Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Edgerrin Cooper to consider – all of whom are playing at a Pro Bowl level, even if none have made one – who will be up for a contract renewal at the end of this season. So signing Reed to a long-term deal could be complicated and financially unfeasible. Josh Sweat Would Boost the Packers’ Edge Rushing Corps Sweat, on the other hand, has three years remaining on his deal – which could easily become two with an early release – and would provide Green Bay with some short-to-medium-term help on the edge as the team looks to capitalize on their Super Bowl window. The 28-year-old had 12 sacks last season and has managed a total of 37.5 over the past four years. In a defense that will be focused on stopping the likes of Parsons, having a top-of-the-range secondary edge rusher like Sweat could be even more beneficial. Sweat would face fewer double teams and have less specific defensive focus directed on him, allowing him to roam free one-on-one for much of the season, Parsons’ health permitting. And for the price of a receiver who is out of contract at the end of the year, it could make a lot of sense for GB – even if they have to throw in another Day 3 pick in 2027 as a sweetener.      

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