Maxx Crosby’s Trade Collapse and Rap Debut Spark Fan Backlash

In March 2024 the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement to send defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for the Ravens’ 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks. The deal would have marked the first time the Ravens surrendered first-round selections in a trade. By the following Tuesday, the Ravens announced they were backing out after Crosby’s physical revealed concerns related to a prior meniscus surgery. The Raiders confirmed the reversal on X, stating they would not comment further.

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Crosby, a fourth-round 2019 draft pick, has become a two-time second-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl defensive end. He signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension slated to begin before the 2025 season. Earlier that week, Crosby released a solo rap track titled “PLAQUEBOYMAXX,” which quickly drew widespread attention on social media.

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• Early Friday (March 2024): Crosby uploads “PLAQUEBOYMAXX” to his social platforms.

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• Friday night: Raiders and Ravens finalize trade terms, pending physical.

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• Tuesday (following week): Ravens announce trade withdrawal; Raiders issue brief statement on X.

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The Raiders posted, “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” and declined further comment. NFL Network analysts Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo explained that Crosby’s meniscus repair, performed at the end of the previous season, typically requires a three-to-four-month recovery, and that the Ravens were “not comfortable with what they found during the medical exams.” No detailed medical report was released.

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Social-media users mocked both the trade fallout and the rap debut. Comments ranged from urging Crosby to “stick to blitzing QBs” to labeling the song “absolute dog sh*t.” Several fans linked the failed physical to the poor reception of the track, suggesting the two issues reflected a broader off-field misstep. The criticism highlighted a perception that Crosby’s extracurricular pursuits detracted from his on-field value.

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• Drafted: 4th round, 2019 (Las Vegas Raiders)

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• All-Pro selections: 2 (second-team)

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• Pro Bowl appearances: 5

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• Proposed trade assets: 2026 & 2027 first-round picks (Ravens)

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• Contract extension: 3 years, $106.5 million (effective 2025)

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While NFL Network cited the meniscus surgery as the primary medical concern, the Raiders’ statement offered no specifics, and fans speculated additional undisclosed issues. The exact findings of the Ravens’ physical examination remain unverified, leaving a gap in public understanding of the trade’s collapse.

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• “I now completely understand why the Baltimore Ravens pulled out of the Maxx Crosby trade,” — Nic Mason, Ravens reporter (X)

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• “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” — Las Vegas Raiders, official X statement

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• “Stick to blitzing QBs,” — Saturn, NFL fan (X)

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• “I want to say CTE but you may just be retarded,” — Dillster Dog, X user

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• “Holy cringe,” — Mitchell, Ravens fan (X)

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Despite the aborted move to Baltimore, the Raiders retain Crosby for the upcoming season. Reports indicate the Los Angeles Rams are exploring interest in acquiring him to bolster their defensive line, though no formal negotiations have been confirmed. Crosby’s on-field performance and off-field ventures will likely remain focal points throughout the 2024 offseason.

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