Several weeks ago, the Baltimore Ravens made headlines after becoming the team that landed defensive star Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, but then they caused shockwaves in the NFL by backing out of the trade.
Initially, the Raiders sent Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for their 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks. However, Baltimore cited a medical issue during Crosby’s physical as why they chose to back out.
That led to his return to the Raiders’ roster, where it now seems they’ll keep Crosby for this season, and he’s said he’ll happily play there again. However, one former defensive star and Super Bowl winner, Aaron Donald, doesn’t believe things are all good with the situation after what went down.
While speaking on “The Inner Circle” podcast, Donald mentioned it would “feel a little awkward” for him in a similar situation with a team after they tried to trade him, then he returned to that team’s “household.”
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“For me, I would feel uncomfortable. Now I don’t know how I’d feel like. Would I wanna be there? Would I wanna stay there? I’d kind of be more trying to figure something else, try to go elsewhere. That’s just me. I don’t know how Maxx feels, but personally, I don’t know if I’d be comfortable in that building,” he said during his podcast.
Aaron Donald spent his entire career, from 2014 to 2023, as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, where he became a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl champion. He officially retired just a few years ago.
Following the news of the trade, which ultimately fell through, Crosby mentioned his intention to retire as a member of the Raiders franchise. He’s played there since joining the league in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, and while they’ve yet to reach the postseason, the future does look brighter.
Las Vegas holds the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and it seems they are locked on selecting the top available quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. He appears to be the sort of franchise-altering QB they’ll need if they want to return to the previous glory of the Raiders teams in Oakland and Los Angeles.
Crosby’s time with the Raiders has also been productive in terms of his career. He’s achieved the Pro Bowl in five seasons and was twice named an NFL Second-team All-Pro.
The 6-foot-5 defensive end’s numbers include 439 total tackles, 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 29 pass deflections, and an interception. While it appears he’s ready to play again for his nearly-former team, those looking in from the outside, including Donald, feel that it may not be as happy behind closed doors for Crosby and the Raiders.
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