The Washington Commanders secured their primary edge rushing target soon after the legal tampering window opened. Odafe Oweh was the choice, but a startling development around the league could have a lingering effect on their chances to be competitive in the NFC East next season.
It looked for a long time as if the Baltimore Ravens had gotten one over on the NFL by trading for five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This represented a massive statement of intent from the AFC North club as it looks to make an immediate impact on the Super Bowl picture with new head coach Jesse Minter leading the charge.
Then, everything changed. And it shook the league to its foundations.
Commanders hoping to avoid nightmare scenario after Maxx Crosby trade chaos
The Las Vegas Raiders confirmed that the Ravens had backed out of their deal for Crosby. He'd reportedly failed a physical, but teams in the hunt before Baltimore sealed the deal were expecting him to miss some time this offseason after undergoing knee surgery. Furthermore, his surgeon doesn't expect any lingering effects.
It was an unprecedented change of pace involving a superstar player. And according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, several teams have already been blowing up the Raiders' phone to see what it might take to acquire Crosby.
"Raiders already have received calls from “several” teams inquiring about the availability of Maxx Crosby in a trade, per source. For now the Raiders are prepared to get Crosby healthy and have him play for Las Vegas. But they are listening to other teams."
The Dallas Cowboys are not deviating from their plan after acquiring Rashan Gary via trade from the Green Bay Packers. However, the Commanders will be anxiously awaiting news about a potential approach from the Philadelphia Eagles, who are looking for pass-rushing assistance after losing Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers.
Can confirm. A team source tells me “we moved on with Rashan Gary, etc” https://t.co/KI2OVWPyTy
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 11, 2026
Phillips reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year, $120 million deal with $80 million guaranteed to prise him from Philadelphia. General manager Howie Roseman is not going to go away quietly — that's not his style. Landing Crosby would strike a telling blow after Baltimore got cold feet.
It's out of the Commanders' hands, of course. But make no mistake; general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will be praying Roseman doesn't swing for the fences with an audacious move for Crosby.
The Ravens believed it was the right thing to do, though teams may be skeptical about doing business with them moving forward. The shockwaves are going to be enormous for days to come, and the Commanders will be hoping they don't reach the NFC East.
Time will tell...