After a blockbuster first day of NFL Free Agency, Day 2 brought several smaller moves across the league — with one shocking twist. The Baltimore Ravens reportedly backed out of their trade for Maxx Crosby, creating one of the most surprising developments of the offseason so far.
Ravens Shockingly Back Out of Maxx Crosby Trade
Wow! Just an absolute stunner here. The only other scenario I can think of that is similar is when the Chris Paul trade got vetoed by the league. Obviously that trade was cancelled for different reasons, but in terms of a superstar player trade getting reversed that’s all I can think of. Reports are Ravens backed out because of medical concerns during Crosby’s physical. I assume those concerns were centered around his injured knee that is currently healing. This is truly a wild story. Especially considering the Raiders just spent big in free agency assuming Crosby was gone.
I’m wondering where the Raiders even go from here now. Will other teams still be interested in Crosby after this news? The Cowboys were very interested, but now just traded for Rashan Gary. I’m not sure if they will still go after him a second time. Any other interested teams I assume moved on as well with the assumption he was heading to Baltimore. For example maybe a team like the Panthers called too, but now they signed Jaelan Phillips. So now I’m questioning if the Raiders even get a return that they like for Crosby, and how many teams will even be interested.
This will be such an awkward reunion if he has to go back to the Raiders. The relationship seemed to be souring before the trade. Which is actually what seemed to lead the Raiders to trade him in the first place. But now that this just blew up like it did it’s very possible he is back on the Raiders for the 2026 season. That’s assuming they can still afford him and everyone they already signed after going crazy in free agency. Or maybe they are forced to take a low ball offer. Regardless I’m anxious to see how this plays out for Crosby.
Geno Smith Returns to the Jets
Jets receive Geno Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick, and Raiders receive a 2026 sixth-round pick. Geno Smith is going back to where it all began. Unfortunately for him, it began with the Jets. The ending was also not pleasant there. Geno Smith was famously punched in the face by teammate IK Enemkpali which resulted in a fractured jaw. Not only did Smith have to take that shot to the face, he also had to watch his team flourish without him as they went 10-6 with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Apparently Geno Smith was going to be cut, but the Jets did this trade to avoid any competition from a team such as Minnesota who was apparently interested.
This move really isn’t too exciting, but it’s a starting QB on the move. It’s even less exciting when Geno Smith is coming off one of his worst seasons. He led the league in interceptions at 17, and had a total QBR of 34.1. Which rated 27th out of 28 qualified quarterbacks. It would would actually be pretty funny if the Jets had him before he got good, and now after he already had his good stretch they have him when he’s bad again. But he’s likely just a bridge QB anyway until the 2027 draft for the Jets. The Raiders are also paying the bulk of Smith’s contract, with the Jets paying just over the veteran’s minimum. So a pretty low risk move for the Jets.
Romeo Doubs Agrees to Four-Year Deal with the Patriots
Romeo Doubs and the Patriots agreed to a four-year deal, worth up to $80 million. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this in past blogs, but I’m a Packers fan. And I understand why the Packers had to let him go. The Packers have Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Tucker Kraft, and even Luke Musgrave. None are superstars. But all young with potential. Especially Christian Watson in my opinion. Matthew Golden was also the first WR taken in round one by the Packers in like 100 years. So he definitely has some promise too. It just didn’t make sense to use a solid chunk of cap space on Romeo Doubs with those other young pass catchers. Especially at this price.
At first glance, this seems like a steep price for Doubs. I wouldn’t have wanted the Packers to commit this much cap space. But for the Patriots, it makes a little more sense. Even though the price may be a bit high, I guess this is what you do when you have that rookie QB on that rookie deal. Considering they just let Diggs go, they need WR help again too. Doubs is a solid WR, and Drake Maye definitely needed someone after Diggs’ departure. Kayshon Boutte has shown some nice potential recently too. Perhaps AJ Brown is even still in play for this team?
Isiah Pacheco Joins Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit
Since I’m a Packers fan, I don’t like to see the Lions get better. Pacheco will take the place of David Montgomery, who was traded to the Texans last week. Pacheco hasn’t exactly looked the same since he suffered that broken fibula in his right leg in 2024. Before that he was a key part in the Chiefs winning two consecutive Super Bowls. Even though he hasn’t looked the same recently, I still like this duo of Gibbs and Pacheco in Detroit. This pairing again gives Detroit a two-back system they have shown to love.
The Chiefs agreed to a three-year deal with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III on Monday. So they already showed they were moving in a different direction with their starting running back.
Other Moves Around the League
The New England Patriots added offensive line help for Drake Maye, agreeing to a three-year, $42 million deal with Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Bills retain Dawson Knox on a three-year deal. I don’t see money specifics as of yet, but this was a bit of a surprise given the Bill’s salary cap situation.
The Eagles agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with CB Riq Woolen.
Have a take on this? Leave a comment below.