The Baltimore Ravens changed how they approach trades after the Maxx Crosby deal fell apart, and the center swap for Cam Jurgens shows it. The Athletic's Jonathan Jones wrote that the failed Crosby move helped shape the team's handling of the Jurgens acquisition this week, as relayed by The Sporting News.
What the Ravens gave up
Baltimore sent the Philadelphia Eagles a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. In return, the Ravens received Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick. According to The Sporting News, center had been a weak spot for the team, and injuries at the position left the Ravens looking for a fast fix.
Physical first, deal second
The Crosby episode was one of the offseason's big stories. The Ravens had traded for the star defensive end from the Las Vegas Raiders, then halted the deal when he failed his physical, per the report.
This time, Jones wrote, Baltimore moved early to collect as much medical information on Jurgens as it could. The team's medical staff examined him before the trade was completed. Jones noted that Jurgens had back surgery in 2025 after an injury suffered during the Super Bowl run two seasons ago.
The outcome was cleaner. In Jones' words: "Jurgens passed the physical, though he won't play Sunday against the Falcons due to a concussion."
Why it matters
A trade that unravels over a physical is costly in time and credibility, and the Ravens appear to have adjusted. Getting medical clearance before finalizing a deal with a player who has a surgical history is a simple safeguard, and it reflects a team applying a hard lesson. For now, Jurgens must clear concussion protocols before he can help stabilize the position.
Reporting sources: sports.yahoo.com, “Why the Ravens' failed Maxx Crosby trade changed their approach”.