Raiders, Crosby Look to Put the Past Behind Them

Crosby Returns

Las Vegas had an agreement with the Ravens where seemingly all sides walked away a winner. The Ravens would add Crosby, one of the top defensive ends in the league, to an already formidable defense, with a new, defensive minded head coach leading the way.

The Raiders got the two first-round picks they wanted. Crosby got out of Las Vegas, like he reportedly wanted at the time. He was going to be on the best roster of his career, have a legitimate shot at a championship, and more than likely get another $100 million. Everybody wins in that trade.

Baltimore stumbled across the chance to sign Trey Hendrickson before the deal with the Raiders was signed. More importantly, Baltimore was able to do so without giving up two first-round picks. Crosby reportedly failed his physical with the Ravens' team doctors and the trade was off.

Unquestionably one of the most unique situations in National Football League history, certainly in recent memory. The unique situation only got more unique after the trade was called off, as Crosby then had to return to the team he reportedly wanted to leave just a few weeks ago.

Crosby returning to the organization, team facility and locker room after such a high profile back and forth with the front office, and even higher profile trade and failed trade, could have led to an awkward situation for a different player and a different organization.

That was not the case with Crosby, the face of the Raiders' organization for many years. Las Vegas' front office welcomed Crosby back with open arms. After an offseason that saw the Raiders add more talent than Crosby ever had since he was drafted, it was only right Crosby stay home.

Raiders general manager John Spytek recently provided an update on the status of the relationship between Crosby and the organization following the failed trade with Baltimore. The Raiders' front office was consistent in its stance against trading Crosby.

"My relationship with Maxx since I've gotten here has been great. We had a lot of conversations throughout the season, at the end of the season obviously, through the offseason and obviously we were presented with a difficult decision to make," Spytek said.

Things have a way of going a certain way and working out the way they're supposed to. We welcomed him like he never left, because he really never did."

Crosby officially staying in Las Vegas as the Raiders put a legitimate effort into rebuilding their roster only makes sense. Both sides look to let bygones be bygones.