Rams nearby landed Maxx Crosby before turning to Myles Garrett

The Los Angeles Rams eventually made a massive splash by acquiring Myles Garrett, but the All-Pro pass rusher apparently wasn’t their first choice.

Before Los Angeles turned its attention toward Garrett, the Rams reportedly made a serious push to acquire Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.

According to NFL Network, the Rams emerged as one of the strongest teams pursuing Crosby after a proposed trade between the Raiders and Baltimore Ravens collapsed because of concerns surrounding Crosby’s physical.

Baltimore had reportedly been prepared to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas in a blockbuster deal. However, the Ravens backed away after evaluating Crosby’s surgically repaired knee.

That opened the door for other teams to investigate whether Crosby could be available.

Los Angeles wasn’t alone. The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers were reportedly among the teams monitoring the situation. But the Rams appeared particularly motivated to make something happen.

There was one major obstacle: Crosby wanted no part of leaving Las Vegas.

The five-time Pro Bowler made his intentions clear to the Raiders and interested teams that he wanted to remain with the franchise. Crosby publicly reinforced his commitment after the Baltimore deal fell apart, declaring that he was still a Raider.

Las Vegas also wasn’t interested in selling low.

According to the report, teams approached the Raiders hoping Crosby might suddenly be available at a discounted price following the failed physical. Las Vegas wasn’t willing to entertain offers that didn’t reflect Crosby’s value.

Crosby shut down potential Rams trade 

Once Crosby made it clear that he wanted to stay, the Rams shifted their focus elsewhere.

That eventually led Los Angeles to Garrett, giving the Rams the elite defensive difference-maker they were searching for even though their original target was wearing silver and black.

Crosby, meanwhile, returned to a Raiders roster that was significantly upgraded during an aggressive offseason.

Any concerns surrounding his knee also appear to have faded. Crosby reportedly has experienced no problems with the surgically repaired knee and is considered to be in excellent health.

For Los Angeles, missing on Crosby ultimately set the stage for an even bigger move.

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