Ravens named big winner after Maxx Crosby fallout

Much has been made of the Baltimore Ravens' decision to back out of the Maxx Crosby trade and then turn their attention to Trey Hendrickson.

We know that via Dianna Russini, the Ravens had called Hendrickson while Maxx was still in the building, which isn't great, but Baltimore clearly had a backup plan ready to roll.

Yes, Maxx failed his physical, and the Ravens swiftly shut down the trade and then moved to sign Hendrickson, which has a lot of people offside, and rightly so.

For NFL.com's Eric Edholm, he sees the Ravens as a winner in free agency.

"They might have ruffled some feathers around the league with their quick and unexpected pivot, but you have to give them credit for having a Plan B -- or a version of Plan A, as Eric DeCosta characterized it -- ready to go," Edholm wrote.

"The Ravens general manager said Wednesday the team was contemplating adding Crosby and Hendrickson. Now, they're no longer giving two first-round picks to the Raiders and millions of dollars to Crosby. But they were able to sign Hendrickson for about $60 million guaranteed. And it cost them no picks."

More: Insider reveals incredible reason Ravens copping heat over Maxx Crosby walk back

Ravens get pass-rushing help

With Hendrickson, the Ravens filled a need and didn't part ways with two first-round picks, so that's a win.

But the stench from the failed Crosby deal will last a while. However, the NFL moves fast, and things will move swiftly as the draft comes into view. 

The Ravens needed pass rush help, and they got it, just not from the player we all expected. They kept their draft capital dry and got Hendrickson, who is coming off a season-ending injury.

So, there is an element of risk with Trey. Just not as much as there was with Maxx.

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