Baltimore Ravens fans have not forgotten the criticism the team faced after its planned trade for Maxx Crosby fell through. So when NFL insider Tom Pelissero defended the Denver Broncos’ decision to walk away from a different deal, the comparison was hard to miss.

His comments about the Broncos’ failed move for Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley brought the earlier controversy back into the conversation this week. Now, Ravens fans are questioning why the two teams received different treatment.

Ravens Fans Compare Tom Pelissero’s Coverage of the Two Failed Trades

The Broncos agreed to acquire Chargers linebacker Henley before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, offering a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder. However, Denver canceled the deal Wednesday after its medical staff flagged an issue with Henley’s knee during his physical.

The Broncos reportedly believed the findings differed from the medical information Los Angeles had provided.

Denver still wanted Henley and asked the Chargers to reduce the compensation, including removing or downgrading the 2028 fifth-round pick. But general manager Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh refused to change the original terms, leading Denver to abandon the trade.

Pelissero addressed the situation in his newsletter, The Sweep, and defended Denver’s decision. He also noted that rival general managers want the NFL to review the rule allowing teams to renegotiate compensation after a failed physical.

Pelissero wrote on X, “The Broncos acted in good faith and within their rights to cancel the Daiyan Henley trade. But some GMs want the NFL to reexamine the ‘loophole’ allowing teams to renegotiate after the deadline, arguing someone could abuse the system.”

This assessment did not sit well with Ravens supporters, who recalled Baltimore’s canceled trade for Crosby in March. The Ravens had agreed to send Las Vegas two first-round picks before concerns about Crosby’s recovery from knee surgery led them to back out.

The decision drew criticism from rival executives, with some accusing Baltimore of buyer’s remorse. The team later signed Trey Hendrickson.

Athlete trainer Garrett Ferguson pointed to what he saw as a difference in Pelissero’s treatment of the two teams. He wrote, “The Broncos acted in good faith but you wanted the Ravens blackballed by the rest of the league for doing the same thing with Maxx Crosby. Interesting.”

Sports content creator Matt King also questioned the contrast, posting, “Tom Pelissero didn’t act this nice about the Ravens and Maxx Crosby. Weird how when you pay an insider, they give you a glowing review.”

The allegation of improper financial influence was just that, however — an allegation. Pelissero’s March reporting quoted criticism from NFL executives, while his November comments described Denver’s actions and the league’s existing trade procedures.

Another fan recalled Pelissero’s earlier coverage, writing, “This is the same insider that was fuming [might be an understatement] when the Ravens backed out of the Crosby trade.”

The discussion also raised questions about how sports media covers similar decisions.

One viewer wrote, “The difference in reactions between this trade and the Crosby trade is a prime example of why sensationalism is ruining media.”

Baltimore Beatdown writer Dustin Cox kept his response brief, posting, “Don’t switch up now.”

Meanwhile, Henley has returned to the Chargers after the failed move. Harbaugh accused Denver of acting in bad faith, while the Broncos maintained that their medical staff found a legitimate knee concern.

The dispute could reach the NFL’s March 2027 league meetings, where teams may propose changes to the post-deadline renegotiation rule.