Raiders sign EDGE Maxx Crosby to 3-year, $106.5M extension with $91.5M guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in the NFL. (via Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero)
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move to solidify their defense for the foreseeable future by signing standout EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, with an eye-popping $91.5 million guaranteed. This new deal makes Crosby one of the highest-paid defenders in the NFL, underscoring both his importance to the team and his rising status among the elite pass rushers in the league.
Crosby’s remarkable new contract, reported by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, represents a major commitment by the Raiders to keep their star pass rusher in the fold for the next few years. This move comes as no surprise given Crosby’s performance over the past few seasons, as he has developed into one of the most consistent and dominant defensive players in the NFL.
A Rising Star in the NFL
Maxx Crosby’s journey to NFL stardom has been anything but conventional. After being selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby quickly proved that his college performance was no fluke. His relentless motor, combination of strength and speed, and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks earned him immediate recognition. In his rookie season, Crosby posted 10 sacks, showcasing a level of production that would make him one of the top young pass rushers in the league.
Since then, Crosby has only continued to improve. Over the past few seasons, he has refined his pass-rushing technique and solidified his place as one of the most feared EDGE rushers in the NFL. His consistency and ability to perform at a high level year in and year out have been crucial to the Raiders’ defensive efforts. Crosby’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, disrupt the pocket, and make timely plays has helped the Raiders’ defense remain competitive in a high-scoring, offense-heavy league.
In 2023, Crosby continued his strong play, finishing with double-digit sacks once again and regularly being double-teamed by opposing offensive lines. Despite facing this increased attention, he remained effective, demonstrating his ability to maintain a high level of performance under pressure. His leadership and tenacity on the field have made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.
The Financials: A Big Bet on Crosby’s Future
With the extension, the Raiders are making a bold bet on Crosby’s continued excellence. The $106.5 million extension, with a massive $91.5 million guaranteed, makes Crosby one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. This deal reflects not only Crosby’s production but also the Raiders’ belief that he is worth the financial investment.
In today’s NFL, EDGE rushers are among the most valuable players on the field, as they can single-handedly change the course of a game with their ability to disrupt the quarterback. The Raiders clearly view Crosby as a game-changer, and they are compensating him accordingly. With his contract, Crosby joins the ranks of top-tier pass rushers like Aaron Donald, T.J. Watt, and Joey Bosa, who have all signed lucrative extensions in recent years. For the Raiders, this deal is a clear signal that they are willing to invest in their defense to compete in an increasingly competitive AFC West.
One of the key factors in this deal is the guaranteed money. $91.5 million guaranteed is a massive sum, demonstrating the Raiders’ commitment to Crosby for the long haul. In the NFL, guaranteed money is often a strong indicator of how much a team values a player. The fact that Crosby’s extension includes such a large amount of guaranteed funds shows that the Raiders are banking on his continued performance and health.
The Impact on the Raiders’ Defense
Crosby’s new contract will have a significant impact on the Raiders’ defensive strategy moving forward. As one of the key leaders on that side of the ball, Crosby’s presence will be essential in shaping the team’s defensive identity. The Raiders have been in the midst of a rebuilding phase over the past few seasons, and locking up Crosby for the next few years ensures that they have a foundational piece to build around as they continue to develop their defense.
The Raiders have struggled at times on defense, but Crosby has been a bright spot throughout. His ability to generate pressure without requiring constant help from his teammates makes him a rare commodity in today’s NFL. The team will likely look to bolster their defensive line and secondary in the coming years to complement Crosby’s efforts, but for now, he is the anchor on which their defense will revolve.
Additionally, Crosby’s new deal should help attract other top defensive free agents. With the Raiders’ investment in their star EDGE rusher, they are signaling to the league that they are serious about contending, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It’s likely that future defensive players will see the Raiders as a team willing to spend and build a strong defense, which could help the team secure more high-profile free agents in the future.
What’s Next for Crosby and the Raiders?
With this new extension, Crosby is now locked into a lucrative deal that should set him up for financial success for the next few seasons. For Crosby, this contract is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, and now he has the long-term security to continue doing what he does best—getting after the quarterback.
For the Raiders, the challenge will be surrounding Crosby with the right pieces to make their defense as effective as possible. While Crosby is a standout talent, defensive football is a team effort, and the Raiders will need to continue building around him to take the next step. However, with Crosby locked in for the foreseeable future, the Raiders have a cornerstone on which they can build a more consistent and formidable defense.
In conclusion, the Raiders’ decision to sign Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million guaranteed is a clear indication of their belief in him as a foundational piece of their defense. The deal not only rewards Crosby for his impressive performances but also sets the stage for him to continue being a key player for the Raiders as they look to compete in the AFC. For Crosby, this extension marks the continuation of his rise as one of the NFL’s elite defenders, and for the Raiders, it is a critical investment in their defensive future.
