Raiders Secure DE Maxx Crosby with Record-Breaking Contract

The Las Vegas Raiders and star defensive end Maxx Crosby have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $106.5 million extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report on the news. Crosby’s new deal reportedly includes over $90 million in guarantees and will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

A four-time Pro Bowler, Crosby has developed into a superstar for the Raiders. The Eastern Michigan product was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his debut campaign, Crosby finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting despite not becoming a full-time starter until Week 9. Crosby earned an All-Pro second-team nod in ’21 and ’23. Since entering the league, no defender has recorded more tackles for loss than Vegas’s relentless edge rusher (105 in 95 games). He’s also tied for fifth in sacks (59.5) in that timeframe.

Last season was the first time Crosby missed games due to injury in his NFL career. Aside from the five games he missed in ’25, Crosby rarely comes off the field. He’s recorded a 95-percent snap count or higher in three consecutive seasons, which is unheard of for defensive linemen. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett won the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year with an 81-percent snap count. 49ers’ star Nick Bosa was the 2022 DPOY recipient and was on the field for 74 percent of San Francisco’s defensive plays. Crosby’s tenacity and ability to stop the run and pass make him a true superstar.

With a $35.5 million average annual value, Crosby has set the bar for non-QBs. He narrowly beats out Minnesota WR Justin Jefferson, whose current deal pays him $35 million yearly. Dallas WR CeeDee Lamb, San Francisco DE Nick Bosa, Philadelphia WR A.J. Brown, Kansas City DT Chris Jones, Detroit WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, San Francisco WR Brandon Aiyuk, and Miami WR Tyreek Hill are the other non-QBs making at least $30 million annually.

The Raiders have been one of the more active teams of the offseason. They hired a new head coach and general manager — Pete Carroll and John Spytek. QB Gardner Minshew, last year’s Week 1 starter, was released. Getting a head start in free agency, they signed former Bengals guard Alex Cappa following his release. They tried to acquire QB Matthew Stafford from the Rams. There are also rumblings that they’re exploring trades for WR DK Metcalf and the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft.

And, Tom Brady is reportedly influencing moves behind the scenes. Carroll is the oldest head coach in the league, and Brady has only known winning for his entire career. It’s clear the brain trust in Vegas wants to compete right away. Securing Crosby to anchor the defense is a logical step toward building a winner.