The Las Vegas Raiders have signed defensive end Maxx Crosby to a contract extension, answering the Broncos acquisition of Russell Wilson.
Crosby is a standout defensive end — one of the best in the NFL — and while his sack numbers don’t necessarily reflect that, he ranks among the game’s best in quarterback pressures, which is something the Raiders will be counting on from him in the years to come.
Why is that?
With Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Herbert of the Las Angeles Chargers and now Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos in their own division, the Raiders need an answer of their own. That comes in the form of an extension for their best defensive lineman.
Maxx Crosby contract
Crosby signed a four-year contract extension worth $98 million, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The contract puts Crosby among the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, and in NFL history.
Maxx Crosby sobriety
Crosby has been very open about his sobriety since his rookie season, in which he claims he got “lost in the sauce.”
“For me if I just come in everyday, do what I’ve done all of college, come in and outwork people and just make plays — and for me my mindset hasn’t changed,” said Crosby, per the Raiders official team website. “Going into my second-year, now it’s flipped, now you’ve had 10 sacks as a rookie, now everyone knows who you are.”
It’s paid off for Crosby in a big way, as having the right mentality has only helped his on-field production.
Maxx Crosby college
Crosby went to Eastern Michigan, and was a mid-round draft pick in part due to a lack of exposure. The Raiders diligence in scouting him paid off, as Crosby has become one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL.