Raiders Extend Crosby

RAIDERS DEFENSIVE END MAXX CROSBY SIGNS 4-YEAR, $98.98 MILLION EXTENSION

   Pro Bowl Defensive MVP Maxx Crosby signed a massive 4-year, $98.98 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on the two-year anniversary of his sobriety: a deal that will keep him with the franchise through the 2025 season.

   Posting on Twitter a photo of a tattoo on his hand with the date “03.11.20”, Crosby celebrated his two years of being alcohol-free after he checked himself into a rehab center in March of 2020.

   The massive deal includes $95 million in new money and $53 million guaranteed according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero and makes Crosby among the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history. The team confirmed on social media that it had signed Crosby to a multi-year extension.

   The 24-year-old edge rusher was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 draft out of Eastern Michigan, 106th overall. Crosby was selected to his first Pro Bowl after a stellar season in which he defended 7 passes, recorded a career-high 56 tackles and 30 QB hits to go along with his 8 sacks. The Colleyville, Texas native has already recorded 25 sacks in his first three years in the league and has developed good chemistry with 2021 acquisition Yannick Ngakoue on the Raiders defensive line.

   “Maxx Crosby exemplifies the characteristics of a Raider,” said Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels. “His work ethic and leadership are unmatched and we’re thrilled that he will continue to be an important part of this organization for years to come. It’s an exciting day for Maxx and for the Raider Nation.”

Crosby said on social media, “Raider nation! We’ve got unfinished business to settle.”

   Crosby is tied for fourth in Raiders franchise history for most sacks (25) by a player through his first three years and is among a group of just 11 NFL players to register at least seven sacks in each of the last three seasons.

-Maher Abucheri

Twitter: @pabloikonyero