The Las Vegas Raiders announced that they have signed Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to a multi-year extension.
Per ESPN, the extension is for three years and $106.5 million with $91.5 in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history in terms of annual salary ($35.5 million). Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was previously the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback with a four-year, $140 million contract that pays him $35 million per year.
Crosby, 27, is a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who’s played his entire six-season career with the Raiders since they selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He’s averaged 9.9 sacks per season and twice led the league in tackles for loss.
Crosby told Yahoo Sports in February of staying with the Raiders that “I would love to be here, but I want to win.”
The contract ensures that the Raiders will retain their top defender under the new leadership of head coach Pete Carroll, who joined the team in January. Crosby was previously playing on a four-year, $94 million extension that expired in 2026. He’s now signed with the Raiders through 2029, his age-32 season.
Crosby’s extension helps shore up a defense that ranked 15th in the NFL in yards per game allowed, but ranked 26th in the league while giving up 25.5 points per game.
But the Raiders’ biggest needs remain on offense, particularly at quarterback. Las Vegas scored 18.2 points per game last season, which ranked 29th in the NFL. Their top option under center remains Aidan O’Connell, who is the only quarterback on the roster with NFL starting experience after the Raiders reportedly informed Gardner Minshew on Wednesday that they intend to release him.
Whether through the draft or free agency, acquiring a quarterback will be the top priority in Las Vegas this offseason. The Raiders have the No. 6 pick in the draft with two projected first-round quarterbacks available in Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers are the top available quarterbacks in free agency.