Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby just secured the bag. A three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million guaranteed now makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. His $35.5 million annual salary surpasses Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s $35 million, setting a new standard for non-QBs.
Crosby, though? He’s not caught up in the money talk.
“I’ve said it a million times, I feel like I was meant to be a Raider,” Crosby said. “I love being here. I love the people. You look at all the legends that created what this brand is, and that’s winning. Ted Hendricks, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson, the guys like that that I look up to. That’s what I want to solidify, and those guys are all about winning.”
This deal locks Crosby in through 2029, keeping the Raiders’ best player happy while giving the team flexibility in cap space. And that part? It matters. The Raiders had the second-most cap space in the NFL before the deal, sitting at $95.4 million. Now, with Gardner Minshew II’s $6.3 million release, they have $101.7 million to spend.
This isn’t just about the Raiders. Maxx Crosby’s deal is now the blueprint for edge rushers looking to cash in. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett are next in line, and this extension just set their price floor.
Parsons is already in contract talks with the Cowboys, and unless Jerry Jones wants a holdout disaster, he’s going to have to hand over QB-level money. Parsons ranked third in pass-rush win rate last season (23%), while Garrett was sixth (22%). Crosby, meanwhile? Ninth (20%), but he ranked second in run-stop win rate (37%), making him a more complete defensive player.
Garrett’s situation is a mess. He still has two years left on his current deal, but he’s already making demands. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that Garrett is “not open” to an extension and has requested a trade. So unless the Browns figure something out, another team could be the one cutting his next check.
Even after locking up Maxx Crosby, the Raiders still have one of the biggest bank accounts in the NFL. They can make big moves, but they need to be smart about it.
Right now, the roster is thin on elite talent outside of Crosby and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. The Raiders have the cash to add foundational pieces, but this front office can’t afford to blow it.
This team isn’t just a Crosby extension away from being a contender. They need impact players at key positions, and with free agency and the draft looming, it’s about making every dollar count.
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