Raiders sign Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby to massive deal

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially ensured that the day of March 11th is one of the most special dates in their star defensive end’s life. Two years ago, on March 11, 2020, Maxx Crosby turned his life around and officially got sober. On Friday, March 11, 2022, the Las Vegas Raiders signed their star defensive end to a four-year, $98.98 million contract extension. The deal is worth $95 million in new money and $53 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The money is money well spent. Crosby has established himself as one of the league’s premiere pass rushers the past few seasons. He’s racked up 25 sacks in his career for the Raiders. The deal makes him among the highest paid defensive players in the league’s history. According to Spotrac, the extension makes Crosby the 4th highest paid edge rusher in football. The $53 million guaranteed in the deal currently ranks 8th in the NFL.

During the 2021-2022 season, Crosby dominated, racking up 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended. Per PFF, Crosby’s pressure stats during the 2021 season ranked among some of the greatest defenders the game has ever seen. The former Eastern Michigan star had 100 pressures during the 2021-2022 season, the third most recorded since 2006. The two players ahead of him were: J.J. Watt (119 pressures in 2014) and Aaron Donald (106 pressures in 2018).

The most sacks he’s recorded in a season during his three years in the league was 10 during the 2019-2020 season. While at Eastern Michigan, Crosby cemented his name as one of the greatest defenders ever to suit up at the school. Crosby racked up 41 career tackles for loss and 20 career sacks, both of which ranked second in the Eastern Michigan record books.