Maxx Crosby isn’t going anywhere. On Wednesday, ESPN reported that the Las Vegas Raiders and Crosby had agreed to a three-year, $106.5 million extension that includes $91.5 million guaranteed. This makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Crosby’s new AAV of $35.5 million surpasses the $34 million AAV of San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa for highest-paid pass rusher, and the $35 million AAV of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Crosby reacted to the news on social media shortly after the story broke.
“I told him last night, ‘this isn’t for what you’ve done, but for what you’re about to do,'” new Raiders general manager John Spytek said, per Pro Football Talk. “He’s chasing championships and so are we and that’s why we’re excited to start.”
Crosby entered the league as a fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan in 2019, and recorded 10 sacks as a rookie. However, he struggled with alcohol, and checked himself into rehab before his second NFL season. Next week, Crosby will be five years sober.
The two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler has recorded 59.5 sacks over six NFL seasons, which led to a four-year, $98.98 million extension he signed with the Raiders in 2022. Since entering the league, Crosby ranks top five in sacks, tackles for loss (105) and QB hits (144).
This contract will have massive, massive ramifications around the NFL. Not only are pass rushers like Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett searching for new deals that could potentially reset the market, but so are other players such as Cincinnati Bengals star wideout Ja’Marr Chase. The $35.5 million per year mark is the new bar for non-QBs. The question is, how long will this record stand?
