No more do fans have to stress and worry about Maxx Crosby wearing a new uniform. On Wednesday, “The Condor” signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension to stay with the Las Vegas Raiders. He is now the highest paid non-quarterback in league history. Additionally, Crosby is now signed to the team until 2029. It’s okay to take a sigh of relief, Raider Nation.
At the beginning of this year’s offseason, Sin City’s superstar defensive end shocked the internet when he mentioned the issues he had with his current contract.
”I have no more guaranteed money,” Crosby said. “There will be conversations and I am looking forward to it.”
Consequently, conversations were had and the relationship between Pete Carroll and his star player will continue to develop. Because of this extension, the focus can shift to free agency on Monday where new faces will be added to Las Vegas’ roster.
No. 98 will be an attractive teammate to have for any defender looking to compete.
Pete Carroll and John Spytek believe Crosby’s contract foreshadows the future
Shortly after the two-time All-Pro edge rusher signed his new contract, he, along with the Raiders front office, held a press conference with the media.
John Spytek, the team’s general manager, has already made a move that will shape Las Vegas’ future. It is never a guarantee that star players will stay pat once a new regime takes over in the National Football League. However, Spytek wasted no time making sure Sin City’s pre-existing stars would stick around for a while; just as it should be.
“I told him last night this is not about what you have done,” Spytek said. “This is about what you are about to do.”
Crosby is both the leader and the face of the Raiders’ franchise. His on-field performances, which are sensational by themselves, make up only a fraction of the impact Crosby has on Las Vegas’ football team. In the locker room, he’s a born leader who galvanizes his teammates. Behind the scenes, he’s a mentor and friend to all who step into Allegiant Stadium.
It’s no wonder why fans would be devastated if they had to watch Maxx Crosby leave the Silver and Black.
Crosby’s extension shows Pete Carroll does indeed have the Las Vegas Raiders in win-now mode
”My focus in on winning and being the best player I can be,” Crosby said. “I am still going to be here same time each and every day.”
Not-so-coincidentally, Pete Carroll’s focus is also on winning. Not down the road, either; right now. As soon as the 2025 NFL season begins.
For Crosby, a 27-year-old with his own dreams of winning immediately, that’s music to his ears.
The Raiders plus Maxx Crosby have not equaled wins so far. But that doesn’t mean either side is ready to throw in the towel yet. A talented defender like No. 98 could have commanded multiple first-round picks if Las Vegas decided focusing on the future and not the present was in their best interest. Such a trade would have set the Raiders back for the time being, but would’ve given Sin City premium picks to continue building a better tomorrow.
In any case, Carroll and Spytek elected to focus on the stars they have now; not the hypothetical ones they may or may not get with future draft picks.
Carroll has made it clear since he first stepped into the Raiders’ facility that his main goal is to pile up wins immediately. As such, the mindset of Las Vegas’ front office is to build the best team possible heading into the NFL’s 2025 season.
With Crosby on the roster, Las Vegas will have a chance at doing just that.
Up next for Spytek and his team is free agency. With $95.5 million in cap space, expect the Raiders to do everything they can to build a team that’s ready to win now.
*Top Photo: USA Today Sports
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