Raiders make Crosby NFL’s highest-paid non-QB: ‘I want to be a winner’

Maxx Crosby has never hid his desire to begin and end his NFL career with the Raiders.

The defensive end and the team took a big step toward making that a reality Wednesday by announcing a three-year extension that keeps Crosby under contract through the 2029 season.

The deal is worth $106.5 million, with $91 million guaranteed. Crosby’s $35.5 million annual average makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The Raiders, by handing him that contract, sent an emphatic message that Crosby is the face of the team and embodies everything the franchise wants to be about under new coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.

“This program is built around competition, and we’re always in pursuit of finding great competitors that will help us build a great team,” Carroll said. “And there’s no way we could find anybody that is more focused and directed and committed to giving everything he’s got to every opportunity he’s going to get (than Crosby). And so for us to make this statement today, (it’s) like it fits perfectly, and we’re so proud to have Maxx be part of the organization.”

Extending Crosby was Carroll and Spytek’s first major decision with the Raiders.

Crosby, 27, had two years left on his previous deal but none of the remaining money was guaranteed. Still, there was no pressing need to get a new contract done. It was notable that Carroll and Spytek made Crosby a priority.

“This is obviously a big commitment and it’s not lost on us how big that is,” Spytek said. “But there’s no one we’d rather do it with than Maxx and what he stands for and the way he plays the game and the passion.”

It was a humbling honor for Crosby. The four-time Pro Bowler, whose 59½ sacks are tied for the fifth-most in the NFL since 2019, called it “an absolute blessing in so many ways.”

“I have so many teammates I can thank. I have so many coaches I could thank,” said Crosby, sitting next to Carroll and Spytek. “I have so many people in general I can thank, including these two guys right here, believing in me and giving me this extension.”

Focus turns to winning

Crosby, with the contract taken care of, is now focused on chasing the one thing that’s eluded him his first six seasons with the Raiders.

Sustained success on the field.

“It’s one thing to be the face of a franchise,” Crosby said. “But I want to be a winner.”

Crosby is giving Carroll and Spytek a vote of confidence by recommitting to the franchise. He could easily have balked at yet another regime change and asked for a trade.

The Raiders have one winning season since drafting Crosby in the fourth round in 2019. They are on their fifth coach and fourth general manager in that stretch, including ones that had interim tags.

It would have been understandable if he wanted to move on after the Raiders once again decided to clean house this offseason and fired coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.

“Obviously, after the coaching change after the season there was a little bit of mystery,” Crosby said.

He instead decided to stay.

Crosby has forged a quick bond with Carroll, who is one of three coaches ever to have won a college national championship and a Super Bowl. He’s given Crosby confidence the Raiders will be headed in the right direction soon.

“I don’t know if we go a second without competing or going back and forth about whatever it is,” Crosby said. “But that’s the type of people I want to be around, people that are winners, people that are competitive and love the game.”

Crosby is excited to remain with the Raiders. Now he wants to continue building his legacy with the organization.

“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, the ones that I look up to, that’s what I want to solidify. And those guys are all about winning,” Crosby said. “That’s truly all that matters to me. So, I know these guys are all about the same thing. The labels and all that stuff is cool, but when we’re not winning, it’s like, what are you the face of? I want to be the face of winning, and that’s truly all that matters to me.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.