Maxx Crosby wants ‘to keep going’ after signing near $100 million extension

By Case Keefer (contact)

Friday, March 11, 2022 | 2:02 p.m.

The Raiders’ new coaching staff now has one of their foundational players locked up long-term.

On the same day Las Vegas introduced a new pair of coordinators under coach Josh McDaniels, it also signed edge rusher Maxx Crosby to a four-year extension. The new contract totals $98.98 million with $53 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.

“Coach McDaniels and (general manager Dave) Ziegler showed their commitment to me right away,” Crosby said in a Zoom news conference to announce the signing. “They didn’t want to play any games. They told me everything I wanted to hear…and also told me where they could see me getting better. From Day 1, they committed to me and wanted to get something done.”  

McDaniels was present for the signing, as Crosby included a photo with him as part of a twitter post where he pledged having “unfinished business” with the Raiders.

“Maxx Crosby exemplifies the characteristics of a Raider,” McDaniels said in a statement. “His work ethic and leadership are unmatched and we’re thrilled that he will continue to be an important part of this organization for years to come. It’s an exciting day for Maxx and for the Raider Nation.”

Following two productive seasons to start his career after being taken in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan, Crosby broke out as a star last year. He was voted a team captain and, alongside veteran quarterback Derek Carr, started to turn into the face of the franchise.

He led the league in pressures according to Pro Football Focus where he graded out as the second-best edge rusher in the league behind Cleveland's Myles Garrett. Crosby reached his preseason goal of making the Pro Bowl, where he won defensive MVP honors in a game at Allegiant Stadium.

He said all the success hasn’t cut into his hunger for more going forward.

“I want to be a Hall of Famer,” Crosby said. “You don’t get to the Hall of Fame with one Pro Bowl and one All Pro. I want to keep going.”

Today’s date held special significance to Crosby because it was two years ago to the day when he checked himself into rehab. He’s been sober ever since, and has been open about his journey in an effort to inspire others.

“Looking back on my journey, two years ago, I was mentally in a very bad place,” Crosby said. “Physically, I wasn’t in a good place and I really had to re-evaluate everything I had going on. One thing about (alcoholic’s anonymous) and the 12 steps is not looking too far in the future or too far in the past but 24 hours at a time, one day at a time. Some people think that’s corny but that’s how I work in my brain. I just kept constantly getting better every single day whether it’s been on or off the field.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or