Maxx Crosby has emerged as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, combining elite pass-rushing production with leadership and durability—despite injury setbacks early in his career. His contract situation, trade value, and injury history are now major talking points as he enters the prime of his career.
Maxx Crosby Contract & Incentives
In March 2025, Maxx Crosby signed a landmark three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history based on average annual salary ($35.5 million).
The key financial highlights include:
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Total Value: $106.5 M over three years
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Guaranteed Money: $91.5 M
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Average Annual Value: $35.5 M
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Significant base salary guarantees for 2025 and 2026
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Per-game roster bonuses and performance incentives such as All-Pro bonuses (some reports list up to $200,000 in incentives)
While many elite defenders demand massive deals, Crosby’s contract is also viewed as team-friendly in structure—helping the Raiders manage cap space while rewarding the pass rusher appropriately.
Contract Breakdown & Incentive Triggers
A breakdown of Crosby’s salary flow and incentives reveals smart cap planning by Las Vegas:
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2025 & 2026: Large guaranteed base salaries
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2027–2029: Base salaries with per-game roster incentives
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Certain incentives kick in for honors such as First-Team All-Pro designations and other accolades.
This combination provides financial security for Crosby while allowing the Raiders flexibility.
Age & Career Timeline
Maxx Crosby was born in August 1997, making him 28 years old in the 2025 NFL season—right in the prime window for an edge rusher athletically and production-wise.
Drafted in the 4th round (106th overall) in 2019, Crosby quickly developed into a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense. By the end of the 2024 season, he had accumulated over 59 career sacks, ranking among the league’s most productive pass rushers.
Trade Value & Market Appeal
Although now securely under contract through at least 2029, Crosby’s deal remains highly tradable due to smart cap structuring:
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Raiders would incur roughly $5M in dead cap if he was traded before 2027.
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A new team acquiring Crosby would absorb $30M in guaranteed money on the 2026 contract—still attractive for contenders needing premium pass rush.
Crosby’s combination of age, production, and relative financial efficiency makes him one of the top defensive trade assets in the league—should Las Vegas decide to rebuild or retool.
Injury History & Durability
Crosby’s career has not been without setbacks. In 2024, he underwent ankle surgery, cutting his season to just 12 games. Prior to surgery, he recorded 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks, demonstrating impact even when limited.
Despite this injury, Crosby rehabbed aggressively and has been reported nearing full health—a positive sign for his long-term durability.
Edge rushers often endure physical contact and injuries over time, but Crosby’s performance and recovery trajectory suggest that he remains a reliable defensive force.
Why Maxx Crosby Matters in Today’s NFL
Maxx Crosby represents the modern blueprint of an elite edge rusher: high production, leadership, and cap flexibility. His contract sets a new standard for non-quarterback defenders, his age ensures years of peak play, and his trade value remains among the league’s best.
Whether the Raiders keep him long-term or entertain trade conversations, teams across the NFL will monitor Crosby closely as a game-changing defensive talent.
