In recent years, the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t received much praise for their decisions. Such is life as a rebuilding franchise, but the tide may be turning in 2025.
That’s the hope, at least, and general manager John Spytek is doing his part. Being proactive with contract-related moves is a huge way to stay ahead of the curve. That’s exactly what he did with superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby, and the football world is noticing.
In advance of the 2025-26 regular season, the NFL received a serious shock. Micah Parsons is now a member of the Green Bay Packers and has a massive deal to accompany the trade. With the details revealed, popular salary sap outlet Spotrac thinks it makes the Crosby extension look even better.
Salary Cap Analyst Compares Maxx Crosby’s Raiders Contract to Micah Parsons Deal
Michael Ginnitti, co-founder and editor of the site, explained further via X.
“Now that the dust has settled, Maxx Crosby’s 3 year, $94M practical guarantee from the Raiders looks like a veritable steal,” the tweet began. “Micah Parsons is set to earn $62M in 2025. Crosby will cash in $64M combined across 2025-2026.”
It’s hard to argue against that logic. As things currently stand, Crosby ranks fifth among edge rushers in average annual value on his contract at $35.5 million. He’s also fifth in total guarantees and seventh in both fully-guaranteed salary and total value. It’s, by all accounts, a very solid deal by Spytek and Co.
That’s without even factoring in that Crosby still had two years left on his previous deal when he signed. Spytek’s willingness to get an extension done sooner than later was widely praised. It also kept the organization ahead of the market and looming moves for players like Parsons and Pittsburgh Steelers standout T.J. Watt.
On the current setup, Crosby will account for 12.1% of the Raiders’ salary cap this year and next. That figure then descends to 9.6% in 2027 and 8.3% in 2028. Considering those will be his age-30 and 31 campaigns, it’s a tremendous timeline.
Crosby & Las Vegas Defense Eyeing Statement 2025-26 Season
Now, the pressure is on Crosby to prove that he’s truly in the best shape of his life. With a new contract comes new expectations for him. After recording 12.5 sacks in 2022 and 14.5 sacks in 2023, that number fell to 7.5 a year ago. With that said, Crosby still managed to make the Pro Bowl despite missing five regular-season contests. He also had 54 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, in those appearances.
It’s understood that good simply won’t cut it in the AFC West, though. Crosby and company need to be great to have a chance of unseating the Kansas City Chiefs. A new-look offense led by quarterback Geno Smith is a nice start. Defensive improvement must also take place. Last year, the Raiders took a step back by going from ninth in scoring to 25th.
Advanced stats painted a mixed picture of the Patrick Graham-coached group. Per SumerSports, Las Vegas ranked 16th — right down the middle — in EPA/play on defense. They were 14th in success rate. A No. 21 slotting in eckel rate (percentage of drives ending in a touchdown or having a first-down snap past the 40-yard line) seemed more accurate, though.
It won’t take a massive leap to help the Raiders go from 4-13 to something far more respectable. It will, however, require Crosby to bounce back and show his contract is actually a bargain pact.
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