Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders navigate the final months of the NFL season and begin planning for the 2024 offseason, one priority has risen to the top of their front-office agenda: securing a long-term contract extension for a key defensive player. While the Raiders have several talented defenders, sources close to the team have confirmed that extension talks for defensive end Maxx Crosby are being prioritized—reflecting his irreplaceable role in the team’s defense and the organization’s desire to build around elite talent. Crosby, who is set to enter the final year of his current contract in 2024, has established himself as one of the league’s top pass-rushers and a leader in the Raiders’ locker room. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders explores why Crosby is the focus of these urgent negotiations, what the contract could look like, and how it impacts the Raiders’ long-term defensive strategy.

The first reason the Raiders are prioritizing extension talks for Crosby is his consistent dominance on the field, which has made him the backbone of the Raiders’ defense. Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has emerged as a perennial Pro Bowl candidate, recording 47.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 173 total tackles over five seasons. This year, he’s on pace to set a new career high with 12 sacks (he currently has 8.5 through 12 games) and has been a constant disruptor against both the run and the pass. What makes Crosby even more valuable is his durability—he has missed just one game in his NFL career—and his ability to elevate the play of those around him. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has repeatedly credited Crosby with opening up opportunities for other pass-rushers, as opposing offenses often assign double teams to slow him down. For the Raiders, losing Crosby to free agency or a trade would create a massive void in their defense, one that would be nearly impossible to fill with a single offseason acquisition. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders frames Crosby’s on-field impact as the primary driver behind the team’s urgent extension efforts.

Beyond his on-field production, Crosby’s leadership and connection to the Las Vegas community have made him a franchise cornerstone—another key factor in the Raiders’ decision to prioritize extension talks. Unlike some star players who seek the biggest contract regardless of team loyalty, Crosby has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Las Vegas, often speaking about his love for the city and the Raiders’ fan base. He has also become a leader in the locker room, mentoring young defenders like rookie defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. and setting a work ethic standard that teammates strive to match. Off the field, Crosby is actively involved in local charities, including his own foundation that supports youth sports programs in the Las Vegas area. This combination of on-field excellence and off-field character has made Crosby a fan favorite and a symbol of the Raiders’ identity in Las Vegas. For the organization, extending Crosby isn’t just about keeping a great player—it’s about retaining a player who embodies what the Raiders stand for. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how Crosby’s leadership and community ties have solidified his status as a franchise priority.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, the timing of these extension talks is critical, as it allows the team to avoid a potential contract dispute and plan their salary cap accordingly. By initiating talks now, the Raiders have the flexibility to structure a deal that works for both sides before Crosby enters the final year of his contract—a period when players often hold out or demand more money due to the leverage of impending free agency. The Raiders also have a clear path to create salary cap space for 2024, with several high-priced veterans set to come off the books (including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, if they choose not to pick up his option). Early reports suggest the Raiders are willing to offer Crosby a contract that places him among the top five highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL, with an average annual salary of around \(27-29 million. This would put him in line with players like Nick Bosa (\)34 million per year) and Myles Garrett ($25 million per year), reflecting his status as a top-tier pass-rusher. For the Las Vegas Raiders, locking in Crosby now ensures they can allocate remaining cap space to other positions of need—like cornerback and offensive line—without worrying about losing their best defender. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders explores how the timing of these talks aligns with the team’s broader salary cap strategy.

The Las Vegas Raiders also recognize that extending Crosby is a strategic investment in the future of their defense, which has shown signs of improvement this season but still needs stability at key positions. With Crosby under contract long-term, the Raiders can build their defense around his pass-rushing ability, using draft picks and free-agent signings to address complementary roles. For example, the Raiders could target a young defensive tackle in the 2024 draft to pair with Crosby, creating a more balanced pass-rush that forces opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Additionally, extending Crosby sends a message to other potential free agents that the Raiders are committed to winning and willing to pay top dollar for elite talent—a selling point that could help them attract other star players in the future. The Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching staff has also noted that having Crosby locked up long-term will help with player development, as young defenders will have a proven veteran to learn from for years to come. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders highlights how this extension fits into the team’s long-term defensive rebuild.

Finally, the potential challenges of these extension talks cannot be overlooked, even as the Raiders prioritize them. The biggest hurdle is agreeing on a contract value that meets both Crosby’s market expectations and the Raiders’ salary cap constraints. While Crosby has expressed loyalty to the team, his representatives are likely to push for a deal that reflects his status as one of the league’s top defensive players—meaning the Raiders may have to compromise on other offseason plans to fit his contract under the cap. There’s also the risk of injury in the final year of Crosby’s current contract, which could complicate negotiations if he suffers a significant setback. However, sources close to the team have indicated that both sides are motivated to reach a deal quickly, with preliminary talks already yielding positive momentum. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the rewards of extending Crosby far outweigh the risks—securing a franchise player who can lead their defense for the next five years. Extension Talks Prioritized for Defender by the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that these negotiations are a defining moment for the Raiders’ franchise, as they look to build a competitive team around elite talent and establish a foundation for sustained success in Las Vegas.