Eastern Michigan alum, Maxx Crosby finished in fourth place for defensive player of the year this past season. but was a finalist. He has never missed a game for the Las Vegas Raiders since he was drafted in 2019.
Raider Maxx Crosby killing it today on the practice field in Las Vegas #raiders #RaiderNation #nfl pic.twitter.com/98871RaqF2
— Darrell Craig Harris-SI Raiders Today (@GlobalPhotopro) May 14, 2024
Crosby also known as “The Condor” has been a cornerstone for the Raiders franchise and is very valuable. This is shown as he signed a four year, 94-million-dollar contract in 2022.
It has become apparent that the Raiders wanted to assist Crosby in getting to the quarterback. In the 2023 draft, Las Vegas drafted Tyree Wilson to play on the opposite edge.
Wilson, edge from Texas Tech was not as impactful as he or the Raiders would have hoped due to his foot injury. He was only able to produce three and a half sacks last season.
Under new head coach, Antonio Pierce the Raiders defense was one of the best in the NFL defeating teams on their own. This was showcased on Christmas when the team defeated Kansas City without scoring in the second half.
"We have something special brewing…we've changed this whole team around in a short time."
Maxx Crosby joins @MeganOlivi after the @Raiders finish their season with a win pic.twitter.com/nikjqKOti5
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) January 8, 2024
In free agency, Las Vegas signed top talent, Christian Wilkins to a four year, 110 million dollar contract. Wilkins is poised to be the best interior lineman Crosby has ever played with.
A surprise last season was edge, Malcolm Koonce from University of Buffalo. Koonce was able to produce eight sacks last season despite having none the year prior.
With more help than he has ever had Crosby will have less attention than ever. His career best 14.5 sacks last season may only be short lived.
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