This had to happen
He signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million in guaranteed money. It kicks in after his 2026 expires, so Crosby, who turns 28 in August, is tied with the franchise through 2029.
Here are some thoughts on the development:
This was bound to happen:
Crosby was vocal about wanting new guaranteed money and even hinted he would be open to a trade. But the goal of Crosby and the organization was to find common ground. New Raiders’ general manager John Spytek acknowledged that last week at the NFL combine. Crosby is the type of player new head coach Pete Carroll wants to build his culture around and that was evident Wednesday at the press conference to announce his signing. Crosby wants to win big with the Raiders and the Raiders want him to be that player. This was a matter of time.
Message to others:
While fellow star sack master Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland, Crosby is signing up for the long haul in Las Vegas despite suffering through tough times. Spytek — who told Crosby this new deal is about what he’s going to accomplish as a Raider not what he already has done — wants player players around the league to recognize Crosby’s commitment to the Silver and Black. With free agency starting in less than week, the Raiders hope this move is good advertising.
Minority owner Tom Brady was present at the #Raiders‘ facility when Crosby signed his contract, per source. He’s has been heavily involved in the Raiders’ overall decision-making process, and his presence is a signal that he’ll be present in the building this offseason. https://t.co/QjKfkJTLWn
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 5, 2025
Brady involvement:
The Athletic reported Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady was in the building during the process to get Crosby done. It’s another sign f how involved he is with the day-to-day operations of the team.
Quarterback wish?
Tuesday, on his podcast, Crosby said he hopes the Raiders sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in free agency. The Raiders have been more connected, through the media, to other free-agent quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. We will see if the Rodgers’ talk get momentum. Surely, Crosby has made his opinion known inside the building. Raiders owner Mark Davis has listened to Crosby before on major decisions. Maybe it will happen again.
Need to win:
Everything is rosy now, but the Raiders need to win or Crosby will get antsy. I think the window here is three years. If the Raiders don’t become a sustained winner under Carroll, I would think Crosby might want to revisit his future. He is not going to want to look at another rebuild when he’s 30. The time to build a winner is now and all parties are on the same page. It’s time to make it happen.
Other defensive players:
The Raiders have secured the cornerstone of their defense, but they have pressing work to go. Several key defensive players, incusing cornerback Nate Hobbs, linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, safeties Tre’von Moehrig, pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce and defensive tackles Adam Butler and John Jenkins, are free gents. The Raiders have salary-cap room. Expect them to try to extend many of these players in the immediate future.
Push for Canton:
Why did the Raiders prioritize Crosby? Because he is an elite defensive player. the guy is special and he is in his prime. The next five seasons is about him cementing his legacy and an all-time great Raider and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.