Maxx Crosby still seen as a top-five edge rusher in NFL circles

The Maxx Crosby that saw the field in 2024 was different from the one Las Vegas Raiders fans have come to know and love.

Despite leading the team with seven and a half sacks last season, fans and analysts alike saw that something seemed off about the perennial Pro Bowler. It eventually came to light that Crosby was dealing with an ankle issue, one that would see him miss games for the first time in his career and ultimately bring his season to an early end. The fact that Crosby’s ‘down year’ was as good as it was is a testament to just how dominant the Eastern Michigan product has been throughout his career.

Now healthy and looking to return to form, personnel from around the NFL are taking notice.

Crosby’s 2024 did little to damage his reputation coming into next season.

Asking around the league on the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s compiled rankings saw Crosby clocked in at No. 4 behind Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)

“Relentless motor, skilled rusher and never wants to leave the game,” an anonymous NFL coordinator said, per Fowler. “Keeps getting better and better.”

Since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2019, Crosby has tallied 324 pressures, clearing the second-best edge rusher by 40.

That said, Crosby is still pushing to find the elusive team success to match his own impressive resume. Despite Crosby’s dominance, the Raiders have not made the postseason since 2021, and the last time they won a playoff game was 22 years ago when the team was still in Oakland. The pass rusher would love nothing more than to bring the Raiders back to prominence, and his recent three-year extension showcases his commitment to that goal.

Without question, the return of a healthy Crosby goes a long way towards improving the Raiders defense.