Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Raiders’ $30 Million Decision After Maxx Crosby Trade Revealed

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 12:04 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders began reshaping their defense after a franchise-altering offseason move. A new contract for cornerback Eric Stokes became one of the first major steps in stabilizing the roster following the trade of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Las Vegas committed to Stokes with a three-year, $30 million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed, signaling confidence in the young defensive back as the team retools its defense. The agreement kept Stokes from reaching free agency and ensured continuity in a secondary that showed flashes of promise despite the club’s struggles last season.

Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during a timeout during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The decision arrived shortly after the Raiders moved Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster trade that sent the franchise’s top pass rusher out of Las Vegas. Crosby had been the centerpiece of the defense for several seasons, producing Pro Bowl performances and consistently leading the team in sacks before the organization opted for a dramatic reset.

With the defensive identity suddenly shifting, Stokes emerged as a key player worth retaining. The former first-round pick started 16 games for Las Vegas during the 2025 season and finished with 53 tackles and five passes defended while limiting opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate just above 54 percent when targeting his coverage.

Las Vegas Raiders Sign Eric Stokes After Trading Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas has signed Stokes to a new deal after trading Crosby this offseeason. This can be seen in a post shared by the league’s official X account.

Raiders, CB Eric Stokes agree to terms on 3-year, $30M contract with $20M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/DBnnb8MTmI

— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026

Stokes’ performance marked a strong comeback after an injury-marred stretch earlier in his career with the Green Bay Packers. Las Vegas initially signed him to a short-term deal in 2025, and he responded by becoming one of the most reliable players in a young secondary while playing a major share of defensive snaps.

The extension reflects a broader strategy for a franchise attempting to rebound from a difficult season and multiple years outside the playoff picture. By securing Stokes and reshaping the pass rush in the wake of the Crosby trade, the Raiders are betting that stability in the secondary can help anchor a defense entering a new era.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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