Maxx Crosby’s New Deal Shows Absurdity of One Viking’s Contract
Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is now the wealthiest non-quarterback in NFL history.
Maxx Crosby’s New Deal Shows Absurdity of One Viking’s Contract
The Raiders locked Crosby down for the long haul on Wednesday, a somewhat surprising move because Crosby had twisted sideways in the trade rumor mill for a couple of months.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Las Vegas Raiders are signing Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension that includes $91.5 guaranteed, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, per sources. For the third time in four years, the Raiders are addressing the contract of their cornerstone player, this time cementing his relationship with the Raiders for the foreseeable future. The deal was negotiated by CJ LaBoy and Doug Hendrickson.”
And NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added context: “Maxx Crosby sets the new pass-rusher high bar at $35.5 million per season, sliding ahead of Nick Bosa at $34 million. Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons among those on deck as a game of leapfrog is set to play out.”
Crosby is now the gold standard money-wise among all pass rushers, which just so happened to uplift the absurdity of Andrew Van Ginkel’s current contract.
Minnesota signed the versatile outside linebacker one year ago in free agency — for two years and $20 million. Yes, that’s $10 million per season. Crosby will earn over 3.5 times as much as Van Ginkel in 2025 if Minnesota does not reward the ex-Miami Dolphin with a pay boost.
Van Ginkel totaled 79 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 6 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl in his first season as a Viking. He far outplayed the contract so far, and in fact, has rapidly morphed into a fan favorite. Van Ginkel and his teammate, Jonathan Greenard, somehow made Vikings football an operation that didn’t miss Danielle Hunter, who vamoosed to the Houston Texans around the time Van Ginkel became a Viking.
Ironically, Van Ginkel nearly became a Philadelphia Eagle during 2024 free agency. SI.com’s Albert Breer wrote about Van Ginkel’s almost-relationship with the Eagles in November: “I love the Andrew Van Ginkel signing by the Minnesota Vikings — he had another two sacks Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. And maybe this only interests me, but I heard last week prepping for the TNF game that Philly liked him and Zack Baun in free agency, and Van Ginkel wound up being a touch too expensive.”
Van Ginkel would’ve won a Super Bowl if he made a different decision.
As of March 6th, Van Ginkel is the NFL’s 30th highest-paid EDGE rusher. He deserves placement in the Top 15.
Perhaps Minnesota will recognize his value this offseason and boost his paycheck.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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