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Is Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby the next NFL Defensive Player of the Year?
The Raiders star finished fourth in the voting this past season after a monster year that saw him amass 14.5 sacks, 90 tackles, and 23 tackles for loss.
Now, fans are expecting even more from the Eastern Michigan product after Las Vegas made a blockbuster move in free agency to sign star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Splash: One of the top free agents is off the market, as #Dolphins star DT Christian Wilkins is headed to the #Raiders, sources say.
He gets a 4-year deal worth $110M base value that includes $84.75M guaranteed in a contract done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/aKwKFIfU5T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Wilkins was a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and developed into one of the league’s best defensive tackles, particularly when rushing the passer. Wilkins trailed only Justin Madubuike, Chris Jones and Ed Oliver in sacks by the defensive tackle in 2023 with 9.0.
Las Vegas signed the Clemson product to a four-year deal, $110 million deal with nearly $85 million guaranteed.
Despite finishing fourth in the voting, Crosby picked up zero first-place votes for DPOY in 2023.
NFL Fans, Media Gear Up For Maxx Crosby DPOY Run After Christian Wilkins Signing
Now Crosby will have another star lining up next to him in silver and black, and fans believe it could set him up for am monster year.
Maxx Crosby right now #NFLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/wwqEu6gj3D
— Ziggy3139 (@ziggy3139) March 11, 2024
Maxx Crosby DPOY on deck https://t.co/vZy2BGXNd9
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) March 11, 2024
“Last season, Christian Wilkins’ 61 quarterback pressures led to three interceptions. It ain’t all about sacks. Wilkins is also a machete through double teams. Putting him next to Maxx Crosby on the Raiders’ line is borderline illegal,” Doug Farrar of USA Today said.
While Vic Tafur of The Athletic wrote “Raiders address their DT need in a big way. Christian Wilkins will make Maxx Crosby‘s life a lot easier.”
Crosby was already a terrifying sight for opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks. With Wilkins now in the fold, may well have no hope of stopping one of the league’s top pass rushers.