Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 and cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders run on the field as they celebrate Crosby’s sack of quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The Las Vegas Raiders have elite talent at the defensive end position, and here is what the roster looks like at the position entering the offseason.

After years of poor play and no impact, the Las Vegas Raiders had a consistent pass rush for the first time since the Khalil Mack trade. The Raiders’ defensive line as a whole proved to be the strength of the defense, but this happened because of the two leaders on the defensive line, Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue.

Crosby and Ngakoue fed off of each other’s energy for much of the season and even challenged Ngakoue’s training camp comments that he and Crosby were the best duo in the NFL. Crosby profoundly became a superstar in the league this season, leading the NFL in pressures despite the sack numbers not eclipsing his career-high.

Crosby enters a pivotal fourth season in the NFL after a dominant season and is looking for a contract extension. The new regime for the Raiders would be wise to extend Crosby this offseason on a deal likely eclipsing $22 million annually. Myles Garret is currently the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL at $25 million a year, therefore a deal for about 5 years $110 million.

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