Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has openly acknowledged Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby as the best pass rusher he has ever faced, highlighting a fierce new dimension in their rivalry. This statement came during a recent interview with Kay Adams, where Mahomes praised Crosby’s relentless effort, diverse moves, and raw skill.
The Chiefs and Raiders have a longstanding feud in the AFC West, one of the NFL’s most fiercely competitive divisions. While the Chiefs have been dominant recently, winning three Super Bowl titles in six years, the Raiders have struggled to match that success, making postseason appearances only sporadically since their 2002 Super Bowl run.
Mahomes emphasized Crosby’s impact on him personally, saying,
“I think he’s sacked me the most out of anyone I’ve ever played against. To me, he’s the best pass-rusher that I’ve played against — and no offense to any other pass-rushers, just putting it out there. But he is the best one that I’ve went up against.”
—Patrick Mahomes, quarterback
This admission from Mahomes adds credibility to Maxx Crosby’s reputation and intensifies the anticipation for their encounters on the field.
Mutual Respect Grows Between Mahomes and Crosby
Mahomes’ praise follows soon after Crosby expressed his admiration for the Chiefs’ star quarterback. In an earlier interview with ESPN, Crosby described Mahomes as the best quarterback in the league, showing deep respect despite their rivalry. At the same time, Crosby referred to himself as the best pass rusher—a confident claim now validated by Mahomes’ comments.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Maxx Crosby has firmly established himself as one of the league’s top defensive threats. Accumulating 59.5 sacks, he ranks tied for fifth-most in the NFL, sharing space with Houston Texans’ Danielle Hunter. Crosby’s production has also earned him 425.5 sack yards, positioning him seventh all-time in that category.
Raiders Look to Build on Defensive Strengths for 2025
Entering the 2025 season, the Las Vegas Raiders are viewed as a team on the rise, fueled by new leadership and key roster moves. The team replaced its previous head coach with veteran Pete Carroll and brought in experienced offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to bring stability and creativity.
In addition to Crosby’s defensive presence, the Raiders addressed their quarterback issues by acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. They also used the NFL Draft to bolster their offense, selecting Ashton Jeanty from Boise State to improve their rushing attack. Adding tight end Brock Bowers further enhances the team’s offensive potential. These changes have raised expectations, suggesting the Raiders are stronger on paper than in recent years.
However, analysts remain cautious. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently predicted the Raiders could finish last in the AFC West behind the Chiefs and other powerhouses, despite a respectable seven or eight-win projection. He warned that the Raiders still face significant challenges against elite passing offenses and high-powered receiving units in the division and conference.
Challenging Road Ahead in a Tough AFC West
The AFC West continues to be one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, with the Chiefs firmly established as a dominant force. While the Raiders have improved, the gap remains wide, especially when it comes to consistent playoff contention. Mahomes’ recent acknowledgment of Crosby’s skill underscores the intensity of these intra-division battles.
The mutual respect between Mahomes and Crosby adds a compelling narrative to this rivalry, signaling a heated competition that fans and analysts will be watching closely throughout the 2025 season. Should Crosby maintain his impressive pass-rushing performance and the Raiders continue to develop their offense and defense under new coaching, the division‘s balance of power could face new challenges.
Ultimately, this acknowledgment from one of the league’s best quarterbacks shines a spotlight on Crosby’s rising star and the Raiders’ potential to disrupt the status quo in the AFC West. How this rivalry evolves will have significant implications for playoff seeding and the broader NFL landscape in the months to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What addiction did Maxx Crosby have?
A. Crosby remembers that he drank a lot when he was in high school and college. Because his family had a history of alcohol use, he understood he had an issue.
Q. Is Maxx Crosby’s wife?
A. Maxx Crosby is married to Rachel Crosby, who was previously known as Rachel Washburn.
Q. Who is Maxx Crosby’s wife?
A. Maxx Crosby’s wife is Rachel Crosby, who was formerly known as Rachel Washburn. They met in college in 2016 and developed a friendship.
Q. How much is Maxx Crosby’s salary?
A. Maxx Crosby agreed to a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling $106,500,000. The deal includes $91,500,000 in guaranteed money and an average yearly pay of $35,500,000. In 2025, Crosby is set to receive a base salary of $32,500,000, which will contribute to a cap hit of $38,153,250. Additionally, the dead cap value that year will be $72,702,500.