Breaking News: Las Vegas Raiders Agree deal to sign former $150 5-time pro bowl edge rusher to pair with Maxx Crosby

In a major offseason shakeup, the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to terms with five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa, recently released by their division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa, a nine-year NFL veteran, is set to join forces with Raiders star Maxx Crosby, forming what could be one of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing duos. The deal is reportedly worth $150 million, signaling the Raiders’ commitment to strengthening their defensive front under new head coach Pete Carroll.

Bosa’s release from the Chargers came as a surprise to many, but salary cap constraints and his recent injury history likely factored into the decision. The Chargers’ loss is the Raiders’ gain, as they now add a player with a proven track record of production when healthy. Bosa, 29, has accumulated 67 career sacks and over 130 quarterback hits, establishing himself as one of the most disruptive forces in the league since being drafted third overall by the Chargers in 2016.

However, Bosa’s durability has been a concern in recent years. He hasn’t played a full season since 2019, missing significant time due to various injuries, including hamstring and foot issues. Despite those setbacks, his presence on the field has been undeniable when available. In just nine games last season, Bosa recorded 6.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits, demonstrating that he can still create havoc in opposing backfields. The Raiders are betting that with proper management and a complementary pass rusher in Crosby, Bosa can return to top form.

Maxx Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense since being drafted in 2019. He’s coming off another stellar season, recording 14.5 sacks and solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite edge rushers. Pairing Crosby with Bosa gives the Raiders a rare combination of power, speed, and technical skill on both edges — a nightmare scenario for opposing offensive lines. With Bosa demanding attention from offensive tackles and double teams, Crosby could find even more opportunities to pressure the quarterback.

Head coach Pete Carroll, hired earlier this offseason to revitalize the Raiders, expressed excitement about the signing. “Joey Bosa is a game-changer,” Carroll said in a statement. “When you have a player of his caliber on one side and Maxx Crosby on the other, it opens up so many possibilities defensively. We’re building something special here, and Joey is a big part of that vision.”

Carroll’s defensive philosophy, rooted in aggressive pass rushing and creating turnovers, aligns well with Bosa’s skill set. Bosa’s ability to set the edge in the run game and collapse the pocket with his quick first step and relentless motor fits perfectly into Carroll’s scheme. The Raiders’ defense, which struggled with consistency last season, now has the potential to be one of the most dangerous units in the AFC.

While concerns about Bosa’s health remain, the structure of the contract reportedly includes performance-based incentives, protecting the Raiders in case of further injury issues. If Bosa can stay healthy, Las Vegas could boast one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the NFL, capable of swinging games with big plays.

The move also carries significant divisional implications. The Raiders and Chargers have long had a heated rivalry, and Bosa’s defection to Las Vegas only adds fuel to the fire. Bosa will now have the chance to face his former team twice a year, adding extra motivation to prove the Chargers made a mistake in letting him go.

For the Raiders, this signing signals a clear intent to compete at the highest level in the AFC. With Bosa and Crosby anchoring the defense and Pete Carroll at the helm, Las Vegas has taken a significant step toward closing the gap with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. If Bosa can stay on the field and produce at his usual Pro Bowl level, the Raiders’ defense could be the catalyst that propels them back into playoff contention.