Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is gearing up for another shot at NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2026, and this time, he has extra fuel to fire his pursuit. The 28-year-old edge rusher has been a perennial contender, finishing in the top six of voting twice in his career, but he's yet to bring home the crown. With a career-high of 14.5 sacks in 2023—his last fully healthy season—and 10 sacks in just 15 games last year, Crosby has proven he's a force when at his best.

The DPOY award has become a playground for elite edge rushers, with four of the last five winners coming from the position. Recent champs include Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett (2023 and 2025), San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa (2022), and Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt (2021). These stars set a sky-high bar: Watt tied Michael Strahan's single-season sacks record with 22.5 in 2021, Bosa led the league with 18.5 in 2022, and Garrett shattered the record with 23 sacks in 2025. For Crosby to join this elite club, he'll need to elevate his game to match those historic numbers.

Fortunately, Crosby has several factors working in his favor. He's led the NFL in tackles for loss twice, showcasing his disruptive ability beyond just sacks. In a recent Raiders Wire projection, he's expected to finish No. 3 in the DPOY race in 2026—his best finish yet—with a projected 16.5 sacks. That's a realistic target for a player who's already proven he can dominate when healthy.

What makes 2026 especially compelling is Crosby's added motivation. Earlier this offseason, a trade to the Baltimore Ravens was overturned, keeping him in Las Vegas. The Raiders didn't add a marquee pass-rusher this offseason, only selecting defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round of the draft. That means Crosby's success will once again rely on his individual excellence, as the team's pass rush remains largely unchanged. For fans and fantasy owners alike, Crosby is a name to watch as he chases the league's top defensive honor.