Patrick Mahomes is heading into his ninth season in the NFL, meaning that at the end of the year, he will have faced the Raiders or watched one of his teammates face them 18 times.
As such, he might be one of the most qualified people to give his thoughts on the organization and its longest-tenured players. Speaking recently, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback gave his thoughts on the player who arguably serves as the face of the franchise heading into 2025.
Speaking in a July 7 “Up and Adams” clip on X, Mahomes gave his opinion on Raiders star Maxx Crosby, hurling a volley of compliments his way.
“I think he’s sacked me the most out of anyone I’ve ever played against, so to me, he’s the best pass rusher I’ve played against. So, no offense to any other pass rusher — just putting it out there,” Mahomes said.
“But he is the best one that I’ve gone up against because he goes out there and he gives you the effort, he has the moves, and he has the skill. And I think it’s hard to have all three of those and have them year in and year out,” he added.
The Raiders appear to at least agree with the spirit of Mahomes’ comments, handing out a new blockbuster extension this offseason to Crosby after watching him rack up 22 sacks in the past two seasons. Following the deal, Crosby could play without a contract restructure through the 2029 season, per Over the Cap. Of course, while the compliments are most likely welcome for Crosby, there is a huge caveat to consider.
Patrick Mahomes’ Comments On Raiders Maxx Crosby Could Be Strategic
Mahomes has usually been complimentary of his adversaries throughout his career, and he has plenty of reason to do so. Whether it be Crosby, Brock Purdy, Bo Nix, or others, offering negative opinions of his opponents can only backfire.
If Mahomes had done anything less than complement the pass rusher, Crosby would have had the perfect motivation to make things even more difficult for the quarterback. In other words, Mahomes decided to kill ’em with kindness. It’s hard to argue against the strategy.
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Since Mahomes took over as the Week 1 starter in 2018, the Raiders have defeated the Chiefs just twice. The new-look organization may have its best shot at a win against the rival since its most recent victory in 2023.
They have plenty of reasons to be extra motivated this season, but the Raiders won’t be getting any more from Mahomes’ comments for now, it seems.
The Raiders’ first matchup against the Chiefs is scheduled for October 19, 2025.