Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree is in the midst of his best season as a pro. He's currently on pace for 1,000 and 10 touchdowns on the year.
This performance is good enough for the Raiders to reward Crabtree with a four-year, $35 million contract extension just 12 games into his first season with the team.
Always an enigmatic figure, Crabtree struggled through injuries and inconsistency in his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. This led him to a situation once free agency started this past March where he had to take a prove-it deal.
As one of Derek Carr's favorite targets in what has been a vastly improved offense this season, it was important for the Raiders to lock up the 28-year old receiver.
And while over $8 million per season might seem like a lot for a receiver with one 1,000-yard season under his belt, Crabtree's importance to the Raiders can't be overstated.
Value is team-specific. In this, the Raiders received fair-market value here.
Being able to team Crabtree up with standout rookie Amari Cooper is going to keep the continuity for a Raiders squad that enters Week 14 still somewhat alive in the playoff race. That's huge both short term and long term.