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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders rushes the quarterback against Darnell Wright #58 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NFL insider Ian Rapoport added fresh fuel to the Maxx Crosby speculation during an appearance on NFL Network’s Combine coverage Sunday morning.
Speaking from Indianapolis, Rapoport made it clear that chatter around the Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher is picking up behind the scenes.
“In the bars and in the restaurants and hallways at the NFL Combine, a lot of conversations around Maxx Crosby are occurring,” Rapoport said.
He added that “his future is up in the air for the Las Vegas Raiders.”
While the Raiders have publicly maintained they expect to keep their All-Pro defensive end, Rapoport noted there has been little clarity from Crosby himself as he continues working back from injury.
“The Raiders have said they want him and expect to keep him,” Rapoport said. “Crosby on the other hand has not said very much.”
Rapoport emphasized that Crosby “has shown us that he’s getting closer to full health but hasn’t said much about his situation.”
That silence from Crosby himself has created intrigue around the league.
“There are some teams that wonder, does he really want to be a member of the Las Vegas Raiders?” Rapoport said.
What It Would Cost the Bears
If the Chicago Bears were serious about entering the conversation, the price would be enormous, according to Rapoport.
“I would expect a Micah Parsons package if he is dealt,” he said.
Rapoport’s comparison to a Micah Parsons level-return is telling. A deal of that magnitude would likely start with multiple first round picks and a premium player. For Chicago, that could mean discussions involving a future first round-selection, additional draft capital, and potentially a high impact veteran.
Recent league chatter has suggested Las Vegas would only consider moving Crosby for a franchise-altering haul. One former NFL executive said that he would begin negotiations at two first round picks, especially given Crosby’s contract value relative to elite pass rushers.
The problem is that the Bears are not in a strong position financially.
After leading the NFL in cap space last year, the Bears now sit roughly $5.3 million to $6.4 million over the $301.2 million salary cap and must create room before the March 11 new league year.
A Maxx Crosby Trade Would Change Everything for Bears
For the Chicago Bears, this is the kind of move that reshapes a franchise.
Trading for him would signal a clear shift in team-building philosophy. General manager Ryan Poles has largely built through the draft, prioritized flexibility and avoided sacrificing multiple premium picks. A Crosby deal would flip that approach overnight.
It would also redefine the identity of the defense.
The need is obvious. The Bears recorded just 35 sacks last season, with Montez Sweat accounting for nearly a third of that production. Pairing Crosby with Sweat would instantly transform the front and give Chicago one of the most feared pass rush duos in the NFL.
If the Bears make that move, they are declaring that the window is now. They would be going all in.
If Crosby is truly available, it won’t come cheap. The question is whether the Bears are willing to pay the price.