Maxx Crosby
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 28: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears smiles at Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
So what’s the deal with the Chicago Bears and a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders’ star pass rusher Maxx Crosby?
It’s complicated.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune mapped out the reality of a Crosby trade with this question:
“Could the Bears make a deal for Crosby and feel comfortable in being able to build out the rest of their roster in the next two to three years, considering the potential cost and salary-cap implications moving into 2027 and 2028? They don’t have the kind of building blocks on defense that they possess on offense right now.”
The Bears have to consider that, along with the fact that Crosby will be 29 by the time next season rolls around, with base salaries totaling $112.93 million over the next four seasons.
The Reality of a Maxx Crosby Trade
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini mentioned on Wednesday that the Raiders have not moved off from their asking price of two first-round picks and a player for Crosby, which personally feels like way too much to give up for him, even if he’s one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
Biggs also appeared on 104.3 The Score to give more information on the Bears’ potential pursuit of Crosby.
“The Bears are either keeping a close eye on the Maxx Crosby situation and potentially involved, or someone out there is doing a really good job of convincing a lot of folks that that’s the case. …I think Dallas is involved if you listen to people, and the Cowboys … they’re really getting aggressive with some of their cap stuff to create space in an effort to win now.”
104.3 The Score
The Bears might be legitimately pursuing Maxx Crosby on the trade market.
Or someone who benefits from Crosby’s price being driven up could be doing a great job of convincing folks that the Bears are seriously pursuing Crosby.
It’s hard to tell, as @BradBiggs discussed.
That lines up with what CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones is reporting:
“Multiple sources indicate the Chicago Bears are a team to watch in potentially dealing for Crosby. The Bears aren’t the only team with interest in Crosby — the Dallas Cowboys are lurking, according to sources — but they could be best positioned to do a deal if one can be done.”
Keeping tabs on Crosby is one thing. But are the Bears seriously interested in trading for Crosby if the demands for him are two first-round picks and a player?
History Suggests the Bears Shouldn’t Trade for Crosby
The Bears and Raiders have made a massive deal in the past involving a premier pass rusher: Khalil Mack.
He was such a fun player to watch during his four seasons in Chicago, and the Bears enjoyed having him in his prime, but Biggs made sure to bring that up when discussing a potential trade for Crosby.
“History tells us that the last blockbuster trade the Bears made with the Raiders did not deliver the expected results. They didn’t win a playoff game with Khalil Mack, whom they acquired in 2018, and had only one winning season. If the Bears believe they’re in a different position now — with a better quarterback and coach — perhaps they take the plunge.”
Chicago traded two first-round picks, a 2020 third-round pick, and a 2019 sixth-round pick for a then-27-year-old Mack.
The Bears are in a much better position to win games in 2026, but is trading two first-round picks and a player the right move for a 29-year-old pass rusher?