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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears continue to be one of the most discussed teams in the NFL when it comes to a potential blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Now one of the most recognizable voices in sports media believes Chicago should stop hesitating and make the aggressive move.
During a recent segment, FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd made a strong case that the Bears should push their chips to the center of the table and pursue Crosby.
“Ben Johnson is an aggressive guy. Ryan Poles is an aggressive GM. Go for it,” Cowherd said while discussing Chicago’s offseason outlook.
Herd w/Colin Cowherd
“Ben Johnson is an aggressive guy. Ryan Poles is an aggressive GM. Go for it… It’s not a roll of the dice, he’s an elite player.” @colincowherd think the Bears should go all-in and trade for Maxx Crosby
Cowherd argued that acquiring Crosby would not be a risky gamble but rather a logical move for a team that appears to be entering a competitive window:
“It’s not a roll of the dice. He’s an elite player,” Cowherd said. “It’s the Bears’ number one need, edge pressure.”
Cowherd also noted that Crosby’s production makes him one of the safest superstar bets available on the market.
“He leads the NFL since he’s entered the league in tackles for loss,” Cowherd added. “He’s two years younger than Myles Garrett, who just won Defensive Player of the Year.”
For a Bears team trying to build around quarterback Caleb Williams while he remains on a rookie contract, Cowherd believes the timing makes the potential move even more urgent.
Bears’ Window May Be Right Now
Cowherd emphasized that Chicago cannot afford to waste the financial advantage that comes with having a young quarterback on a rookie deal.
“You only have two years left of Caleb on a rookie deal,” Cowherd said. “He’s going to get expensive.”
That timeline is exactly why the Bears should be aggressive when an elite player like Crosby becomes available. According to Cowherd, the Bears have positioned themselves well enough to take that kind of swing.
“You gotta go for it,” Cowherd repeated.
Chicago’s pass rush remains one of the team’s biggest weaknesses and arguably its top offseason need. If the Bears were able to land Crosby to pair with Montez Sweat, it would instantly transform the defensive front and could push Chicago into legitimate Super Bowl contender territory.
Cowherd Points to Bears’ Possible Trade Path
Cowherd also floated a potential scenario that could make the deal appealing for both sides.
With the Bears currently holding the No. 25 pick in the upcoming draft, Cowherd suggested that selection could give the Raiders an opportunity to fill another major need.
“The Bears are picking 25th,” Cowherd explained. “The Raiders could get Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 25. That’s a huge need. Wide receiver is their number one need besides quarterback. It works for everyone.”
Cowherd also pointed to another factor that could make the pairing realistic.
“Maxx Crosby apparently loves Bears coach Ben Johnson,” he said.
Taken together, Cowherd believes the message for Chicago is simple. After watching the Los Angeles Rams go get star corner Trent McDuffie, it is now the Bears’ turn to go “all in.”