The NFL will begin its new league year in less than 24 hours. Teams have spent the legal tampering period negotiating contracts and finalizing trades.
The Las Vegas Raiders just experienced a stunning setback from the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore backed out of a potential Maxx Crosby trade, leaving the Raiders scrambling to find a new partner.
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MORE: Why the Baltimore Ravens canceled Maxx Crosby trade with the Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders may not receive a deal as strong as the one they had with the Ravens, but they still need to explore their options. Here are three potential new trade destinations for Maxx Crosby.
Chicago Bears
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears fans cheer for their team against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears have stayed active in free agency, particularly while addressing their defense. Even so, they could still use additional help generating a pass rush.
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Crosby has previously surfaced as a rumored preferred destination for Chicago. He grew up in Lapeer, Michigan, which sits relatively close to the Windy City.
MORE: Raiders key free agent addition sets stage to draft Fernando Mendoza
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Could the Bears strike a last-minute deal for Crosby?
Dallas Cowboys
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Star logo before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys desperately need a consistent pass-rush threat. They already addressed part of that need by trading for Green Bay’s Rashan Gary.
However, acquiring Gary shouldn’t prevent Dallas from pursuing Crosby. His presence would elevate their pass rush even further, and he also disrupts offenses as a dominant run defender.
MORE: Commanders huge free agent signing sets the market for Trey Hendrickson
Could Crosby be the missing piece America’s Team has been searching for?
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’marr Chase (1) looks back to the sideline after the offense fails to draw an offsides on third-and-short in the second quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
This move would create an interesting twist. Not only would Joe Burrow see his defense upgrade its pass rush, but the Ravens would suddenly appear twice a year on Crosby’s schedule.
Crosby might feel some resentment toward Baltimore after the organization backed out of the deal. Imagine if he had two opportunities every season to make the Ravens regret that decision.
The Bengals rarely pursue blockbuster trades like this. But if the Raiders feel pressure to move Crosby, Cincinnati might have a chance to strike a favorable deal.
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