LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Through the first few days of free agency, the Chicago Bears have opted not to address the pass rush situation they have. It's a clear need for the Bears and with options running out, it feels like Ryan Poles will address it in the NFL Draft.
However, another option could suddenly be back on the market.
The NFL world was shocked on Tuesday night when it was announced that the Baltimore Ravens are backing out of the trade to acquire Maxx Crosby. Instead, they pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, and Crosby is now back in Las Vegas, where he remains a member of the Raiders —at least for now.
While the Raiders have enough cap space to keep Crosby, it's expected that they will continue to listen to offers. Another report on Wednesday from Dianna Russini stated that general managers don't expect them to back off on their price. The report also mentioned the Bears as a team that originally reached out, but they didn't meet the price the Raiders had already set for him.
So far, this free agency period has been a little lackluster for Poles and the Bears.
They have said goodbye to DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, Nahshon Wright, and Kevin Byard on the defensive side of the ball. Drew Dalman also retired unexpectedly, and they still have a hole at left tackle. With the cap situation, the Bears would have to restructure some deals to free up money for big signings. But what's left out there?
Hendrickson is off the board, Bradley Chubb signed in Buffalo, and would the Bears be willing to give up a pick for someone like Jonathan Greenard? A 'splash' is unlikely at the moment unless it's for Crosby.
Doing that move improves not only the pass rush but the defense overall. It's a steep price to pay as you're likely going to part ways with at least one first-round pick plus more draft assets. I probably know what you're thinking right now, too: Why give up draft assets for someone who didn't pass a physical?
Well, that is the important part. Every team has independent doctors to do the physicals; they are not NFL-appointed doctor(s) so things could look different to some teams. Heck, the Ravens may have even had some buyer's remorse and just felt like it wasn't worth it. By now, teams likely have gotten wind of the issue on the Ravens medical or even the Raiders, providing information if needed on their own evaluation.
It would be up to Poles and his staff to trust that and take the big swing.
For a team that really needs to find a pass rush, that option is sitting out there in front of them again. Will they strike this time?