The Bears were interested in Raiders superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby, but the demand for two first-round picks and the salary-cap ramifications took that option off the table for general manager Ryan Poles.
Poles said Thursday the Bears “checked in,” “had dialogue” and were “involved” in talks with the Raiders for a Crosby deal and left it at that.
The Raiders traded Crosby to the Ravens last week for two first-round picks in a deal that stunned the NFL. Even more stunning, however, was the Ravens backing out of that trade Tuesday because Crosby failed a physical.
Crosby, 28, has made the Pro Bowl for the Raiders each of the last five seasons and has 69 1/2 career sacks in seven seasons. In addition to the draft picks the Bears would’ve given up for Crosby, he has $121.1 million left on his contract over the next four seasons.