Maxx Crosby.
Getty
The Chicago Bears still have edge talent available now that they can't get Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chicago Bears appeared to be one of the top candidates to land Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby until he made a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, which they eventually backed out of anyway.
Now, Crosby has announced to the world that he’s staying with the Raiders for the 2026-27 season. In a post on X late Wednesday night, March 11, he stated, “Everything happens for a reason. Believe nothing you hear and half of what you see. I’m a Raider. I’m back.”
So, with Crosby in theory off the table, the Chicago Bears still have options when it comes to landing another edge. It never hurts to have solid depth in any position in the NFL, especially defensive end.
Chicago Bears Can Look to ‘Solid Rotational Edge Rusher’
While a good number of pass rushers are already taken, there’s one who’s still available, and he’s getting positive reviews around the league.
That player is AJ Epenesa, who hails from the Buffalo Bills. While he hasn’t been directly linked to the Chicago Bears, NFL analysts and experts have been urging various teams to give him a look. So, why not the Bears?
Back in February, Jovan Alford of Detroit Jock City said of Epenesa urged him for the Detroit Lions, stating, “The 27-year-old pass rusher would be a solid addition to the Lions’ pass rush unit despite a down 2025 season.” He added that “Epenesa saw his role change this past season in Buffalo due to the addition of Joey Bosa.” If not the Lions, why not the Bears?
Destin Adams of A to Z Sports also likes Epenesa, stating in a Thursday, March 12 feature, “He’s a strong run defender like Kwity, but I think he has more potential as a pass rusher due to his lack of starts with Buffalo.” Adams was urging the Colts to take a look at Epenesa, but they haven’t snagged him yet, so he’s still available to the Bears.
Finally, Matt Bowen of ESPN says of the player, “Epenesa is a long, powerful mover who can set the edge of the front with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also create disruptive plays, recording 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six NFL seasons.”
So, Epenesa isn’t a flash name like Crosby, but he may fill a hole in the Chicago Bears’ lineup at a reasonable price.
Maxx Crosby Trade Drama Was the Story of March 2026
Crosby’s trade drama has really been the No. 1 story of March. Initially, he was traded from Vegas to the Baltimore Ravens, and then, they backed out of their deal to acquire him in an unexpected move.
According to a report from Ryan McFadden of ESPN, Baltimore backed out of the deal due to Crosby’s physical. “No further details were provided in the Raiders’ announcement, but league sources told ESPN the Ravens backed out because of medical concerns that arose during a physical,” McFadden stated.
During the 2025NFL regular season, according to NFL research, Crosby recorded 73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and one interception. So, his numbers are still strong, and that’s why the Ravens were initially willing to give up so much to get him.