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Bears Get New Hope for Prospective Maxx Crosby Trade: Report

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Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Maxx Crosby’s trade ordeal is the pro football story this offseason that simply will not die, with the newest twist coming at the end of the first week of NFL free agency.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on a Sunday, March 15 episode of “SportsCenter” breathed just enough life back into a potential Crosby deal to keep the conversation kicking.

“Everybody seems like they’re in a good spot, but since [the Raiders] already looked at trading, they’re open to that possibility, potentially, if the right offer would come,” Fowler explained, per Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “We’re looking at timelines here. Now is gonna be a little slow, but you get closer to the draft, perhaps trade offers will heat up, or even maybe closer to the season. But right now, he’s a Raider, and that’s expected for at least a little while.”

And if Crosby is in the mix, the Chicago Bears is one team that still makes sense for him after the first wave of free agency.

Maxx Crosby’s Acquisition Cost Took Dive After Ravens Backed Out of Trade With Raiders

Maxx Crosby.

GettyPass-rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bears picked up another second-round draft pick by dealing DJ Moore and a fifth-rounder to the Buffalo Bills this offseason and could put together a strong offer that includes pick No. 25 in Round 1 and either No. 57 or 60 in Round 2.

The Baltimore Ravens originally agreed to pay the Las Vegas Raiders two first-rounders in 2026 and 2027. However, Baltimore backed out of the deal citing a failed physical after Crosby had surgery to repair his knee.

Crosby’s agent and operating surgeon have both said that he is on track to come back fully healthy and on time for next season, and the Ravens’ decision has been met with considerable skepticism around the league.

That said, the circumstances no doubt damaged Crosby’s trade value and the Raiders’ negotiating leverage — at least in the near-term. The market has also cooled significantly after Baltimore inked Trey Hendrickson and the Washington Commanders paid Odafe Oweh, each on $100 million deals.

The Los Angeles Chargers brought back Khalil Mack, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up former Detroit Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad after a career-high 11 sacks last season.

The Dallas Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, and said they were out on Crosby after his deal to the Ravens fell through. Dallas originally offered Las Vegas a first-round pick and a second-rounder for Crosby, but would not go up to two firsts, according to a report from Fowler earlier this month.

Bears Have Added Major Talent to Defense, but Remain Short an Edge-Rusher

Devin Bush

GettyLinebacker Devin Bush, now of the Chicago Bears.

Chicago has made several additions to the defensive side of the football this offseason, including linebacker Devin Bush, safety Cobe Bryant and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, among others.

But the Bears have not added a pass-rusher, as most analysts expect they will at some point this offseason. That could be what the team intends to do with one of its second-round picks, as the value doesn’t appear to line up for an edge-rusher in the late first round after six or seven may already be off the board.

Chicago has added talent and speed to its defense, but it hasn’t taken a monster swing yet. Crosby would be exactly that, and the Bears make sense as a team that could seriously reignite trade rumors around him if they believe the roster is ready for a Super Bowl finishing piece.

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