The Chicago Bears’ pursuit of elite pass-rush help may have to wait, as the latest reports indicate the Las Vegas Raiders are not looking to trade Maxx Crosby during the 2026 off-season.
NFL insider Albert Breer provided a significant update on _The MMQB NFL Podcast_ on Friday, March 20, 2026, revealing that Las Vegas intends to keep Crosby through at least the start of the season — and potentially longer — before considering any deal.
Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks for an open receiver while being pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
[Breer explained](https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/update-maxx-crosby-trade-decision/):
> “If he’s going to be traded, I think it’s going to have to come after Maxx Crosby gets back on the field and plays really well, so people will forget about everything that just happened.”
The Raiders’ strategy appears twofold: rebuild their relationship with Crosby after the public trade drama with the Baltimore Ravens and demonstrate to fans, owners, and the locker room that he remains a core part of the team. Trading him now — especially after the failed physical and medical concerns became public — would risk alienating their fanbase and lowering his value further.
Breer added:
> “That way, it becomes a little easier when it comes to managing your owners and your fan base. It also makes it easier to go out and trade for him again. That’s not a bad place for the Raiders to be, either. When you look at where they are, it’s like, ‘OK, Maxx is going to help build a culture, and they’ll move forward as if he’s part of the team.’”
If the Raiders struggle early in 2026 and Crosby performs at a high level, Breer believes trade talks could reopen in October or November — but only after Crosby has reminded the league of his elite ability on the field.
### What This Means for the Chicago Bears and Maxx Crosby Trade Hopes
The Chicago Bears have been one of the teams most consistently linked to Crosby throughout the offseason. With a new head coach in Ben Johnson and a defense needing more consistent pressure, adding one of the NFL’s most relentless edge rushers would be transformative. Crosby recorded 73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and one interception in 2025 — numbers that would immediately upgrade Chicago’s pass rush.
However, the Bears — especially under a coach like Ben Johnson who prioritizes long-term roster building — were unlikely to surrender two first-round picks even at the height of the trade rumors. Now, with the Raiders planning to keep Crosby through at least the early part of 2026, any potential deal would almost certainly come at a reduced cost if Las Vegas falls out of contention.
That said, the Raiders’ current stance means the Bears (and other interested teams) will likely have to wait until midseason or beyond to gauge Crosby’s health, performance, and trade availability.
### Bears Defensive Needs and 2026 Outlook
The Chicago Bears defense has improved significantly in recent years, but consistent edge pressure remains a priority. Crosby would fit perfectly as a high-motor, high-volume pass rusher capable of changing a game by himself.
While the Raiders’ decision delays any immediate trade, it also increases the chances of a more affordable deal later — especially if Crosby proves he can stay healthy and productive post-knee concerns.
For now, the Bears will continue building through the draft and remaining free agency while keeping an eye on the Crosby situation. If the Raiders do decide to move him later in 2026, Chicago could be in prime position to pounce.
For more Chicago Bears news, Maxx Crosby trade rumors, NFL offseason updates, and defensive analysis, stay tuned.
Do you think the Bears should still pursue Maxx Crosby at a lower cost later, or focus on other options? Share your thoughts in the comments!