Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.
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The Chicago Bears may not need to trade for Maxx Crosby, because they may have found the next best thing already.
Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears haven’t been able to lock in a deal with much-coveted pass rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, but that may be for the best, because there’s been so much drama surrounding the situation.
They say that where there’s smoke, there’s a fire, and things have certainly been explosive during Crosby’s NFL offseason. Earlier in March, of course, Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens and off the table for the Chicago Bears, but the deal went under after the player failed his physical. Now, Crosby says he’s happy to be back with the Raiders and is a “Raider for life.”
Anything can happen in the NFL, though, and it’s plausible that Crosby could still be traded from the Raiders. In a Monday, March 23 feature for SI, NFL analyst Albert Breer even said that he sees Crosby getting traded closer to the trade deadline at the end of 2026.
But, the Chicago Bears may not have to wait to get a Crosby-caliber player. The 2026 NFL draft is just around the corner in April, and there’s an available a pass rusher who has the promise to become something great.
Chicago Bears Could Bring Budding Pass Rusher to the Team for the 2026-27 Season
In a Tuesday, March 24, feature for ESPN, NFL reporter and expert Field Yates gives his picks for which college players will go first in the NFL draft.
“We still have a long road ahead, with pro days just starting up around the country,” he states in the feature, which covers two rounds. “But for now, it’s safe to make some predictions for the first two rounds based on team needs, my personal rankings and what I’m hearing from people around the league.”
The Chicago Bears have the No. 25 pick, and Yates sees them going with a budding pass rusher in edge Zion Young out of Missouri. Sure, Young is, well, young at 22 and will be a rookie, but he has what it takes to perhaps become the next Crosby.
“The Bears need to keep investing in edge rushers after tying for the worst pass rush win rate in 2025 at 28.8 percent and not signing any big-time free agents,” Yates says. “Young would be a good fit here because of his play style. He uses heavy, power hands and his 6-6 frame to engage and run through offensive tackles.”
Yates adds, “Young also has some versatility to reduce down inside on sub downs and rush effectively because his sturdy frame can withstand contact. He had 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2025.”
Young Pass Rusher Has ‘Strength and Temperament Engineered’ for the Next Level and May Fit the Chicago Bears
Young’s NFL draft profile says the player is a “long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level.”
As for some of the negatives, “He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush.”
Johnson and the Bears could do worse than taking a chance on Young. He may just be the edge they need.