The Chicago Bears are focused on strengthening their pass rush this offseason, with reports indicating they may target one of the NFL’s top edge defenders, Maxx Crosby. The 27-year-old defensive end’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders appears uncertain after a strained relationship late last season, leading to speculation about a possible trade before the new season.
NFL insider Jay Glazer told Yahoo Sports on February 4 that Crosby’s time with the Raiders is likely coming to an end, suggesting that a trade deal could happen soon. Given the player’s impressive track record, the Bears might need to pay a premium to acquire him.
Trade Value of Maxx Crosby Expected to Command High Price
Reports indicate that the price for Crosby could exceed recent benchmarks set by similar trades. Jay Glazer noted that the cost to acquire Crosby is expected to surpass the two first-round picks and star defensive tackle Kenny Clark that the Green Bay Packers gave the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons. This signals that Chicago could have to overpay in terms of draft picks and assets to land Crosby.
Analyst Bill Barnwell evaluated Crosby’s value in mid-2025, asserting that it should be higher than a single first-round pick but likely below two such picks. He emphasized Crosby’s durability over much of the 2024 season despite missing five games and pointed out the defensive end’s high snap count and pass-rushing productivity, ranking 14th in pass rush win rate and 11th in pressure rate over the previous three seasons.
“The 27-year-old missed five games [in the 2024] season, but before that point, he had stayed healthy while enduring the largest snap share of any other defender,”
Barnwell said.
“He ranks 14th in the league in pass rush win rate and 11th in pressure rate over the past three seasons, most of which has come without a secondary rusher to give opposing lines any pause.”
— Bill Barnwell, NFL Analyst
Despite Crosby’s high salary, nearly $36 million annually under his current contract, Barnwell noted the difficulty of generating enough surplus value to acquire multiple first-round draft picks in exchange. Crosby’s 2025 performance included being named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, finishing the year with 28 tackles for loss (second in the league behind Myles Garrett) and 10 sacks across 15 games.
“Crosby is earning nearly $36 million per season on his new deal, which makes it tough to generate the sort of surplus value needed to land multiple first-round picks,”
Barnwell added. — Bill Barnwell, NFL Analyst
The extensive league-wide interest expected if Crosby becomes available would naturally increase his trade cost, making it likely that Chicago will have to offer more than the Raiders might initially expect.
Alternative Option: Bears Could Pursue Free Agent Trey Hendrickson
Should acquiring Crosby prove too costly, the Bears have another strong candidate in defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. Hendrickson, 31, has a reputation as a top pass rusher and could address Chicago’s pressing defensive needs without requiring draft capital in return.
Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron recently forecasted the Bears’ interest in Hendrickson, noting the player comes off a subpar 2025 season where he missed 10 games and recorded only four sacks. However, Hendrickson’s prior achievements are compelling.
“A four-time Pro Bowler with 61.0 sacks in 72 games with the Bengals, Hendrickson is pass-rushing lightning in a bottle,”
Infante wrote.
“He’s one of very few blue-chip players hitting the open market this offseason, and he plays at arguably the Bears’ biggest need. Pursuing him heavily should be a given, assuming they free up enough space.”
— Jacob Infante, Windy City Gridiron
Hendrickson is expected to command a salary around $25 million annually, roughly $10 million less than Crosby’s deal, offering the Bears a cost-effective way to bolster their pass rush. The defensive end recorded 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024 and led the league in sacks two years ago, although injuries limited his recent production.
While Crosby is younger by three years and offers a more versatile game, particularly defending against the run, Hendrickson’s availability and lower price point make him a viable option for Chicago if the trade market for Crosby becomes prohibitive.
Implications for Chicago’s Defensive Strategy Moving Forward
The Bears’ pursuit of a premier pass rusher reflects an urgent need to improve their defensive front. Landing a player like Maxx Crosby would immediately upgrade their edge pressure and overall defense but is likely to cost significant draft capital and financial resources. Alternatively, signing Trey Hendrickson as a free agent would strengthen the pass rush while preserving the team’s future assets and cap flexibility.
Chicago’s decision will shape the team’s defensive identity in the coming seasons, especially as they attempt to return to playoff contention. Whether they overpay for Crosby or capitalize on the free-agent market with Hendrickson, the Bears are poised to prioritize edge defense this offseason.
Maxx Crosby's time with the Raiders is most likely DONE, per @JayGlazer 👀
What kind of haul would the five-time Pro Bowler get in the trade market? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/FK1EkdKXRd
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 4, 2026
