The Chicago Bears are exploring the possibility of acquiring Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby during the 2026 NFL offseason, despite facing notable salary cap constraints that could complicate a trade. ESPN’s recent analysis points to a narrow path forward for the Bears to absorb Crosby’s significant $30 million cap hit while managing their overall roster budget.
Crosby, a five-time consecutive Pro Bowl selectee with the Las Vegas Raiders, could become available if the Raiders decide to trade him as part of their rebuilding efforts ahead of the upcoming league year. Chicago’s interest hinges on the Raiders opening trade discussions, but the Bears must address their heavy defensive line cap charges that represent nearly half of their largest 2026 salary commitments.
Despite these hurdles, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell projects that the Bears could create cap space by moving wide receiver DJ Moore and packaging a first-round draft pick, potentially making the trade feasible.
Trading DJ Moore Could Help Bears Manage Salary Cap
One potential solution for Chicago involves including wide receiver DJ Moore in trade talks. Although Moore is the Bears’ most seasoned receiver under contract through 2029, his $27.5 million average annual salary poses a significant financial burden. Under head coach Ben Johnson’s system, Moore is no longer the primary offensive target, as the Bears prefer to distribute opportunities among multiple playmakers.
Meanwhile, Chicago boasts a rising group of receiving talents such as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, each under contract for at least two more seasons, ready to take on larger roles within the offense.
From the Raiders’ standpoint, acquiring Moore would provide a reliable veteran receiver to support their projected No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Additionally, taking on Moore’s expensive contract would help the Raiders meet the NFL’s cash-spending floor — an important consideration before agreeing to trade away Crosby’s $106.5 million contract.
Maxx Crosby Trade Discussions Could Soon Begin
The potential trade of Maxx Crosby has garnered increased attention amid the Raiders’ plans for another roster overhaul in 2026. Crosby’s desire to compete for a Super Bowl rings down with his team entering a rebuild phase, especially following the Raiders’ decision to shut him down for their final two games last December, despite his objections.
The question remains: will the Raiders actually part ways with their premier edge rusher?
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Raiders are expected to initiate trade talks and field inquiries from other teams, particularly NFC contenders. Garafolo specifically names the Philadelphia Eagles among the top candidates likely to pursue Crosby.
“I would put the [Philadelphia] Eagles in the top three, five, whatever [teams] for Maxx Crosby if and when this thing opens up — and I do believe it’s going to open up,”
Garafolo said during an appearance on The Anthony Gargano show.
These talks are anticipated to intensify around the time of the NFL Combine, which begins February 23 in Indianapolis, providing a natural setting for teams and executives to explore trade possibilities.
Implications of a Crosby Trade for the Bears’ Roster
Adding Crosby would have a substantial impact on the Bears’ defensive scheme, as noted by Bill Barnwell. Crosby’s presence could reduce the pressure on other defenders like starter Montez Sweat by drawing multiple blockers, potentially improving overall defensive performance. However, relinquishing a first-round pick in the trade would be a significant sacrifice, particularly with the team needing to address the safety position after Jaquan Brisker is expected to enter free agency.
Still, if the Bears believe they are within reach of making a deeper playoff run, acquiring Maxx Crosby could represent a strategic move to exploit the rookie-scale salary of quarterback Caleb Williams and bolster a key area of their roster.
The Bears’ willingness to negotiate a complex deal involving DJ Moore and a first-round pick reflects their urgency to strengthen their defense while navigating tight cap restrictions heading into the 2026 NFL offseason.
