The Chicago Bears have been linked to a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, but a leading team insider recently expressed skepticism about the likelihood of such a deal taking place. Despite the widespread speculation, acquiring Crosby—which would require substantial draft and salary cap resources—appears improbable given the Bears’ current situation and Crosby’s recent injury struggles.
Evaluating Chicago’s Willingness to Invest in Maxx Crosby
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin highlighted the challenges the Bears face in making a move for Maxx Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler. Speaking on the UNSPORTSMANLIKE podcast on February 19, she pointed out that while the trade rumor is worth monitoring, it does not seem imminent based on multiple factors. Cronin questioned whether the Bears view themselves as
“just one elite pass-rusher away from winning a Super Bowl,”
especially with this year’s draft class boasting strong defensive line talent.
Chicago controls the 25th and 57th overall draft picks, and many draft analysts agree the team is likely to prioritize selecting a defensive tackle at these spots. While an edge-rusher would be an ideal fit, the top-tier pass-rushers will probably be chosen before the Bears have their turn. This reality increases the value of pursuing a quality defensive tackle to address another pressing defensive need.
Trade Cost and Salary Cap Concerns Surrounding Maxx Crosby
Cronin referred to a trade proposal from her ESPN colleague Bill Barnwell on February 15, which suggested the Bears could send their first-round pick (No. 25) and wide receiver DJ Moore to Las Vegas in return for Crosby and a fifth-round pick in the following year. However, she implied that such a trade might demand too high a price for Chicago.
She emphasized,
“You’re on the hook for $61 million of Maxx Crosby’s salary in 2026 and 2027,”
and noted that the Bears are currently about $10 million over the salary cap.
“They’ve got a lot of work they have to do financially to be able to afford things this offseason.”
Crosby, who recently signed a three-year extension worth $106.5 million, is under contract through 2029, adding further financial considerations.
Recent Interactions Between Caleb Williams and Maxx Crosby Stoke Trade Speculation
Adding fuel to the rumors, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appeared on The Rush Podcast, hosted by Crosby, sparking excitement among fans after the trade suggestion by Barnwell. Courtney Cronin cautioned against reading too much into their comfortable interactions.
“I don’t think this has as many legs as people want to infer just based on the fact that the two were seen very comfortably engaging with each other,”
she said.
Chicago’s Defensive Struggles Highlight Urgency for Pass Rush Upgrade
The Bears’ defense faced significant difficulties in the 2025 season, particularly in rushing the quarterback. Chicago recorded only 35 total sacks and ranked near the bottom of the league in key pass rush metrics, including 31st in pass rush win rate and 28th in quick pressures, which occur within 2.5 seconds after the snap. These weaknesses underscore the importance of improving their edge rush over the offseason.
To address this, the Bears may be forced to take a calculated risk by selecting a pass-rusher in the mid-rounds, hoping the player can develop into a contributor, or alternatively, invest heavily in free agency to add established talent like Trey Hendrickson.
While the allure of acquiring Maxx Crosby remains enticing due to his proven production, the combination of high cost, team financial limitations, and available draft options make the trade a difficult path for Chicago to pursue in the near future. How the Bears decide to bolster their pass rush this offseason will be critical in shaping their defensive identity moving forward.
Are Maxx Crosby and the Bears something to pay attention to? Yes.
Are Maxx Crosby and the Bears something that seems likely? @CourtneyRCronin doesn't think so ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/K9IyRhGHU7
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) February 19, 2026
the Bears finished #2 in the NFC despite all of this
a lot they can improve on in 2026 pic.twitter.com/b0MxBegnCi
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 17, 2026
