As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine prepares to open this week in Indianapolis, speculation surrounding Maxx Crosby’s potential trade has intensified. With league executives and scouts gathering at Lucas Oil Stadium to evaluate top draft prospects, rumors about a possible move involving the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher have surged. The ongoing buzz is fueled in part by Crosby’s recent podcast appearance alongside Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, sparking fresh chatter about his football future. These developments keep the spotlight firmly fixed on the Bears and their potential involvement in negotiations.
Analyzing Possible Maxx Crosby Trade Offers
ESPN analysts Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Ben Solak, and Seth Walder have proposed several intriguing trade scenarios featuring Maxx Crosby. Spanning from practical to puzzling, these proposed deals highlight different teams that could vie to acquire the disruptive defensive end. Below is a breakdown of the highlights from each proposal, including the assets exchanged and the anticipated impact.
Dallas Cowboys Trade Scenario
- Raiders Receive: Wide receiver George Pickens, 2026 first-round pick (20th overall)
- Cowboys Receive: Maxx Crosby, 2026 second-round pick (36th overall)
This deal envisioned by Dan Graziano would dramatically reshape both rosters. The Cowboys would bolster their defense with Crosby, who fits well alongside their existing talents, while the Raiders gain a true number-one receiving option in George Pickens to complement their incoming quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The trade also includes first and second-round picks, making it significant in terms of both talent and draft capital.
Given Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ controversial decision to let Micah Parsons leave for Green Bay last offseason, some fans view a move for Crosby as a chance for Dallas to regain defensive dominance. Such a trade would notably intensify the rivalry with the Bears if Dallas ultimately secures Crosby instead of Chicago.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Proposal
- Raiders Receive: Wide receiver Chris Godwin, 2026 first-round pick (15th overall), 2027 second-round pick
- Buccaneers Receive: Maxx Crosby, 2027 fifth-round pick
The Buccaneers emerge as a less expected but plausible contender in this proposal. Raiders general manager John Spytek’s prior work relationship with Buccaneers GM Jason Licht could prove influential, facilitating trust and insider knowledge about Godwin’s fit as a top receiver for Las Vegas’ offense led by Mendoza.
This offer supplies the Raiders with two high draft picks—including a mid-first-round pick—while acquiring a proven wide receiver, accelerating their offensive rebuilding plans. However, fans of the Bears may be wary of Crosby landing on a team within their division’s schedule.
Los Angeles Chargers Suggestion
- Raiders Receive: 2026 second-round pick (55th overall), 2026 sixth-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick
- Chargers Receive: Maxx Crosby
This proposal stands out as the most questionable. It lacks a first-round pick, which nearly all other offers include, and would send Crosby directly to a divisional rival—a move unlikely for the Raiders. The relatively modest return on investment in draft selections seems inadequate for a player of Crosby’s impact and contract size.
The rationale behind omitting a first-round pick is explored by ESPN’s Seth Walder, though the reasoning remains unconvincing to many observers and likely to be rejected by the Raiders.
Chicago Bears’ Potential Offer
- Raiders Receive: Wide receiver DJ Moore, 2026 first-round pick (25th overall), 2027 third-round pick
- Bears Receive: Maxx Crosby
The Bears’ offer is among the most credible and strategically aligned trade proposals. Including DJ Moore along with two draft picks provides a valuable package for the Raiders looking to rebuild with offensive weapons and capital. This deal also affords Chicago significant salary cap relief, as noted by Jeremy Fowler, who specifies that the trade clears approximately $16.5 million in cap space while absorbing the remainder of Crosby’s three-year, $106.5 million contract.
While DJ Moore is a key contributor to Chicago’s offense and not necessarily on the trade block, the proposal underscores a real-world framework where acquiring a game-changing pass rusher like Crosby requires noteworthy assets. This trade could elevate Chicago’s defense and complement quarterback Caleb Williams’ development.
Trade Possibilities and What Lies Ahead
Of the four proposed trades, three offer logical and compelling scenarios for all parties involved, while the Chargers deal stands out as less credible. The Raiders have yet to publicly indicate an intention to trade Maxx Crosby, and if they decide to do so, interest will likely extend beyond the current four-team speculation.
Bears fans and analysts alike remain hopeful that Chicago will be active participants in any bidding process, given how Crosby’s addition could dramatically enhance their defense and overall competitiveness in the 2026 season and beyond.
Maxx Crosby’s Impact on the NFL Landscape
Maxx Crosby’s reputation as a disruptive presence on the defensive line and his consistent Pro Bowl selections cement his value around the league. Beyond on-field production, his contract demands and potential cap implications require teams to weigh talent against financial strategy carefully.
Ladies and gentlemen across the NFL—and especially Chicago—are watching closely as the combine and free agency approach, knowing that a deal involving Crosby could shift competitive dynamics substantially.
