The Chicago Bears have positioned themselves as front-runners to acquire Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, with several reports indicating a trade could be finalized before the upcoming free agency period. The growing momentum around the Maxx Crosby trade rumors centers on Chicago’s strong interest and favorable conditions for a deal.
Reasons Behind Crosby’s Departure from Las Vegas
Maxx Crosby’s trade availability reflects a significant breakdown in his relationship with the Raiders. In late 2023, Raiders GM John Spytek decided to shut down Crosby for the final two games of the season to secure better draft positioning. While Las Vegas clinched the first overall pick with a 3-14 finish, the move caused friction with Crosby, a fiercely competitive player and the defensive leader.
The tension is not new. Crosby’s intense playing style drew warnings from former Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who cautioned him to tone down his approach to avoid being cut. This fiery nature is integral to Crosby’s identity but clashes with a franchise in a tanking phase.
Throughout his Raiders career, Crosby has experienced considerable instability, working under five head coaches including interim Rich Bisaccia, with newly appointed Klint Kubiak set to become his sixth. Despite this turnover, the team has seen only one winning season during his tenure.
Compounding the challenges were trust issues extending beyond coaching. Reports highlighted the influence of Alex Guerrero, the team’s wellness coordinator and close associate of Tom Brady, who played a controversial internal role by sharing sensitive information and affecting staff dynamics. This arrangement did not garner widespread confidence among veteran players.
In January, after dismissing Pete Carroll, Raiders owner Mark Davis entrusted full football operations to GM John Spytek and Brady, who now face critical decisions about Crosby’s future with the team.
Trade Timing and Team Interest
Las Vegas intends to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick and views trading Crosby as a strategic move to accelerate rebuilding efforts. By exchanging a veteran star for valuable draft assets, the Raiders aim to lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Crosby has attracted interest from at least a half dozen teams since last year’s NFL Combine, and demand appears to be increasing. The Raiders reportedly seek a compensation package comparable to the trade Dallas negotiated for Micah Parsons, which included two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Factors like Crosby’s upcoming 29th birthday and recent meniscus surgery temper his trade value, but demand remains strong.
Insiders such as Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated suggest a deal could happen swiftly. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the likelihood of Crosby returning to the Raiders is considered “relatively small,” while Dianna Russini of The Athletic emphasized that the final decision will
“come down to what Maxx wants.”
Why the Bears Are the Leading Contenders
According to Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado, Crosby has expressed a preference for joining Chicago if he has input in the decision. The main sticking point is arranging a contract extension that satisfies all parties.
Crosby’s recent conversation on Caleb Williams’ podcast fueled further speculation, as he praised Williams and the Bears’ team direction.
Chicago’s defensive needs are clear. In 2025, the Bears ranked 22nd in sacks with 35, led by Montez Sweat, who achieved double-digit sacks for the first time on the team since Robert Quinn in 2021. However, Sweat has lacked a strong complementary pass rusher. Crosby delivered 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss last season despite battling injuries. His tackles for loss total was second in the NFL, and ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell pointed out that pairing Crosby with Sweat would make it far harder for offenses to focus block assignments in one direction.
Proposed Trade Details and Salary Cap Implications
The most discussed trade proposal involves the Bears sending wide receiver DJ Moore, along with Chicago’s 2026 first-round pick (No. 25 overall) and a 2027 third-round pick, to the Raiders in exchange for Crosby. For Las Vegas, acquiring Moore offers Fernando Mendoza an immediate top receiver, while the picks support their broader rebuild.
For Chicago, parting ways with Moore will shift the offensive focus toward players like Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden III alongside Williams. It also frees approximately $16.5 million in salary cap space, instrumental in facilitating Crosby’s reported three-year, $106.5 million extension.
Additional salary cap flexibility could come from the recent retirement of center Drew Dalman, which clears close to $10 million, and potential moves involving linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, which might add up to a combined $25 million in available space. While the financial figures remain tight, they are workable within the Bears’ roster planning.
The final variable is Bears GM Ryan Poles, known for cautious management of draft capital. This trade would undoubtedly be the boldest and most high-stakes move of his tenure, reflecting a clear intent to accelerate the team’s competitive trajectory.
Implications of the Expected Trade
Maxx Crosby has consistently set a high bar in a franchise that has struggled to reach his level of performance. As the Raiders pivot to a long-term strategy around Fernando Mendoza, insiders widely anticipate Crosby’s departure. The Chicago Bears possess both the motivation and assets necessary to complete the deal.
Ultimately, the decisive factor will be whether Chicago is prepared to meet Crosby’s urgency and match his competitive intensity as they seek to improve their defensive front and overall team outlook.
