As the Chicago Bears focus on building a team capable of competing for the Super Bowl in the 2026-27 season, they are reportedly pursuing a trade for defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. This interest intensifies following recent moves designed to increase their financial flexibility and bolster their trade assets.
On March 5, the Bears executed a notable trade sending wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. In return, Chicago acquired a 2026 second-round pick while the Bills received Moore along with a 2026 fifth-round selection. This deal not only netted the Bears valuable draft capital but also freed significant salary cap space, enhancing their ability to pursue top-tier players like Crosby.
Trade Timing and Financial Moves Suggest Bears Are Leading Contenders
The Bears have risen to become frontrunners for Crosby, especially after the Dallas Cowboys reportedly lost momentum in this pursuit. Market indicators from Kalshi show Chicago ahead in trade predictions, followed closely by the possibility of Crosby remaining in Las Vegas.
Sports analyst Robert Zeglinski highlighted several financial and strategic factors supporting the Bears’ position. He explained that the DJ Moore trade
means an additional $16.5 million is now available for the Bears to work with. When now-retired center Drew Dalman’s departure is made official, the Bears will have about another $10 million available, giving them just about $34 million in cap space without any more cuts or trades (Tremaine Edmunds?).
This substantial cap room could be critical in securing Crosby to strengthen Chicago’s defense.
Zeglinski also pointed out,
Factor in the second-round draft pick the Bills sent to the Bears for Moore, and Chicago now also has a solid war chest to work with in terms of trade assets.
This additional leverage gives the Bears flexibility to negotiate a deal advantageous to their long-term roster plans.
The timing of the Moore transaction appears significant as well. According to Zeglinski,
it doesn’t feel like a coincidence that reports that the Las Vegas Raiders were more open to trading Maxx Crosby came out right after the terms of the Bears’ Moore trade were finalized. Lest anyone forget, the Bears have apparently been the favorite for Crosby, should he leave Las Vegas, all week.
This sequence suggests coordinated maneuvers by the Bears aimed at positioning themselves as prime candidates for Crosby’s acquisition.
Las Vegas Raiders Open to Exploring Offers for Maxx Crosby
During the 2026 NFL Combine, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek addressed questions about Crosby’s future with the team. While initially affirming Crosby’s presence on the roster in 2026, Spytek’s remarks also hinted at openness to potential trades.
Spytek remarked,
Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them,
signaling high regard for Crosby’s talent.
He further acknowledged the fluid nature of roster management, stating,
I learned a long time ago, always listen. I’m always listening.
This openness implies that the Raiders are prepared to consider offers for Crosby if they align with the franchise’s strategic goals.
Implications of the Potential Maxx Crosby Move for the Bears and Raiders
The Bears’ recent trade for DJ Moore and the significant cap space it generated underscore their aggressive approach to building a championship contender. Should they secure Crosby, Chicago would add a premier pass rusher to a defense in need of impact playmakers.
For the Raiders, trading Crosby could mark a strategic shift as they aim to balance elite talent with wider team needs and long-term planning under GM John Spytek. Both teams will watch closely as trade discussions evolve, with the Bears leading the conversation due to their recent moves and salary cap maneuvering.
As Maxx Crosby trade rumors continue to develop, the coming weeks will be pivotal for both franchises, potentially reshaping their competitive outlooks for the 2026 NFL season.
Compensation agreed upon:
🏈Buffalo gets: DJ Moore and 2026 5th-round pick.
🏈Chicago gets: 2026 2nd-round pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
