The Chicago Bears are 11-5 on the season and winners of the NFC North, but that does not mean this roster is ready to go on a run. While the Bears are going to have at least one home playoff game this year, GM Ryan Poles has some work to do.
Last offseason, when Ben Johnson arrived, the Bears overhauled the offensive line with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. All three moves have turned out to be home runs, as the Bears' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and this run game has taken off.
Well, the defensive line is the next unit that will need this type of change. Fortunately, a recent bombshell report has given the Bears an early target to improve the DL in the 2026 NFL Offseason. Chicago has the sixth-fewest sacks this year with just 32, and the run defense has given up the fifth-most rushing yards this year as well. Simply put, the DL needs help, and this disgruntled AFC pass-rusher could be the solution.
Chicago Bears must make a strong trade offer to land Maxx Crosby
Dianna Russini is reporting that the Las Vegas Raiders might be willing to trade Maxx Crosby this coming offseason:
For the first time, league sources believe the Raiders would be open to moving Maxx Crosby this offseason.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 3, 2026
The relationship between the two sides remains strained after the five-time Pro Bowler was shut down for the season: https://t.co/umvZZLtpZF pic.twitter.com/q9COsQwW22
In 110 career games with 104 starts, Maxx Crosby has 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, and 164 QB hits. This is now year seven for him, and he's made five Pro Bowls. He'd be entering his age-29 season in 2026 and is clearly still an elite player. Well, would one of these trade offers be enough for Ryan Poles to land Maxx Crosby?
Three trade packages for Maxx Crosby the Raiders might not be able to refuse
WR DJ Moore and 2026 1st-Round Pick for DE Maxx Crosby
The Las Vegas Raiders' WR room is a bit barren, but DJ Moore might help Vegas reverse that. The Raiders are likely taking a QB with their first-round pick, so giving that rookie QB a reliable weapon in Moore makes a lot of sense. Vegas also includes their 2026 first-round pick, a selection in all three of these trade packages.
The offense may not take much of a step back without Moore, but the defense would be significantly better.
2026 1st-Round Pick and 2027 2nd-Round Pick for DE Maxx Crosby
If the Bears go with an all-draft-pick offer, they might have to include a first-rounder this year and a second-rounder this year. With the Raiders in a clear-cut rebuilding mode, the front office may actually desire as many draft picks as they can get.
Read more: FOX commentator got brutally honest about what Bears win over Lions would prove
2026 1st-Round Pick and DE Austin Booker for DE Maxx Crosby
In just nine games for the Bears this year, second-year defensive end Austin Booker has 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He's clearly a young player trending in the right direction and might be a desirable piece in a trade, as Vegas could be looking to get a young player back in return. Chicago still includes the 2026 first-round pick in the deal, which will likely have to be the foundation of this trade.