If you were around for the Chicago Bears-Khalil Mack saga eight years ago, this is certainly starting to feel eerily similar.
The latest on Maxx Crosby, aside from all the trade rumors recently, saw the Bears soar to the no. 1 odds of being his next team. But now, we have an even newer tidbit to share.
CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones just published a column highlighting the Crosby situation, and if his words come true, this Bears fan base is going to be a very, very happy one.
"Multiple sources indicate the Chicago Bears are a team to watch in potentially dealing for Crosby ... they could be best positioned to do a deal if one can be done.
OK, then.
For what feels like months, even dating back to over a year ago, there have been, at the very least, whispers or questions in regards to whether or not Crosby would ever leave Las Vegas.
Now? They're starting to feel more real than ever.
The Chicago Bears have more than enough to offer for a Maxx Crosby trade
Jones also pointed out two very obvious and excellent points in line with the Bears and a possible Crosby trade:
"The Bears have their normal allotment of draft picks for 2026, but Chicago can still be aggressive to land a top-tier player thanks to having one more year of Caleb Williams playing on his rookie contract."
Outside of Chicago not possessing a pick in the sixth round, Jones is right on. But, he of course was likely referring to the higher picks. And in this case, he's correct. The Bears have a pick in the first five rounds, accompanied by two picks in the seventh.
If, for some reason, the Raiders wanted mulitple first rounders and the Bears had to oblige, they do have their picks in 2027. But, in a perfect world, the Bears are able to trade a first-round pick and a player, along with maybe a fourth-round selection, in order to get it done.
And, yes, Caleb Williams is on his rookie contract. Entering Year 3, Williams will likely start to hear about his future contract extension in the offseason of 2027. But for now, he's as cheap as he'll ever be, and the Bears can use that to their advantage.
Still facing some cap uncertainties, the Bears have decisions to make about players like Tremaine Edmunds and DJ Moore, who could be traded in the coming days as well.
Read more: Bears may have a Drew Dalman backup plan nobody is talking about
In order to absorb Crosby's (friendly) contract, Chicago still has a little work to do, cap-wise. But, Ryan Poles has several options ahead of him, in order to make that happen.