Going to around last season's trade deadline, the Chicago Bears have been to some extent tied to Maxx Crosby trade speculation. The reveal of his request to be traded by the Las Vegas Raiders as last season wound down added fuel to that speculation as the offseason started, and Bears general manager Ryan Poles confirmed he was involved in those conversations.
The Raiders agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens back in March. But the Ravens balked at where he was in his recovery from January knee surgery, as if it were some big secret, and backed out of the deal before it could be made official.
If the Raiders are in the midst of another losing season come the trade deadline in November, but he is healthy and productive, contending teams are sure to come calling about Crosby. For now though, barring something completely unforeseen, the five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher isn't going anywhere.
Bears just can't escape being tied to Maxx Crosby trade talk
Despite edge rusher looking like a significant need, and one they did not address in free agency or the draft, the Bears are instead leaning into coaching incumbent players better to bolster the pass rush opposite Montez Sweat. Time will tell whether a shift in that plan becomes necessary before or during the season.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has offered up potential trade packages for six NFL players who need a fresh start. Crosby rounds out the list, with a proposed trade package that would bring him to Chicago.
Chicago Bears Receive:Â Edge Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders Receive:Â 2027 Round 1 Pick, 2028 Round 2 Pick
After mentioning the trade to the Ravens that didn't go through and the Bears' reported interest in Crosby, Davenport got to the bottom line.
"Despite a clear need at edge-rusher, the Bears did little in free agency or this year's draft to address the position. Crosby is saying all the right things, but there is no way his relationship with a team that shut him down against his wishes last year and then tried to trade him to Baltimore is perfectly harmonious."
"Chicago has Super Bowl aspirations in 2026, and the Raiders will be fortunate just to be chasing a playoff berth by 2028. Vegas needs to add young assets. Think about that long-term vision Chicago's head coach mentioned."
"And the return for Crosby may never be better than what it is right now if the Ravens are right about his knee."
The Bears obviously balked at giving up two first-round picks for Crosby earlier this offseason, and the ship has now sailed on the idea that the Raiders will be able to get that for him in a trade as he enters his age-29 season.
Should the Bears find themselves in a position to add an edge rusher late this offseason or closer to the trade deadline, it's also safe to say that the ideal wheelhouse is not likely to include embracing the cost of adding Crosby.
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But with a big need at edge rusher (perceived or otherwise), and the overall uncertainty of his situation, the Bears and Crosby will be matched in trade speculation until further notice.
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