The Chicago Bears know they need to be aggressive in the offseason to make sure they can go from being Divisional Round participants to being the new owners of the Lombardi Trophy by the end of the 2026 season.
That means Bears general manager Ryan Poles will be doing his research on players to add, including a detailed focus on pass rushers and on making sure Montez Sweat gets some help off the edge. One option might become more realistic as CBS Sports' Joel Corry gives an agent's perspective on Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and his contract situation, which would make it easier for the Bears to call them.
"Crosby was reportedly evaluating his future with the Raiders after vehemently opposing being shut down for the season due to a knee injury ahead of Week 17's game against the New York Giants. In order for a trade to occur, Crosby will likely have to force Raiders owner Mark Davis' hand. The Raiders briefly made Crosby the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback last March with a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, averaging $35.5 million, although he had two years remaining on his existing contract. The deal has $91.5 million in guarantees, of which $62.5 million was fully guaranteed at signing. There are four years worth $116.058 million left on Crosby's contract."
Bears must make a move for Maxx Crosby this offseason
This has been one of the most popular trade potentials of the offseason between the Bears and Raiders that would send Crosby to the Windy City. It's easy to see why the Bears would love to have him in the building, given what he has done throughout his career.
In seven seasons with the Raiders, Crosby has 69.5 sacks, with four of those seasons totaling more than 10 sacks. He has made five straight Pro Bowls and has been a second-team All-Pro twice.
Poles would have to give up a lot for Crosby that might include investing the future away with potentially two first round picks to acquire him. If Bears fans are being honest, that kind of production from Crosby and the potential of him and Sweat together makes it a winning combination, and any price for him would be worth it.
Read more: Ryan Poles certainly made it obvious who Bears are targeting in 2026 NFL Draft
Chicago fans will be waiting patiently for March to come around so trades can happen, but until then, the dream of Crosby in a Bears uniform will live in Bears fans' heads.