The Maxx Crosby sweepstakes are finally over, and it all went down before free agency got here, not in the Chicago Bears' favor.
The Baltimore Ravens will be enjoying Crosby on their depth chart for the next three years, as he is on a three-year deal with the 28-year-old defensive star, worth $106.5 million, that he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders well before being traded. Baltimore sent two first-round picks to the Raiders to get Crosby.
With the departure of several key position players in free agency and beyond, the Bears' defense is looking thin.
Bears' new options to replace their Maxx Crosby idea
Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints, is set to hit the open market. The 31-year-old defensive end has been one of the most prominent pass rushers in the NFL for over five years. 2023 and 2024 saw him post back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons, and he boasts 81 sacks across his veteran career.
Signing a proven player like Hendrickson wouldn't come with the added cost of draft capital like a trade for Crosby would have brought. He'd be a natural opposite to Montez Sweat, and he could provide much-needed depth in the Bears' secondary.
Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Phillips is another potential option. The 26-year-old edge rusher is coming off the rookie contract that saw him traded from Miami to the Eagles in November. He's one of the youngest prime edge rushers on the market, and a pairing between Phillips could make sense in the long term.
Phillips has dealt with several injuries across his career, most notably a non-contact torn Achilles in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2024. Two consecutive season-ending injuries are a black spot on any player's career, no matter how talented.
In 2025, Phillips recorded just five sacks in 17 games, but was ninth in the NFL in pressures (73) and fifth in hurries (57). A deal with the Bears could make short-term sense, but any front office would be wary of an injury-ridden young player.
Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack, though 35, is an option. Mack enjoyed formidable success in Chicago between 2018 and 2021. 2018 was a particularly good one for Mack and the Bears, where Mack recorded 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles, and a first-team All-Pro accolade to boot. He was the centerpiece of one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Many Bears fans would like to see a reunion with the proven veteran, but planning for future success is essential. Mack could be a good option to provide essential depth in the secondary, but he's not the answer Ryan Poles and the front office are looking for.
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The Bears may have missed out on Crosby, but the need for a reliable pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat has not changed. Whether it comes through free agency or another unexpected move, Beras general manager Ryan Poles will still need to find a way to reinforce the defensive front before the 2026 season begins.