If this proposed blockbuster deal ever came to life, it would mark one of the boldest moves of Ryan Poles’ tenure as Chicago Bears general manager - and that’s saying something. The trade idea making the rounds? Shipping wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
Let’s break this down.
The Bears' Defensive Dilemma
Chicago’s defense has been stuck in neutral when it comes to generating consistent pressure. Despite adding Montez Sweat - who turned in a solid 10-sack season - the Bears still finished 29th in sack rate last year.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a defense that blitzed at a rate just above league average. The numbers tell the story: even with Sweat playing at a Pro Bowl level, opposing quarterbacks had too much time to operate.
A big part of the problem? The supporting cast hasn’t delivered.
Dayo Odeyingbo, brought in to be a rotational disruptor, notched just one sack and four QB knockdowns in eight games before an Achilles injury ended his season. Financially, it’s a tough hit too - $13 million of his $15.5 million base salary for 2026 is guaranteed.
Then there’s Grady Jarrett. A proven veteran, but in his first year in Chicago, he managed just 1.5 sacks and eight knockdowns. Like Odeyingbo, Jarrett’s deal is loaded with guaranteed money - $13 million of his $14.3 million salary next season is locked in.
On the younger side, Gervon Dexter Sr. and Austin Booker have shown flashes. Both are on rookie deals and bring value, but neither has emerged as a game-changing force off the edge. The Bears simply haven’t found that premier pass rusher who can tilt the field.
Enter Maxx Crosby
That’s where Maxx Crosby changes the equation.
Crosby is coming off his fourth double-digit sack season - 10 in total - and has been to the Pro Bowl five times in his seven-year career. He’s not just productive; he’s relentless. His motor runs hot from kickoff to the final whistle, and he’s one of the few edge rushers in the league who can single-handedly wreck a game plan.
Pairing him with Montez Sweat would give Chicago a legitimate one-two punch on the edge - the kind of tandem that forces offensive coordinators to sleep with one eye open. And for a defense that managed just 35 total sacks last season, adding Crosby would be a seismic shift in identity.
The Cost: DJ Moore and a First-Rounder
Of course, this kind of talent doesn’t come cheap.
The proposed deal sends DJ Moore and a 2026 first-round pick to Las Vegas. Moore, acquired in the blockbuster trade that brought the Bears the No. 1 overall pick back in 2023, was expected to be a cornerstone of the offense.
And for a while, he was. In his first season with Chicago, he posted 1,364 receiving yards - a career-high.
But since then, his production has dipped sharply. Moore finished the 2025 season with just 682 yards, marking his third consecutive season of declining output. Whether it’s scheme fit, quarterback play, or simply wear and tear, Moore hasn’t looked like the same explosive playmaker.
That’s not to say he’s without value. Moore is still a respected veteran with strong route-running and reliable hands. But in a league where cap space and draft capital are currency, the Bears may see this as an opportunity to sell high and address a far more pressing need.
Offense Still in Good Hands?
The Bears appear confident in the direction of their offense. Moore’s departure wouldn’t be the end of the world - especially if the front office believes in the development of their young pass-catchers or has plans to reload through the draft or free agency. And if they’re truly building around a new quarterback (or continuing to develop one), a dominant defense might be just as important as a go-to receiver.
Adding Crosby would give Chicago the kind of defensive identity they’ve been chasing - one built on pressure, disruption, and game-changing plays. It’s the kind of move that could lift the entire unit, from the secondary to the linebacking corps.
High Risk, High Reward
Let’s be clear: this is a massive swing. Giving up DJ Moore and a first-round pick is no small price. But if the Bears believe they’re a dominant edge rusher away from taking the next step - and if they’re sold on their offensive core without Moore - then this is the kind of aggressive, win-now move that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory.
For a team still searching for its identity under Poles, this trade would send a loud and clear message: the Bears are done waiting. They’re ready to hunt.