The Chicago Bears are in a pivotal spot. After making it to the Divisional Round, they’ve shown they’re close-but not quite there yet.
Now comes the hard part: turning promise into a real Super Bowl push. And that means general manager Ryan Poles has work to do this offseason, especially when it comes to bolstering the pass rush.
There’s already buzz around one name that could take Chicago’s defense from good to downright scary: Maxx Crosby.
Let’s talk about why this potential move is gaining traction-and why it makes a lot of sense for both sides, particularly the Bears.
Maxx Crosby’s Situation in Vegas
Crosby’s future with the Raiders has started to look a little murky. According to reports, he wasn’t thrilled about the team’s decision to shut him down late in the season due to a knee injury. That Week 17 move against the Giants reportedly didn’t sit well with him, and it’s led to speculation that he might be re-evaluating his future in Las Vegas.
Now, this isn’t a player you just casually move. Last March, the Raiders handed Crosby a massive three-year, $106.5 million extension-even though he still had two years left on his deal.
That pushed his average to $35.5 million per year, briefly making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The contract includes $91.5 million in guarantees, with $62.5 million of that fully guaranteed at signing.
All told, there are four years and just over $116 million left on his deal.
So no, this wouldn’t be a simple trade. But if Crosby wants out, and if the Raiders are willing to listen, the Bears could absolutely be in play.
Why the Bears Should Pick Up the Phone
Let’s not overthink this-Crosby is one of the best edge rushers in the game. Over seven seasons, he’s racked up 69.5 sacks, with four double-digit sack campaigns.
He’s been a Pro Bowler five years running and has earned second-team All-Pro honors twice. That’s elite production, and it’s consistent.
Now imagine pairing that with Montez Sweat, who’s already helped elevate Chicago’s front since arriving. That duo could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Bears haven’t had a one-two punch like that off the edge in years, and it’s exactly the kind of firepower a team needs to contend deep into January.
Of course, a deal like this wouldn’t come cheap. We’re likely talking about a significant haul-possibly two first-round picks.
That’s a steep price. But if you’re the Bears, and you believe Crosby is the missing piece to take your defense from solid to dominant, then it’s a price worth paying.
This isn’t about mortgaging the future for a flash-in-the-pan move. Crosby is still in his prime and under contract for four more years. This is about investing in a player who could anchor your defense for the rest of the decade.
What's Next?
The NFL trade window doesn’t officially open until March, but you can bet front offices are already laying the groundwork. For Bears fans, that means a few more weeks of waiting-and dreaming.
But the vision is clear: Crosby in navy and orange, lining up opposite Sweat, giving offensive coordinators sleepless nights. If Poles can pull it off, it could be the move that shifts the balance of power in the NFC.
For now, it’s just a possibility. But it’s one worth watching closely.