What a Maxx Crosby Trade Would Really Mean for the Bears
A recent report has stirred up quite the conversation in Chicago: the Bears could potentially land Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby - but it wouldn’t come cheap. According to a source connected to Las Vegas, the asking price starts with the Bears’ 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 Day Two selection, and wide receiver DJ Moore. There’s also a financial wrinkle: the deal reportedly becomes more realistic if the Bears agree to absorb some of Moore’s salary, trimming it down to around $18 million.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t a trade that’s on the verge of happening. There’s no indication the Bears have made an offer, and no confirmation that the Raiders are actively shopping Crosby.
This is a valuation conversation, not a negotiation. But it’s a fascinating one, because it forces the Bears - and their fans - to consider where this team stands in its rebuild, and whether a move like this fits into that vision.
The Crosby Factor: Game-Changer on the Edge
Maxx Crosby is the kind of player who can tilt the field. Durable, relentless, and disruptive, he’s one of the league’s premier edge rushers.
Plug him into a defense, and you immediately raise the floor - and the ceiling. He’s not just a sack artist; he’s a tone-setter.
For a Bears team that’s been searching for a consistent pass-rushing presence up front, Crosby would be a transformative addition.
From a pure football standpoint, there’s no question Crosby would make the Bears better. He’d give them a legitimate anchor on the defensive line, a player opposing coordinators have to scheme around every week. That kind of presence doesn’t just help the pass rush - it opens up opportunities for the entire defense.
The Cost: A Steep Price Tag
But here’s where things get complicated. To land Crosby, the Bears would reportedly have to part with:
- A 2026 first-round pick
- A 2027 Day Two pick
- DJ Moore, their top wide receiver
That’s a massive haul. Giving up a future first-rounder and a Day Two pick is already a serious investment. Add in DJ Moore - a proven, productive, and respected leader in the locker room - and you’re talking about a trade that would reshape the roster on both sides of the ball.
Moore isn’t just a reliable target. He’s one of the toughest, most consistent veterans on the team.
Removing him from the offense doesn’t just create a hole - it shifts the balance of the entire unit. And for a team still figuring out its long-term quarterback situation, taking away a top weapon could have ripple effects that extend well beyond one season.
The Bigger Picture: Does This Fit the Bears’ Timeline?
This is the heart of the debate. If the Bears believe they’re one elite defender away from contending, then a move like this starts to make sense. But if they’re still in the middle of building - developing young talent, accumulating draft capital, and maintaining financial flexibility - then the price for Crosby becomes much harder to justify.
Since the start of their rebuild, the Bears have prioritized smart roster construction: drafting well, managing the cap, and avoiding splashy, short-term moves that sacrifice long-term growth. Trading for Crosby would represent a significant shift from that approach.
Risk vs. Reward: A Balancing Act
Let’s break it down:
| Category | Potential Reward | Associated Risk |
|---|
| Player Impact | Immediate upgrade at a premium position | Performance may dip due to scheme fit or wear and tear | | Certainty | Proven NFL talent | Past success doesn’t guarantee future results |
| Timeline Fit | Ideal for a team ready to contend | Could hinder a team still developing its core | | Draft Capital | Avoids draft busts | Loses cheap, controllable contracts |
| Cap Management | Worth it if he plays at an elite level | Likely requires a big extension, limiting flexibility | | Injury Risk | Crosby’s been durable | One injury could nullify the entire investment |
| Roster Balance | Fixes a major need | Creates new ones, especially at WR | | Long-Term Value | Could lead the defense for years | Shorter prime window than a rookie deal |
Why the Bears Should Be Cautious
There’s no denying Crosby’s talent. But the Bears have worked hard to build a roster with depth, balance, and upside. Sacrificing a top receiver and multiple premium picks for one player - even a great one - could set that process back.
This isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about being smart.
The Bears can address their pass rush in the draft, where they still hold valuable picks. They can continue developing young talent, maintaining the kind of roster flexibility that allows them to pivot when the right opportunity comes along.
Big trades are always tempting, especially when they involve a marquee name like Crosby. But timing is everything in the NFL. And unless the Bears truly believe they’re ready to make a deep playoff run right now, this is a move that could cost more than it gives.
Crosby would be a star in Chicago - no doubt. But the smarter play might be staying the course.