Bears Reportedly Interested in Raiders' Star Maxx Crosby

Crosby's connection with Bears QB Caleb Williams fuels trade speculation

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Chicago Bears are once again at the center of speculation regarding a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. The buzz began after Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appeared as a guest on Crosby's podcast, where Crosby made comments that have been widely interpreted as a potential recruitment pitch to join the Bears. The two players have a history of mutual respect dating back to their 2025 matchup, and the Bears' success combined with the Raiders' struggles has led to speculation about Crosby's future in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

Adding a player of Crosby's caliber to the Bears' defensive line would create a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Montez Sweat, potentially elevating the team to Super Bowl contention. However, the Raiders must first decide if they are willing to part ways with one of their star players.

The details

During Crosby's podcast appearance with Williams, Crosby made comments that have been interpreted as a potential recruitment pitch to join the Bears, stating 'You need me, hit me at any time. It goes vice versa.' The two players have a history of mutual respect, with Williams praising Crosby as 'probably the best player I've ever played against so far' after their 2025 matchup. The Bears' success and the Raiders' struggles have fueled speculation about Crosby's future in Las Vegas, with reports suggesting he is 'done' with the Raiders.

  • The Bears and Raiders faced off in Week 4 of the 2025 season, a game the Bears won 25-24.
  • The NFL Combine, taking place next week, could provide a venue for further discussions between the two teams.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been the subject of trade rumors, with reports suggesting he is 'done' with the team.

Caleb Williams

The starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, who has a history of mutual respect with Crosby and appeared as a guest on Crosby's podcast, sparking trade speculation.

Montez Sweat

A defensive end for the Chicago Bears who would form a formidable pass-rushing duo with Crosby if the Bears were to acquire him.

Josh Blackwell

A player for the Chicago Bears who made a game-winning blocked field goal in the 2025 matchup against the Raiders.

Jay Glazer

A reporter for NBC Sports who reported that Crosby is 'done' with the Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“Just to be open and honest, bro, like we talked about earlier, but respect at a different level, bro. You're one of those guys, for sure, and you're just getting started. I don't even know you understand yet how good you can be, and that's the scariest part. You know what I mean? Just keep that mindset, keep doing what you're doing. You know we're locked in forever. So keep doing your thing, bro. You need me, hit me at any time. It goes vice versa.”

— Maxx Crosby (The Rush Podcast)

“Probably the best player I've ever played against so far in my career.”

— Caleb Williams (Post-game interview)

What’s next

The NFL Combine, taking place next week, could provide a venue for further discussions between the Bears and Raiders regarding a potential trade for Maxx Crosby.

The takeaway

The potential acquisition of Maxx Crosby by the Chicago Bears would create a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Montez Sweat, potentially elevating the team to Super Bowl contention. However, the Raiders must first decide if they are willing to part ways with one of their star players, a decision that could be influenced by the upcoming NFL Combine.