Bears Receive Bad News About Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors

A team insider throws cold water on the idea of the Bears trading for the Raiders' star pass rusher.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have received a disappointing update from an ESPN Chicago reporter regarding a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The reporter indicated that the Bears may not view Crosby as the missing piece that could push them to a Super Bowl, especially given the strength of the upcoming NFL draft class on defense.

Why it matters

The Bears are coming off an impressive 2025 season where they won the NFC North and made the playoffs. As they look to take the next step and become a Super Bowl contender, adding an elite pass rusher like Crosby could be a game-changer. However, the team may be hesitant to give up significant draft capital and other assets to acquire him.

The details

According to ESPN Chicago's Courtney Cronin, the Bears may not view themselves as "just one elite pass rusher away from winning a Super Bowl." Cronin noted that the 2026 NFL draft class is loaded with defensive talent, potentially making a trade for Crosby too costly for Chicago. Analyst Bill Barnwell had previously predicted the Bears would have to give up their 2026 first-round pick, wide receiver DJ Moore, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to land Crosby from the Raiders.

  • Crosby played in 15 games for the Raiders in the 2025 NFL season, recording 73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 6 defended passes.
  • The 2026 NFL offseason is about to get underway, with the Bears looking to build on their impressive 2025 campaign.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 28-year-old defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who is considered one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. In his 7-year career, he has totaled 439 tackles, 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and 29 defended passes.

Courtney Cronin

An ESPN Chicago reporter who provided the update on the Bears' potential interest in trading for Maxx Crosby.

Bill Barnwell

An NFL analyst who predicted the potential trade package the Bears would have to give up to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Caleb Williams

The rising star quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if the Bears view themselves as, 'We are just one elite pass rusher away from winning a Super Bowl,' when the draft class is as loaded with defensive talent as it is.”

— Courtney Cronin, ESPN Chicago reporter (ESPN)

“Because that would be a very expensive cost, because not only in Barnwell's piece, he predicted that they'd have to give up their 2026 first-round pick to get Maxx Crosby, and DJ Moore would be going to the Raiders, and then I believe it was a fifth-round pick in '27 coming back.”

— Courtney Cronin, ESPN Chicago reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bears will have to weigh the potential cost of acquiring Maxx Crosby against the team's other needs and the strength of the upcoming draft class on defense.

The takeaway

While Maxx Crosby would undoubtedly improve the Bears' pass rush, the team may be hesitant to part with significant draft capital and other assets to acquire him, especially if they feel the 2026 draft class can provide them with defensive talent that could have a similar impact at a lower cost.