Bears Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trades for All-Pro Defenders

Chicago looking to bolster defense ahead of Caleb Williams' contract extension

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Chicago Bears are reportedly exploring potential blockbuster trades to acquire All-Pro defenders Budda Baker from the Arizona Cardinals and Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. The moves would help the Bears strengthen their defense as they look to build around quarterback Caleb Williams ahead of his upcoming contract extension.

Why it matters

The Bears were one win away from the NFC Championship game last season, and with Williams entering his third year, the team is looking to be aggressive in upgrading the roster to make a Super Bowl push. Acquiring elite defensive talents like Baker and Crosby could give the Bears' defense a major boost and help them close the gap to championship contention.

The details

Sports Illustrated proposed a trade that would send the Bears a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for four-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker. Meanwhile, the Bears have also been linked to a potential trade for Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby after Crosby appeared on a podcast with Bears QB Caleb Williams and expressed his admiration for the young star.

  • The Bears' season ended in the divisional round of the playoffs in 2025.
  • Caleb Williams will be eligible for a contract extension after the 2026 season.

The players

Budda Baker

A four-time Pro Bowl safety for the Arizona Cardinals who is known for his versatility and playmaking ability on defense.

Maxx Crosby

An All-Pro defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' young star quarterback who is entering his third season and will soon be eligible for a lucrative contract extension.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach who has made it clear the team is starting over and looking to build a championship contender around Caleb Williams.

Ryan Poles

The Bears' general manager who will need to be aggressive in free agency and trades to surround Williams with top talent.

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What they’re saying

“There is no building off of this. We go back to square one. We are back at the bottom again and that's really all 32 teams. If you feel otherwise, you're probably missing the big picture.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears (Heavy.com)

“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 and 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)

What’s next

The Bears will need to determine if they can afford the hefty cap hit for Budda Baker, while also potentially working out a trade package with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby. These moves would need to be completed before the start of the 2026 season as the team looks to build a championship contender around Caleb Williams.

The takeaway

The Bears are clearly in a 'win-now' mode, and are willing to be aggressive in the trade market to surround their young star quarterback Caleb Williams with elite defensive talent. Acquiring players like Budda Baker and Maxx Crosby would be a bold statement of intent as the team looks to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl.