Raiders Weighing Offers for Star Pass Rusher Maxx Crosby

The Raiders may look to trade their top defensive player as they rebuild, with the Bears emerging as a potential landing spot.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders are considering trading star pass rusher Maxx Crosby this offseason as they look to rebuild their roster. Crosby, 28, has been a dominant force for the Raiders, but with the team in a rebuild, they may look to maximize his trade value and acquire draft picks to aid their long-term plans. The Chicago Bears have emerged as a potential landing spot, with analysts suggesting they should pursue Crosby to pair with young quarterback Caleb Williams.

Why it matters

Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, so his potential departure would be a major loss for the Raiders. However, the team may decide it's in their best interest to trade him now while his value is high, rather than risk losing him in free agency down the road. The Bears would be an intriguing destination, as they have the cap space and need for an elite edge rusher to complement their young core.

The details

Crosby, 28, has been a standout for the Raiders since being drafted in the 4th round in 2019. He has racked up 69.5 sacks, 278 solo tackles, and 161 assisted tackles in 110 games. However, with the Raiders in a rebuild, they may look to move on from Crosby and acquire valuable draft capital to aid their long-term plans. Analysts like Colin Cowherd have suggested the Bears as a potential landing spot, as they have the cap space and need for an elite pass rusher to pair with young QB Caleb Williams.

  • Crosby will be 29 years old when the 2026 NFL season starts.
  • The 2023 NFL free agency period and draft are approaching in the coming months.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 28-year-old defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Caleb Williams

The young quarterback of the Chicago Bears, who is entering the third year of his rookie contract.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is weighing Crosby's future with the team.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who could be an aggressive suitor for Crosby.

Ben Johnson

The offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, who could benefit from adding an elite pass rusher like Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“The Chicago Bears, they are now this morning the odds-on favorite to sign Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Go for it. Ben Johnson's an aggressive guy. Ryan Poles is an aggressive GM. Go for it.”

— Colin Cowherd, FS1 Host (The Herd)

“Honestly, just knowing Maxx and everything that he brings to an organization, it's tough to make that decision. He's a very loyal guy, one of the most loyal guys that you could possibly have on your team, and he's wanting to get the job done. Everything that he does inspires so many people in the community and the organization.”

— Raheem Mostert, NFL Running Back (Good Morning Football)

“I think there's a chance that this happens this week, that he's on the move. If you're [Raiders general manager] John Spytek, and I had a chance to have a conversation with him at the Combine, if you want to maximize this, you want to get it done before everybody else is bidding on edge rushers or spending their money or spending their cap money, and you have the ability to move him before that happens.”

— James Palmer, NFL Reporter (Wake Up Barstool)

What’s next

The Raiders will likely look to trade Crosby in the coming weeks before the start of free agency, when his value could be highest. The Bears are seen as a potential landing spot, but other teams may also enter the bidding.

The takeaway

Maxx Crosby's potential departure from the Raiders highlights the difficult decisions teams face when rebuilding their rosters. While Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the league, the Raiders may decide it's in their best long-term interest to trade him now and acquire valuable draft capital. The Bears emerge as an intriguing destination, as they have the need and resources to acquire an elite edge rusher like Crosby.