Bears Remain Hopeful on Acquiring Raiders' Maxx Crosby

Chicago is still targeting defensive line help, including a potential trade for the star pass rusher.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears have not given up on their pursuit of Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Despite the Raiders initially agreeing to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, that deal fell through, leaving the door open for the Bears to potentially acquire the elite defensive player.

Why it matters

Adding a dominant pass rusher like Crosby would significantly bolster the Bears' defense and make them an even stronger contender in the NFC after their playoff appearance last season. The Bears are looking to upgrade their pass rush and interior defensive line, and Crosby fits the bill as one of the league's premier edge rushers.

The details

The Bears had previously explored trading for Crosby a few weeks ago but did not get seriously involved at the time. However, with the Ravens' trade for Crosby falling through, the Bears have renewed their interest in potentially acquiring the star defensive end from the Raiders.

  • In the 2026 NFL offseason, the Bears were one of the teams most connected to a potential trade for Maxx Crosby.
  • A few weeks ago, the Bears kicked the tires on a trade for Crosby but did not get seriously involved.
  • The Ravens had agreed to trade for Crosby, but that deal ultimately fell through, leaving him still with the Raiders.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens but remains with the Raiders for now.

Chicago Bears

An NFL team that made the playoffs last season and is looking to upgrade their pass rush and defensive line, with Crosby being a potential target.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Bears would like to walk away from the next two months with some edge pressure help or some defensive line help, maybe on an interior rusher, possibly on the outside. And they haven't given up the dream of a Maxx Crosby opening if they can try to buy low a little bit now that he's back with the Raiders. They kicked the tires on it a couple weeks ago. They ultimately didn't get seriously involved, but he's the type of player they would love.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bears will continue to monitor the situation with Crosby and the Raiders, looking for an opportunity to potentially acquire the star pass rusher to bolster their defense.

The takeaway

The Bears' persistent interest in Maxx Crosby shows their commitment to improving their pass rush and defensive line, even after a successful playoff run last season. Acquiring a dominant edge rusher like Crosby could take the Bears' defense to the next level and make them an even more formidable contender in the NFC.