The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason where they're looking to bolster the roster at positions of need. That includes edge rusher, and Chicago has been linked to Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who's garnering plenty of trade buzz.
There's a growing belief that Crosby will be traded this week, and the Bears are emerging as a strong contender for the five-time Pro Bowler. There was also a report that Chicago is Crosby's preferred destination, which isn't a surprise given how he's hit it off with quarterback Caleb Williams and his respect for Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, but it would be costly to add a player like that. So what might a trade look like? Here are two possibilities featuring dealing two key veterans who could be on the way out of Chicago.
Hypothetical Trade #1
- Bears receive: Maxx Crosby
- Raiders receive: 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds
The Bears desperately need help creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. It is one of their top keys to elevating beyond a one-playoff-win team. The question is, what are they willing to give up for it? Rumors have it that two first-round picks may be involved in a deal for Crosby. The Bears may be hesitant to do a trade like that because they don't have more than one season of proof that they are a legitimate contender in the NFC. In two years, they may be willing to part with two firsts, but now might not be the time.
If that is the case, a deal like this could still get it done if the Raiders become desperate to move on from Crosby, who clearly wants out. Instead of dealing two firsts, Chicago could part ways with a 2026 first rounder and 2027 second rounder, as well as a player or two.
Las Vegas is reportedly interested in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who could help their defense in the middle of the field, as they would then have a void on the defensive line with Crosby gone. After having a solid year in 2025, there is value in Edmunds right now, and letting him go in the deal would make room for Crosby's contract, plus anything else they may need.
Wide receiver DJ Moore would also add financial depth to the organization by being sent off in a trade. Crosby is going to make a lot of money, and plenty of young players on the Bears will need pay upgrades soon. On the field, Moore would be very helpful for a young quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders are likely going to take with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore could help Mendoza hit the ground running in the NFL.
Hypothetical Trade #2
- Bears receive: Maxx Crosby
- Raiders receive: 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, DJ Moore
Is there a world where the Bears do give up two first-round picks? Well, it depends on their opinion on where they are, what they think of 2026, and where they rank Crosby on the list of top pass rushers. If all of those things suggest that moving two firsts makes sense, then they should not hesitate.
Having a high-end quarterback on a rookie deal doesn't happen often, so the ability to allocate some of that money to other parts of the roster is important while you can. Trading for a player like Crosby is a good way to take advantage of Caleb Williams and where he's at.
If the Bears did give up two firsts, they'd have to give up less on the back-end of the deal. Instead of a second-round pick and Tremaine Edmunds being included, only sending Moore might be enough. Again, Chicago would be shedding some salary in Moore with lots of potential replacements in the pipeline. Also, the Raiders would be adding a great receiver to work with a young quarterback, a role that Moore has already had experience performing in.
Although, especially following Drew Dalman's retirement, the Bears have more than just the pass rush to worry about. Adding a talent like Maxx Crosby would make their defense better in every way. Everyone would be better at their job if Crosby came to town, but it's a matter of the price and if Chicago is willing to pay it.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears, Maxx Crosby trade rumors: Hypothetical packages