The Maxx Crosby situation in Las Vegas may reach a resolution sooner than expected. According to Sports Illustrated analyst Albert Breer, momentum appears to be building toward a possible trade, and the Chicago Bears are among the teams monitoring the situation closely.
In his latest MMQB column, Breer suggested that despite public statements indicating otherwise, Crosby’s future with the Raiders is far from certain.
“I’d lean toward a Maxx Crosby trade happening, and maybe this week,” he wrote. “But there’s going to have to be some needle-threading. I don’t think the Raiders want to go through the song-and-dance of shopping him, nor do I believe Crosby wants it advertised that he’s looking for suitors, given his bond with owner Mark Davis, and his view of himself as a Raider.”
Breer added that the cleanest path forward would be for interest to build naturally rather than through a public bidding war.
“So what would be the cleanest for everyone is for a market to emerge organically," Breer wrote. "And that could happen, given that most teams are going to start spending to their cap and cash budgets, and filling roster spots a week from now.”
With free agency approaching, teams across the league are evaluating cap space and roster needs. Several organizations have already made aggressive moves, signaling that the market is beginning to take shape. If Crosby is indeed available, interested teams may not wait long to act.
Breer specifically mentioned that the Dallas Cowboys, Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams are keeping tabs on Crosby’s availability.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
For the Bears, the appeal is obvious. Crosby is one of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers and could immediately elevate Chicago’s defense. A move like this would signal that the Bears believe their window to compete is wide open.
However, a deal would not be simple. Crosby turns 29 before the season begins and is coming off two injury-shortened campaigns. The Raiders are unlikely to receive the type of haul Dallas once commanded for Micah Parsons, but they will still expect significant draft capital in return. Multiple first-round picks may be their starting point, even if that demand softens during negotiations.
Chicago has pieces that could interest Las Vegas. A package involving wide receiver DJ Moore, a first-round selection and additional draft compensation could make sense from a roster-building standpoint. For the Bears, acquiring Crosby would likely provide more immediate value than selecting at No. 25 in the draft.
There is also the personal element. Crosby reportedly maintains a strong relationship with Raiders owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek. That could influence how this process unfolds. At the same time, Crosby has made it clear in the past that he wants to compete at a high level, and the Raiders appear to be in the early stages of a reset.
If a trade happens, it could reshape the offseason landscape. The Bears are not alone in their interest, so timing will matter. With free agency approaching, clarity on Crosby’s future may arrive sooner rather than later.