The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 offseason with expectations of making another leap toward Super Bowl contention. While the franchise made significant moves in several areas, many around the NFL believe one glaring need remains unresolved: edge rusher.
Now, a familiar name is once again being connected to Chicago. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, if Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby becomes available ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the Bears could emerge as one of the leading suitors for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Despite the importance of the position in today’s NFL, Chicago chose not to make a major addition opposite Montez Sweat during the offseason. Instead, the Bears are placing their trust in a group of players filled with potential but lacking proven production.
Austin Booker and Shemar Turner remain largely untested at the NFL level, while Dayo Odeyingbo and Turner are both working their way back from significant injuries after disappointing 2025 campaigns.
The approach has raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. For a team with playoff aspirations, relying on multiple question marks at one of the game’s most critical positions is a considerable gamble.
Maxx Crosby’s Future Remains Uncertain
For now, Maxx Crosby remains a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, questions surrounding his long-term future continue to linger.
Earlier this offseason, the Raiders reportedly explored a deal that would have sent Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens before concerns regarding his knee reportedly led to the trade collapsing.
Las Vegas ultimately retained its defensive superstar, but many league observers believe Crosby could become available again if the Raiders struggle during another rebuilding campaign. That possibility is exactly what Graziano highlighted.
ESPN Identifies Chicago as Potential Landing Spot
While discussing players who could emerge as trade candidates during the season, Graziano specifically mentioned Chicago as a team worth watching.
“Crosby might stick with the Raiders all year at this point, but if he’s going to get traded at all, we’re probably looking at something in-season ahead of the deadline,” Graziano wrote.
“If a team such as the Cowboys, Bills, Bears or Patriots finds itself in contention and in need of an impact pass rusher, things could get interesting here again.”
The logic is easy to understand. A contending Bears team with an inconsistent pass rush could view Crosby as the final piece needed to compete with the NFL’s elite.
Why Crosby Fits Chicago
Few defensive players would impact Chicago more than Crosby. The relentless pass rusher has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive stars, combining elite production, durability, and leadership.
Pairing Crosby with Montez Sweat would instantly transform Chicago’s pass rush into one of the league’s most feared units. It would also relieve pressure on the Bears’ younger edge defenders while creating matchup problems for opposing offensive lines every week.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
