Bears’ blockbuster trade chances may have just increased tremendously

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 8:47 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are currently preparing for their Wild Card Round playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, so that is at the forefront of their minds. But we would be kidding ourselves to think that they are not at least monitoring potential offseason scenarios.

One potential target for the Bears after the campaign concludes could be Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who appears to be at odds with the Raiders after the team sat him the final two games due to a knee issue.

But while Crosby may be disenchanted with Las Vegas, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Raiders are open to moving him … or does it?

Las Vegas general manager John Spytek spoke to reporters on Monday and was asked about whether or not Crosby was untradeable, and he replied by saying that the five-time Pro Bowler “didn’t love the idea” of not playing the last two weeks and finished things off with a cryptic response.

“I love Maxx. He embodies what a Raider is,” Spytek said. “I’ve been pretty up front with that from the day I sat up here a year ago and I continue to believe that.”

In other words, Crosby is not untouchable.

Could the Chicago Bears swing a trade for Maxx Crosby?

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Bears could definitely stand to add another pass rusher. Montez Sweat led the team with 10 sacks this season, but otherwise, Chicago struggled to find consistent production from its pass rush. Austin Booker certainly showed positive signs, but he only played for half the year.

If the Raiders do ultimately place Crosby on the trade block, you can bet that the Bears will definitely be one of the first teams on the phone.

The question is, would Chicago be willing to surrender what it would take to bring the 28-year-old to the Windy City?

Las Vegas would ask for at least one first-round pick in return for Crosby and potentially more considering that the former fourth-round pick is under contract through 2029. The Dallas Cowboys landed a pair of first-rounders for Micah Parsons, so the Raiders may seek a similar price.

The Bears also have a rather delicate cap situation right now, so they may hesitate to acquire a player making $35.5 million in average annual value.

That being said, with Chicago moving up the ranks of contenders in the NFL, Crosby may be jus the better the Bears need to put themselves over the top.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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