Bears’ trade speculation rekindled after superstar’s latest admission

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Bears’ trade speculation rekindled after superstar’s latest admission

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 11:37 AM ET

The Chicago Bears have had a rather uneven offseason. While they’ve made some fine moves and should still be one of the better teams in the NFL this coming fall, they still have some obvious holes that they haven’t quite addressed.

One of the Bears’ most glaring issues is at pass rusher, as they managed just 35 sacks last year and didn’t do anything to fix the problem this offseason.

There are still some notable veterans remaining in free agency that Chicago could ultimately sign, but it doesn’t appear to be interested in any of them. But could the Bears ultimately swing a blockbuster trade for a star?

Chicago was viewed as a trade destination for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby earlier this offseason, but watched as Crosby was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens for a pair of first-round picks … until the deal was called off due to Crosby’s medical record.

Crosby says he is ready to go with the Raiders for 2026 in spite of the failed trade, but a recent social media post made by the five-time Pro Bowler has many wondering if he could find himself on the block again.

Is the Maxx Crosby door back open for the Chicago Bears?

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

There are still some who believe that Crosby will eventually get dealt, and if not this summer, then sometime before the trade deadline in November.

Crosby refueled that conjecture with a cryptic X post this week, which read “STOP PEOPLE PLEASING. HANDLE BUSINESS ACCORDINGLY.”

Of course, this could mean anything. But naturally, it has people speculating on whether or not Crosby wants out of Las Vegas and could possibly force the Raiders’ hand.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Raiders in March 2025, a deal that will take him through 2029. But with Las Vegas in all-out rebuilding mode, both sides could end up deciding that a split is best.

In the event that Crosby does hit the trade block again, you can bet that the Bears will once again be pitched as a landing spot. They are in dire need of a proven pass rusher alongside of Montez Sweat, and Crosby is one of the best in the business.

Currently, Chicago is relying on Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker to solve its problems on the edge, but the former managed just one sack in eight games last season before tearing his Achilles, and Booker logged 4.5 sacks in 10 games.

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

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