Chicago Bears Unlikely to Pursue Maxx Crosby Trade
Bears insider Brad Biggs says Chicago is unlikely to pursue a Maxx Crosby trade, pointing to steep draft compensation and salary cap realities.
The Chicago Bears have been loosely connected to nearly every big-name pass rusher this offseason. But longtime insider Brad Biggs doesn’t expect Chicago to enter the sweepstakes for Maxx Crosby.
"Alas, I do not expect the Bears to be in the Crosby sweepstakes, assuming that happens before the draft," Biggs wrote. "In a vacuum, it’s a great idea. In the first half of the Week 4 game in Las Vegas, Crosby displayed how much of a menace he is down in and down out. He was chasing Caleb Williams out of the pocket with regularity.
"In the big picture, it hasn’t been a realistic idea from the jump, especially if the Raiders can get anything close to what the Dallas Cowboys got for a younger and (at the time) healthier Micah Parsons: two first-round picks and a very good though aging defensive tackle in Kenny Clark. Not with the salary-cap situation and not when you look at the roster and where the Bears want to get it."
Why a Maxx Crosby Trade Makes Sense on Paper
Biggs acknowledged what every Bears fan saw in Week 4 in Las Vegas: Crosby was relentless. He consistently pressured Caleb Williams. Crosby collapsed the pocket and made life miserable for Williams.
Pairing Crosby with Montez Sweat would instantly create one of the league’s most disruptive edge tandems. In isolation, the concept is enticing. Elite pass rushers change games. They shorten drives. They protect young quarterbacks by flipping field position.
In a vacuum, it’s easy to talk yourself into it.
Why the Bears Likely Won’t Enter the Crosby Sweepstakes
The problem isn’t talent. It’s the cost.
Biggs pointed to a recent blockbuster benchmark: the Dallas Cowboys landed two first-round picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark when moving on from a younger, healthier Micah Parsons.
If that’s the market for an elite edge defender, the math quickly becomes complicated for Chicago.
General manager Ryan Poles has built this roster methodically, prioritizing draft capital and long-term flexibility. Surrendering multiple first-round picks, while absorbing a massive contract, would represent a dramatic philosophical pivot.
The Bears also have structural needs elsewhere. Left tackle, secondary depth, and long-term roster balance may take precedence over doubling down at edge.
What This Signals About Chicago’s 2026 Strategy
Biggs’ take reinforces an important point: the Bears are unlikely to pursue splash trades that disrupt long-term planning.
Crosby is a game-wrecker. But Chicago’s timeline revolves around maximizing Caleb Williams’ rookie window without sacrificing future flexibility.
Unless the price unexpectedly drops, the Bears appear poised to stay disciplined rather than dive into a headline-grabbing trade.
