Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz Grows as NFL Insider Links Bears as Fit
NFL insider Tom Pelissero explains why the Chicago Bears make sense as a trade fit for Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
The Chicago Bears continue to surface in conversations surrounding a potential Maxx Crosby trade, and this time, the connection comes from Tom Pelissero.
Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, the NFL Network insider outlined why Chicago makes sense if the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately decide to move their All-Pro edge rusher.
"If I'm thinking, who are the teams that make sense for Maxx Crosby?" Pelissero said. "...a few that would come to mind would be the Chicago Bears, a team that people will remember swung another trade with the Raiders for a high-profile pass rusher in Khalil Mack some years ago. They feel like they're close, they were right there at the end in the playoffs. Could Maxx Crosby be somebody who puts them over the top and elevates that pass rush? I think that would be a fit."
Pelissero did not predict a trade, but he identified Chicago as a logical fit. His comments add another layer of legitimacy to the discussion.
Why the Bears Make Sense for a Maxx Crosby Trade
Pelissero’s reasoning centers on timing.
Chicago is no longer in full rebuild mode. With quarterback Caleb Williams entering a pivotal third season and the roster showing signs of playoff readiness, the Bears may view themselves as a pass rusher away from deeper playoff contention.
The comparison to the Khalil Mack trade is also notable. In 2018, Chicago aggressively pursued the ex-Raider, a move that suggested those Bears thought a Super Bowl was within reach.
Crosby would represent a similar type of swing, though likely at a high cost.
What Maxx Crosby Would Add to Chicago’s Defense
Pairing Crosby with Montez Sweat would significantly elevate the pass rush. Sweat led Chicago with 10 sacks in 2025, while Crosby matched that total in 15 games.
MORE: Maxx Crosby Trade Could Happen This Week, Bears Among Teams Monitoring
Elite pass rush changes games. It forces quarterbacks into mistakes, shortens drives, and complements a defense like the Bears' that's built on opportunistic turnovers.
For a team that narrowly missed a trip to the NFC Championship, that kind of impact matters.
Would the Bears Be Willing to Give the Raiders What They Want for Maxx Crosby?
The Bears may fit philosophically and competitively. But fit doesn’t finalize trades; compensation does.
If the Raiders explore offers, Chicago would need to make a substantial pitch. Any deal would likely require premium draft capital (at least one first-rounder) and potentially an established starter.
While Pelissero didn't predict that the Chicago Bears would trade for Maxx Crosby, the fact that the connection between the team and the player keeps surfacing is significant.
