Should the Chicago Bears Pursue Maxx Crosby After Ravens Trade Falls Apart?
With a Ravens trade collapsing after Maxx Crosby’s failed physical, should the Chicago Bears consider trading for the Raiders’ All-Pro pass rusher?
The trade market for Maxx Crosby just unexpectedly reopened.
A potential deal between the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders fell apart Tuesday night after concerns emerged during Crosby’s physical. With Baltimore backing out of the trade, the situation has revived an intriguing possibility around the league, and one that could interest the Chicago Bears.
Should Chicago consider making a move for the All-Pro pass rusher?
The Bears were previously mentioned as a potential destination for Crosby earlier this offseason. Now that the Ravens are out of the picture, the conversation could quickly shift back to other interested teams.
Why Maxx Crosby Has Long Made Sense for Chicago
Crosby has established himself as one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players over the past several seasons. Known for his relentless motor and aggressive pass-rushing style, he has been the centerpiece of the Raiders’ defense for years.
For Chicago, adding a player with Crosby’s production would immediately change the outlook of its pass rush.
The Bears already have a productive edge defender in Montez Sweat, who has produced double-digit sacks since arriving in Chicago. But pairing Sweat with a player like Crosby could give the Bears one of the most dangerous edge-rushing tandems in the NFC.
Crosby would instantly become the most impactful defender on Chicago’s roster and the centerpiece of the defensive front.
The Maxx Crosby Medical Concern That Changed the Trade Market
The Ravens reportedly walked away from the deal after knee concerns surfaced during Crosby’s physical, which immediately complicates the trade landscape.
"Don’t expect teams to be lining up immediately to get back into Maxx Crosby trade talks," The Athletic's Dianna Russini wrote. "Some teams I spoke to tonight expect the Raiders to be the ones calling them. It’ll be up to individual teams’ medical staff to decide on whether to assume the risk of trading for Crosby."
When trades collapse due to medical evaluations, it raises legitimate questions about durability or long-term availability. Any team exploring a deal for Crosby will now have to rely heavily on its own medical staff to determine whether the issue that concerned Baltimore is manageable.
That evaluation becomes especially important considering Crosby’s financial commitment. The star edge rusher is scheduled to earn more than $30 million in 2026, not to mention the draft picks that must be sacrificed to acquire him.
The Trade Cost for Crosby Could Still Be Significant
Even with the failed physical potentially lowering Crosby’s value, acquiring him would still likely require a first-round pick.
Elite pass rushers rarely become available through trade, and the Raiders will likely continue seeking premium compensation. Baltimore agreed to Las Vegas two first-round picks before the deal collapsed.
If the Bears were to enter the conversation, they would need to decide whether acquiring Crosby is worth sacrificing high-value draft picks, especially now that Chicago's window for a title run just opened.
How Maxx Crosby Would Fit Chicago’s Offseason Strategy
Chicago has already been aggressive in reshaping its defense during 2026 free agency.
The Bears added linebacker Devin Bush, safety Coby Bryant, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore as part of a broader effort to add speed, versatility, and intensity to the defense.
Crosby would fit that identity perfectly, but acquiring him would require a far larger investment than the Bears’ other offseason additions.
The Decision Facing the Chicago Bears
Ultimately, the question for Chicago comes down to risk versus reward.
If the medical concerns surrounding Crosby prove manageable and the trade cost becomes more reasonable after Baltimore’s withdrawal, the Bears could emerge as a serious contender to land one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.
However, if the health questions remain unresolved or the Raiders’ asking price stays high, Chicago may choose to continue building through the draft and more measured roster moves.
For now, the situation remains fluid. But with the Ravens stepping away from a deal, the possibility of Maxx Crosby landing elsewhere, potentially even in Chicago, is suddenly back on the table.
