Ryan Poles Confirms Chicago Bears Explored Maxx Crosby Trade
Ryan Poles confirmed the Chicago Bears explored a trade for Maxx Crosby and will continue monitoring the situation as the Raiders weigh their next move.
The Chicago Bears have already been among the teams linked to Maxx Crosby this offseason. Now, the team’s general manager has confirmed the interest was very real.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ryan Poles acknowledged that Chicago was actively involved in early discussions surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders' star pass rusher.
“We were involved," Poles said. "We checked into it. We looked to see if it made sense. Had some dialogue. I’ll leave it at that.”
While Poles stopped short of revealing how far those conversations went, his comments confirm that the Bears at least explored adding one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players.
Why Maxx Crosby Has Been on the Bears’ Radar
Crosby has become one of the league’s premier edge rushers over the past several seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. His relentless motor and consistent production have made him the centerpiece of the Raiders’ defense.
For Chicago, the appeal is obvious.
The Bears finished the 2025 season with 35 total sacks, a number that ranked near the bottom of the league. Outside of Montez Sweat, Chicago lacked a consistent second edge threat capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Adding Crosby would instantly change that equation.
In 2025, Crosby had 10 sacks despite playing in only 15 games.
Pairing him with Sweat would give the Bears one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the NFC and dramatically raise the ceiling of the defense heading into the 2026 season.
Bears Continue Monitoring the Maxx Crosby Situation
Even though an immediate deal did not materialize, Poles’ comments suggest the Bears are not completely out of the picture.
The Crosby situation has remained fluid throughout the offseason. Trade discussions surfaced multiple times, and teams across the league are expected to keep tabs on the situation following the Baltimore Ravens' decision to back out of their deal with the Raiders.
The Ravens agreed to send Las Vegas two first-round picks for Crosby before getting cold feet because of his physical.
Maxx Crosby Would Transform the Bears' Defense
The Bears have already been active in reshaping their defense this offseason, adding players like Devin Bush, Coby Bryant, and Neville Gallimore in free agency.
Those additions improved the unit’s speed and depth, but none of them carries the franchise-altering impact a player like Crosby could provide.
Chicago’s defense still needs more juice off the edge. And Poles’ comments confirm the Bears at least explored the biggest possible solution.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. But if the Crosby trade market heats up again, it’s clear the Bears will be paying close attention.
