The Chicago Bears may have scored 59 points in their season opener, but allowing 37 to the Carolina Panthers gave Ben Johnson plenty to think about on the other side of the ball. It also didn't take long for one of the NFL's biggest names to surface as a possible solution.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently identified the Bears as one of two potential trade suitors for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, along with the Dallas Cowboys.
"Expect teams that need pass-rushing help to make more offers to acquire Crosby before the trade deadline passes," Knox wrote. "Potential suitors: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys."
That's one way to make a defense better in a hurry.
Maxx Crosby would give Bears defense a massive weapon
Chicago shouldn't be making any panic moves after one game. At the same time, giving up 37 points isn't exactly something defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will frame and hang over the fireplace.
Crosby would change the equation immediately.
The five-time Pro Bowler entered the season with 69.5 career sacks and wasted little time adding to that total, recording 1.5 sacks in Las Vegas' opener. He's been one of the league's most disruptive defensive players for years, and Chicago's need for another difference-maker off the edge makes the connection an easy one.
Then there's the contract.
Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with Las Vegas in 2025 that included $91.5 million in total guarantees. He's under contract through the 2029 season, meaning this wouldn't be some half-season rental before hitting free agency.
Of course, that's also part of what would make acquiring him so painful. Chicago wouldn't be shopping in the clearance aisle. Crosby would likely require a massive haul of draft capital, assuming Las Vegas is even willing to listen.
Bears face one enormous problem with potential Crosby trade
There is a difference between being named a potential suitor and actually having trade discussions.
Right now, there's no indication the Bears and Raiders are negotiating a Crosby deal. In fact, Crosby recently reaffirmed his commitment to Las Vegas after other teams showed interest following his failed offseason trade to Baltimore.
That makes an actual deal difficult to envision at the moment.
Still, NFL situations can change quickly, especially once teams begin separating themselves as contenders and pretenders before the trade deadline. If Crosby becomes available again, Chicago has a roster that should at least make Ryan Poles pick up the phone.
The Bears spent the offseason building an offense capable of putting up points.
After Week 1, adding another monster to the defense doesn't sound quite so ridiculous.
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