The Chicago Bears' offense has the potential to be the best in the game in no time. Their defense, however, isn't quite there yet. That's especially true regarding their pass rush, which had the second-lowest win rate in the league last season (29 percent), according to ESPN.
That's why, now that there are rumors about Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders, it looks like GM Ryan Poles will have to get them on the phone to inquire about his availability. Of course, it's not going to be easy.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Raiders may only consider trading their superstar for a package similar to what the Green Bay Packers gave to get Micah Parsons. That means at least one first-round pick and a starting-caliber player. That's a steep price to pay, but it's what it takes to get a player of his caliber.
The Chicago Bears Need to Make a Run at Maxx Crosby
The Bears were tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the league last season (35), while Crosby had 10 on his own. Dennis Allen's front seven struggled to get to the quarterback, and Crosby is an unblockable force at the line of scrimmage and one of the three or four best defensive ends in the game.
Even if they will have to do plenty of financial juggling to accommodate his $30 million base salary, there's always a way to get around the books. According to Over The Cap, the Bears are $5.3 million over the cap right now, yet they will make several moves to free up some space.
The Raiders hired Klint Kubiak to be their next head coach, and with Fernando Mendoza also likely arriving in Sin City, they will want to give their newcomers as many weapons as possible. Considering that, the Bears could include D.J. Moore in any potential offer to sweeten the deal.
That would give Kubiak another solid pass-catcher next to Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty for their rookie quarterback, all while also landing the No. 25 pick in this year's NFL draft. That's pretty similar to what the Dallas Cowboys got for Micah Parsons.
Crosby is a fearless competitor who's never going to take a snap or a play off. He's the type of game-wrecking defensive player and tone-setter who could finally elevate the Bears' mediocre pass-rushing unit and get this team over the top.
After surpassing all expectations during the 2025 campaign, making a move for a talent like Crosby would send a signal not only to the rest of the division but also to the entire NFC that Chicago has set its sights on a Super Bowl championship.