Most people considered the Maxx Crosby discussion dead by the end of spring. The star pass rusher had wanted out of Las Vegas after another brutal season. The Raiders granted his wish, sending him to the Baltimore Ravens. Then that team got cold feet, rescinded the trade on a failed physical technicality, and signed Trey Hendrickson instead. It was a greasy move by Baltimore, but ultimately Crosby landed back in Vegas, where he immediately declared his intention to stay. Everybody thought that was the end of it.
Adam Schefter isn’t convinced of that. The ESPN insider went on his podcast to discuss the situation. From what he understands, the Crosby situation is still very much up in the air. He believes that if the Raiders get off to another poor start this season, which is entirely possible in that AFC West division, there is a strong possibility the team decides to move the defensive end at the trade deadline. Were that to happen, the two teams to watch are the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears.
“I think as the trade deadline gets closer, I think that’s when we could start hearing Max Crosby’s name again, and I think that’s when it might be time to start paying attention. Now, maybe I’m going to be surprised and they trade in the summer, but that’s not what I’m expecting. It’s not what I’m hearing.”
It sounds like the Bears haven’t given up the Maxx Crosby chase.
They were one of the teams believed to be involved in the original sweepstakes months ago. Baltimore won out because they were willing to give up two 1st round picks. That has consistently been a red line Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been unwilling to cross. He does not want to mortgage the future for one player, even one as good as Crosby. If a deal were to happen, the most he would probably agree to is a 1st and a 3rd or 4th round pick. With what happened this offseason, the list of teams able to make such a trade has dropped.
Meanwhile, the Bears didn’t make any significant moves along the defensive line this offseason. Their most notable signing was backup defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. Otherwise, they stated they were content sticking with the current setup of Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and a returning Dayo Odeyingbo. Of course, that all changes if they believe Maxx Crosby is there for the taking. His presence would instantly energize the entire front. Couple that with a (hopefully) healthy secondary, and you’re cooking with gas.
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The Raiders’ early schedule may assist.
After a semi-soft start against the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas faces a brutal six-game stretch against the Chargers, Saints, Chiefs, Patriots, Bills, and Rams. It would be a minor miracle if that team wins more than two games in that stretch. As Schefter said, if the Raiders reach the October 31st trade deadline at 1-6 or 2-5, Crosby may decide he can’t endure another brutal losing season. He may give the team a green light to reopen the trade talks. That will be the Bears’ window to strike.
The tricky part is money. Crosby is signed through 2029 with salary cap hits hovering between $27 million and $29 million. It is $35 million this season. Currently, Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league with $8 million in cap space. They would have to do some serious restructuring of their books to make it happen. It’s possible. They have several options, and can also unload some of their more bloated contract next offseason. Much will depend on where the Bears sit in the standings. If they’re in the playoff hunt as many hope, then such a move makes sense.
