The Chicago Bears haven’t yet made what you would call a blockbuster move under GM Ryan Poles. Or more accurately, they haven’t made one for a player. There was, of course, trading the #1 pick, but that was to accumulate assets, not to pursue a player. Many believe that since the Bears are now playoff contenders, the timing is right for them to pursue a star. Since the offense is squared away, it feels like such a move would have to come on defense, especially given their lack of pass rush. Enter Maxx Crosby.
It’s no secret that the superstar defensive end has been frustrated with the Las Vegas Raiders over the past couple of years due to their inability to build a winning team. That frustration boiled over this past week when he left the team facilities after they informed him he’d be placed on IR, despite knowing he could keep playing. It was a blatant move towards tanking for the #1 pick. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that this decision, along with the prospect of a lengthy rebuild, has convinced the Raiders it might be time to move Crosby.
Maxx Crosby’s Raiders future is also being questioned around the league. Las Vegas shut down its five-time Pro Bowler last week against his wishes, and the relationship between the sides remains strained. It’s a dramatic shift from just two months ago, when Crosby and Davis nixed any trade discussions ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline. Many believe Las Vegas will be open to moving its star pass rusher if the relationship remains at an impasse, allowing Crosby, who will turn 29 this summer, an opportunity to compete on a team built to win now.
Maxx Crosby could be the missing piece, but it would be costly.
Currently, the Bears lack significant salary cap flexibility. It would take significant contract juggling by Poles to find the necessary room just to fit Crosby’s contract on the books. Of course, such issues haven’t stopped teams in the past. See the New Orleans Saints. The other part is compensation. Las Vegas will probably want the Micah Parsons package (two 1st round picks and a good player) in return for Crosby. That is unlikely since the defensive end is a couple of years older than Parsons and is also dealing with health issues.
A more plausible scenario is one 1st round pick and either a player or another later pick. Is that worthwhile for the Bears? It would depend on whether they feel they could get maybe 3-4 more peak seasons from Maxx Crosby. Pass rushers tend to fade around their mid-30s. If Crosby stays healthy, he would give them 10 sacks every year. It would immediately boost their defense at a critical moment, when Caleb Williams‘ contract is still relatively inexpensive. Not an easy decision, but the option is now on the table.
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