A new report from Windy City Gridiron shed light on what it could cost the Bears to trade for Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The information came from Bill Zimmerman, who cited a person connected to the Raiders.
The reported price is steep. According to that source, Las Vegas would strongly consider a deal that includes the Bears’ 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 Day Two pick, and wide receiver DJ Moore. The report added that the deal becomes more realistic if the Bears eat some money and lower Moore’s salary to around $18 million.
There is no indication the Bears have made an offer. There is also no confirmation the Raiders are actively shopping Crosby. This is a price point discussion, not a confirmed negotiation.
The idea was discussed at length on Sports Mockery’s Bears Film Room show. The conversation focused on the reported cost, Crosby’s value, and how he would fit into the Bears’ current timeline.
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What the Move Would Mean for the Bears
Crosby is a proven player. He is durable, productive, and one of the better edge rushers in football. Adding him would immediately improve the Bears’ defense and give them a true centerpiece up front.
That is the upside. The downside is the cost. Trading a future first-round pick, an additional premium pick, and DJ Moore would strip the roster of key assets. Moore is not just a good receiver. He is a leader in the lockerroom and perhaps one of the toughest veterans on the team.
From a roster-building standpoint, the move would also shift the Bears away from the plan they have followed since the rebuild began. Draft capital has been the foundation. Depth, flexibility, and controlled contracts matter when a team is still growing.
Crosby fits the timeline only if the Bears believe they are one major piece away. That is still an open question.
Why the Bears Should Pass
The Bears should not make this trade.
Crosby is a great player, but the cost is too high for where the team is right now. Giving up DJ Moore creates a new hole on offense while also draining future draft flexibility. That puts more pressure on the quarterback and forces the front office to chase replacements instead of building steadily.
Risk vs Reward: Trading First-Round Picks for Defensive Players
| Category | Potential Reward | Associated Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Player Impact | Immediate upgrade at a premium position like edge or corner | Production may decline after the trade due to age, injuries, or scheme fit |
| Certainty | Known NFL talent with proven film and stats | Past production does not guarantee future performance |
| Timeline Fit | Helps teams that believe they are close to contending | Hurts teams still building or developing a young core |
| Draft Capital | Avoids draft bust risk at the position | Loss of a cheap, controllable first-round contract |
| Cap Management | Can justify cost if player plays at an elite level | Often requires a large extension that limits flexibility |
| Injury Risk | Player has already shown durability at the NFL level | One major injury can erase the value of multiple picks |
| Roster Balance | Solves a major weakness immediately | Creates new holes that must be filled with fewer resources |
| Long-Term Value | Can anchor a defense for multiple seasons | Shortened prime window compared to rookie contracts |
The smarter path is to keep drafting and developing. The Bears can find edge help in the draft without sacrificing a top receiver and multiple premium picks. That approach keeps the roster balanced and sustainable.
Big trades are tempting. This one should be resisted.
