The NFL rumor mill is spinning faster than ever—and at the center of it all is Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby. But while several teams prepare for a potential bidding war, one franchise may be wiser to walk away before the price gets out of control.
Maxx Crosby Trade Frenzy Intensifies as NFL Teams Circle — But Bears Urged to Stay Away
The Maxx Crosby trade saga is gaining serious momentum across the NFL, and insiders now believe a deal could happen sooner than anyone expected.
Over the past week, speculation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders’ elite pass rusher has escalated rapidly. Multiple reports suggest that discussions behind the scenes are heating up as teams quietly explore the possibility of acquiring one of the league’s most relentless defensive players.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero recently suggested that a Crosby trade could realistically happen within the next 7–10 days, signaling that the situation may soon reach a decisive moment.
That view was echoed by respected insider Albert Breer, who indicated that a move could even take place as early as this week.
“I’d lean toward a Maxx Crosby trade happening,” Breer wrote in his NFL Combine takeaways.
With rumors intensifying, several contenders have reportedly started monitoring the situation closely.
Among the teams linked to the potential blockbuster are the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and even the Chicago Bears.
But while the list of interested teams continues to grow, not everyone believes Chicago should join the chase.
Why the Bears May Be Better Off Walking Away
At first glance, adding a player of Crosby’s caliber seems like an obvious upgrade for any defense.
The Raiders star has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most disruptive pass rushers, combining relentless effort with elite production. His leadership and intensity have made him a cornerstone of Las Vegas’ defense for years.
However, there are several factors that could make a deal risky—especially for a team like the Bears.
The most obvious issue is the price tag.
Earlier reports indicated the Raiders were seeking a massive return similar to previous blockbuster trades involving stars like Khalil Mack or Micah Parsons—deals that included multiple first-round picks.
Even if Las Vegas ultimately lowers that asking price, any trade package would still likely require multiple premium draft selections.
For Chicago, that kind of investment could prove costly.
Crosby will turn 29 years old in August, and he is also coming off two surgeries over the past two seasons. While he remains an elite player, teams must weigh whether sacrificing long-term assets for a veteran defender is the smartest move.
Instead of giving up valuable draft capital, the Bears could focus on building a younger defensive core through the draft.
The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft features several promising edge-rushing prospects who could become long-term contributors at a much lower cost.
There are also veteran pass rushers expected to hit free agency, which would allow Chicago to strengthen its defense without surrendering future picks.
Raiders’ Decision Still Uncertain
Despite the growing speculation, the Raiders have not officially committed to trading Crosby.
In fact, many believe Las Vegas would only move their star defender if an overwhelming offer forces their hand.
The organization is currently entering a rebuilding phase, including preparing to start a rookie quarterback in the upcoming season. Acquiring additional draft picks could accelerate that process.
But Crosby’s value to the team—and his deep connection to the Raiders organization—makes the situation complicated.
For now, the NFL waits.
If the Raiders truly open the door to negotiations, the race to land Crosby could become one of the biggest trade battles of the offseason.
But for the Chicago Bears, the smartest move might be the hardest one—watching from the sidelines while others fight for the prize.
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