What if one phone call could reshape the NFC North overnight?
What if the Bears had to choose between their top receiver… and one of the most relentless defenders in football?
Chicago just floated a trade idea that could detonate the offseason.
Would You Trade DJ Moore and a First-Round Pick for Maxx Crosby? The Proposal That’s Dividing Bears Fans
Maxx Crosby has become the center of NFL trade whispers — and the smoke is getting thicker by the day.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently suggested it’s possible the Las Vegas Raiders could move Crosby before free agency even opens. That alone is enough to send front offices scrambling. Elite pass rushers rarely hit the market. When they do, the price is staggering.
Now, Windy City Gridiron has thrown Chicago’s hat into the ring with a bold hypothetical offer as part of an SB Nation exercise with Raiders site Silver and Black Pride.
Here’s the proposal:
Bears receive:
• Maxx Crosby
Raiders receive:
• DJ Moore
• Chicago’s 2026 first-round pick (No. 25 overall)
• Chicago’s 2027 third-round pick
That’s not a casual offer. That’s franchise-altering territory.
And now the question is unavoidable:
Would you pull the trigger?
Why This Trade Is So Tempting
Let’s start with Crosby.
He’s not just productive — he’s disruptive. The kind of defender who forces quarterbacks to rush throws, offensive coordinators to panic, and entire game plans to shift.
Crosby plays with an edge that defines defenses. He sets the tone. He hunts. He doesn’t disappear.
For a Bears team trying to establish a new identity under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, adding Crosby would instantly change the DNA of the defense.
Elite edge rushers are harder to find than elite wide receivers. That’s simply reality in today’s NFL.
If Chicago believes it’s one impact defender away from becoming a legitimate contender, Crosby is that piece.
But Here’s the Catch
DJ Moore isn’t just “a receiver.”
He’s the Bears’ most proven offensive weapon.
Trading him means creating a new hole on offense — and hoping you can patch it through the draft or free agency.
Then there’s the first-round pick.
Even at No. 25 overall, a first-rounder represents:
- A potential five-year starter on a rookie deal
- Flexibility to move up in future drafts
- Long-term roster stability
You’re not just paying for Crosby with talent. You’re paying with future options.
And make no mistake — Crosby will command elite money. This isn’t a discount situation.
So the Bears would be sacrificing:
- Their WR1
- A premium draft asset
- Additional depth capital
- Plus a major financial commitment
That’s a serious gamble.
The Bigger Picture: Defense or Offense?
This trade forces a philosophical decision.
Are the Bears building around their quarterback and stacking weapons?
Or are they going all-in on becoming a defense-first powerhouse again?
Crosby gives Chicago immediate credibility up front. He’s the kind of player who changes locker rooms and expectations.
But Moore gives the offense stability — something young quarterbacks desperately need.
You can argue both sides convincingly.
Which is exactly why this proposal has sparked such intense debate.
Would the Raiders Even Say Yes?
That’s the other fascinating wrinkle.
From Las Vegas’ perspective, this is a strong package:
- A proven wide receiver
- A first-round pick
- Additional draft capital
If the Raiders decide to reset around offense and draft flexibility, this could absolutely be in the conversation.
But trading a franchise pass rusher is never simple.
So… Do You Do It?
If you believe Maxx Crosby transforms the Bears into a top-10 defense overnight — you consider it.
If you believe DJ Moore and a first-round pick are too high a price for one defender — you hesitate.
Either way, this isn’t a minor offseason rumor.
It’s the kind of decision that could define the next five years of Bears football.
And if the phone rings?
Ryan Poles better know exactly which direction he wants this team to go.
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