There Is A Big Complication In The Maxx Crosby Trade Hopes For The Bears
The Las Vegas Raiders have been hearing plenty of offers for Maxx Crosby since it became clear that trading the star pass rusher is almost unavoidable. However, none have been the premium package they’re seeking, which is the Micah Parsons deal of two 1st round picks and a quality player. This isn’t a huge surprise. Crosby is older than Parsons and is also coming off knee surgery. Such factors always lower the price tag somewhat. Not to mention, most experts agree this is a great year for needing edge rush help in the draft.
That hasn’t stopped the Chicago Bears from being squarely in the mix for Crosby. They feel his dominant presence could be the missing piece for their front, alongside Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter. It’s also been reported that Crosby prefers Chicago to other potential destinations, wanting the opportunity to play with Caleb Williams and for Ben Johnson. However, one issue is complicating the situation. It has to do with Crosby’s current contract, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
Multiple sources indicate the Chicago Bears are a team to watch in potentially dealing for Crosby. The Bears aren’t the only team with interest in Crosby — the Dallas Cowboys are lurking, according to sources — but they could be best positioned to do a deal if one can be done. The new league year begins March 11…
…If Crosby is willing to play this upcoming season on his current deal, that would sweeten the offers for Las Vegas. If Crosby wanted a raise, that would lessen the compensation sent to the Raiders. At least one high-ranking source tells CBS Sports it is his belief Crosby would play this season under his current contract.
The Bears have their normal allotment of draft picks for 2026, but Chicago can still be aggressive to land a top-tier player thanks to having one more year of Caleb Williams playing on his rookie contract.
Maxx Crosby would be a bargain at his current contract.
That may sound odd, considering the man earns $35.5 million per year. However, you must view it in the context of his position. As of writing this, Crosby is the sixth-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. Parsons’ new deal from Green Bay is for $46.5 million per year. There is a good chance others will soon surpass Crosby’s number, like Travon Walker, Jared Verse, and Will Anderson Jr. That means his current price tag will only get cheaper by comparison, and he’s under contract through 2029. If Crosby isn’t planning to hold out for more money, then it’s a highly appealing situation.
So you can understand why the Raiders believe they can get a sweeter deal despite the health and age factors. Chicago already has salary cap problems, but they will be able to wiggle out of them next year. All they have to do is navigate this season. Taking on Maxx Crosby would be challenging, but it would get much easier in the following years as the salary cap keeps rising. Everything depends on how high Bears general manager Ryan Poles is willing to go with his offer. It’s hard to imagine he ponies up two 1st round picks.
What happens if the Bears get Crosby?
Navigating the salary cap becomes the primary issue. We already know Tremaine Edmunds will be traded or cut by next week, which will bring $15 million in cap space. This also increases the likelihood that D.J. Moore is traded, which would fetch another $16 million. You can also assume the Bears will restructure a couple of deals, like Sweat and Joe Thuney, to clear more space. This would ensure they can get Maxx Crosby on the books safely and still have some money left over to address other positions.
There is no predicting situations like this. They become so fluid. Other teams have more draft currency to offer than the Bears. If they go all in, there is little the team can do. However, if the price tag hovers around what it should be for a 1st-round and a day-two pick, then they should be in it. If Crosby’s opinion holds any weight at all with the organization, then Chicago has a shot. If a deal is to happen, we will likely see it before the draft next month at the latest.