Bears Must Pivot to Former First-Overall Pick After Missing Out on Maxx Crosby

Throughout the 2026 NFL offseason, the Chicago Bears were linked to Maxx Crosby in blockbuster trade pitches. The team's most glaring need was its underwhelming pass rush situation, and adding the five-time Pro Bowler alongside Montez Sweat would immediately give them one of the best defensive end duos in the league. The Las Vegas Raiders eventually dealt Crosby, but the Baltimore Ravens stunningly backed out of the blockbuster trade, and it seemed certain that the Bears would swoop in with a lower offer and pull off one of the great NFL trade heists of the century.

Instead, no deal was made, and Crosby is expected to remain a Raider for now. The Bears weren't likely to make a blockbuster deal anyway. But their pass rush situation remains a problem, and there's no sure-thing prospect in the 2026 NFL draft who could change that. At least, none who will be available when the Bears are picking at No. 25 overall.

The Bears still have time to pivot to Plan B to address their defensive line ahead of the draft, and the perfect solution is still available: former first-overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney would give the Bears short-term flexibility on defense

While Jadeveon Clowney has discussed a possible return to the Dallas Cowboys, recent moves by the team suggest that they are no longer interested in bringing him back. But Dallas' loss should be Chicago's gain as Clowney is exactly what the Bears need on their defensive line. At six-foot-five and 270 pounds, with long, 34.5" arms, his physical profile fits what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks for in pass rushers. And while he's never lived up to pre-draft expectations, he's proven to be a solid contributor, racking up 23.5 sacks over the last three seasons.

With a projected Spotrac market value of just $5.7 million, he wouldn't break the bank, either. The Bears do need to be careful in their spending as they're already up against the salary cap for 2026, but that's a cheap deal for a reliable veteran who would boost the Bears' pass-rushing floor to an acceptable level. The Bears would then enter the 2026 NFL draft with the flexibility to draft whoever is the best player available, regardless of position.

The Bottom Line

There are other options available for the Bears to address their defensive line before the 2026 season begins. Joey Bosa looms as a big name to monitor, but his price point may be beyond what Ryan Poles is willing to spend. A.J. Epenesa would be a cheaper option, but his upside is limited, and the Browns recently backed out of a free agency deal with him due to physical concerns. There is, of course, the 2026 NFL draft, but it would be unwise to rely on a rookie to immediately step into a starter's role and kickstart Chicago's defense

If the Bears want to add some intensity and reliable production at the defensive end position after missing out on Maxx Crosby, Clowney remains their best bet. They may be high on third-year player Austin Booker, but the sample size from him has been too small to balk at a reasonable free agency acquisition like Clowney.

Clowney would give the Bears short-term flexibility on defense

The Bottom Line

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