Bear Digest

Chicago Bears linked to Maxx Crosby in wild blockbuster trade pitch

The Chicago Bears are expected to focus on defense this offseason, and this trade idea would accomplish that goal.
Bryan Perez|
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears' 2025 season has been over for only a few days, but that hasn't stopped the speculation about what GM Ryan Poles could do to push this team one step closer to the Super Bowl.

It's widely assumed the Bears will focus most of their offseason attention on upgrading the defense. Specifically, a big-time pass-rusher is expected to be added, whether via free agency, a trade, or the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

That second option -- a trade -- could be the most realistic for the Bears, especially with the assets Chicago can move in a big-time deal.

MORE: Bears’ Caleb Williams draws all-time QB comparison after jaw-dropping playoff TD

According to the good folks at FanDuel, one potential blockbuster deal involves superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby and Bears veteran receiver DJ Moore.

In this hypothetical, the Chicago Bears receive Crosby in exchange for Moore, a 2026 first-round pick (No. 25 overall), a 2026 fifth-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick.

MORE: Kay Adams says belief in Bears, Caleb Williams took over Chicago in 2025

At first glance, that seems like a lot to pay for Crosby. But with the premium placed on elite edge rushers, it might just be the cost of doing business.

Crosby, 28, appeared in 15 games during the 2025 season and finished with 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. He'd pair with Montez Sweat to give the Bears their most dynamic pair of edge rushers in many, many seasons, while moving Austin Booker -- one of Chicago's young, ascending talents -- into a rotational pass-rushing role.

Adding Crosby would be a boon for the defense, and with the way DJ Moore ended the Bears' playoff loss against the Los Angeles Rams, when his lack of effort was the direct cause of the game-losing interception, Bears fans might be just fine with his time in Chicago being over.

The Bears' wide receiver depth chart will remain in good shape even if Moore is traded. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are more than capable of being a fantastic 1-2 punch on the outside, while tight end Colston Loveland is already considered one of the best pass-catchers at his position.

The NFL draft capital lost in this deal could be a sticking point, however. Indeed, a first-round pick is a requirement in any deal for Crosby, but adding a future second? That might be a bit much, especially considering Moore is in the trade, too.

Welcome to the offseason, Bears Nation. We're just getting started.

More Chicago Bears News

Sign Up For the Bears Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Chicago Bears Newsletter

Published
Bryan Perez
BRYAN PEREZ

Bryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.

Home/News