The Chicago Bears are in a prime position to make a significant splash ahead of the NFL trade deadline. With a 4-2 record and a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams who is showing rapid improvement, the Bears have established themselves as playoff hopefuls in a competitive NFC. However, if they truly want to emerge as contenders, they’ll need to address one critical issue: their pass rush.
Despite the Bears’ pass rush showing decent statistics on paper, they’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their front seven has been neutralized by stronger offensive lines, exposing a need for reinforcements if Chicago wants to remain competitive in the latter half of the season. Enter Maxx Crosby—a potential game-changer who could be the missing piece in the Bears’ defensive puzzle.
The Crosby Connection
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders has emerged as one of the most coveted names in the NFL as the trade deadline approaches. The 27-year-old edge rusher has been a force this season, tallying 5.5 sacks despite facing frequent double-teams. His ability to wreck offensive game plans has not gone unnoticed, and teams around the league are undoubtedly eyeing him as a potential difference-maker.
Sanjesh Singh of NBC Los Angeles recently named the Bears as one of the top potential landing spots for Crosby. Singh noted that, while the Bears acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in 2023 and brought in Darrell Taylor from Seattle, Crosby would represent a massive upgrade. Pairing him with Sweat could give the Bears one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league.
Why Crosby Makes Sense for Chicago
Acquiring Crosby would bolster Chicago’s defense in a way that could change the entire trajectory of their season. Not only would he help the Bears’ front seven generate more consistent pressure, but his addition could elevate them from playoff hopefuls to legitimate NFC contenders.
Beyond his immediate impact, adding Crosby would have another strategic benefit: keeping him away from a division rival. The Detroit Lions, a team Chicago is competing with in the NFC North, recently lost star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the season. If the Lions were to pursue Crosby, it could dramatically shift the balance of power in the division. By landing Crosby, the Bears could prevent Detroit from strengthening their defense while simultaneously fortifying their own.
The Cost of Winning Now
While trading for Crosby would be a bold move, it wouldn’t come cheap. He’s currently in year two of a four-year, $94 million contract with an opt-out after the 2024 season. The financial commitment, combined with the assets Chicago would need to send to Las Vegas, represents a significant gamble. However, for a team with aspirations of making noise in the playoffs, it’s a risk worth considering.
For the Bears, the opportunity to add one of the league’s premier pass-rushers could be the final piece they need to make a deep playoff run. As the trade deadline approaches on Nov. 5, all eyes will be on Chicago’s front office to see if they are willing to make a blockbuster move that could solidify their status as NFC title contenders.
Maxx Crosby may just be the key to turning the Bears’ playoff hopes into a reality.
