The Chicago Bears missed out on swinging a trade for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby this past week, as the Las Vegas Raiders sent Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for a pair of first-round draft picks.
The Bears were viewed by many as favorites to land Crosby for quite some time, but apparently, Chicago was never that interested, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that while the Bears “monitored the situation,” they never really made a strong push to land him.
Naturally, Bears fans were aggravated over that fact. Chicago just captured the NFC North division title and won a playoff game, so the hope was that the Bears would acquire Crosby to take that next step into Super Bowl contention.
Instead, Chicago decided to stand pat, ultimately choosing to hold on to its draft capital.
Given the steep price for Crosby, the Bears’ decision is wholly understandable, and it can only mean one thing heading into 2026.
The Chicago Bears had a clear reason for avoiding Maxx Crosby
Aug 13, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
We know that Chicago needs help with its pass rush, as only two Bears players registered five sacks or more in 2025: Montez Sweat (10) and Gervon Dexter (six).
However, there is one player on Chicago’s roster who seems to be a clear breakout candidate for the front seven next season: Austin Booker.
Booker missed some time due to injury in 2025, but he managed 35 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits in just 10 games. He flashed significant potential this past year, and it stands to reason that Ryan Poles and Bears brass are hopeful that he will raise his game to the next level in 2026.
Plus, this NFL Draft class is very deep at the edge rusher position, so Chicago can always pluck one in the draft next month.
You can surely understand why the Bears — who also have salary cap issues, mind you — did not want to part with two first-round draft choices in exchange for Crosby, who, by the way, is recovering from knee surgery.
Booker could turn into a double-digit sack player next fall, and Chicago may very well draft its next stud at the end of April.
It’s easy to be frustrated over the Bears’ choice to steer clear of Crosby, but Chicago fans may end up relieved when the dust settles.
Chicago Bears agree to deal with DE before free agency
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE