First-year Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has done some great work molding the team’s offense into one of the best in the NFL and turning Caleb Williams into a dangerous second-half quarterback (he has a league-leading 6 fourth-quarter comebacks this year).
Chicago ranks third in the NFL in total offense (375.4 yards per game) and 10th in scoring offense (26.6 points per game).
But for as good as the offense has been, the team’s defense has been equally as bad.
The Bears rank 28th in total defense, allowing 357.3 yards per game, and they’ve surrendered the ninth-most points per game (24.8). They’ve also struggled getting to the quarterback as well.
Chicago has just 32 sacks—10th fewest in the league—and nearly 1/3 of them have come from defensive end Montez Sweat (9.5). So needless to say, it would surprise no one if the Bears searched for some pass-rushing help in free agency or the 20265 NFL draft.
Insider Proposes Blockbuster Bears-Raiders Trade
GettyLas Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer agrees Chicago needs an upgrade at pass-rusher, and he recently proposed the Bears dangle Pro Bowl wide receiver DJ Moore to entice the Las Vegas Raiders to part with star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
“Moore is due $24.5 million in cash for next year,” Breer wrote. “He turns 29 in April. In today’s market, that’s not bad for a complementary receiver who, to be fair, has had a down year statistically with 49 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns. To me, the comfort level of a young quarterback is paramount, and Moore’s certainly a factor in that. I think to move off Moore, you’d have to have a better option in front of you.
“As for Crosby, I think this is probably the closest he’s been to asking for a trade—and I’m not saying he will. The history of the franchise, and his place in it, are certainly still draws for Crosby, as is his relationship with the Davis family.
“But for the first time, his age, mileage and workload seem to be showing up with injuries and in his play down the stretch. If he’s feeling his football mortality a bit (he’ll be 29 on opening day of the 2026 season), that would be understandable, and that could push him to pursue a ring elsewhere.”
What Would a Crosby Trade Package Look Like?
Trades for premier pass-rushers, historically, have been expensive.
When the Bears acquired Khalil Mack back in 2018, they sent two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a sixth-rounder to the Raiders.
When the New England Patriots traded star defensive end Richard Seymour to the Raiders in 2009, they acquired a first-round pick (No. 17 overall).
The Minnesota Vikings sent a first-round pick, two third-rounders, and swapped sixth-round picks with the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2008 for star pass-rusher Jared Allen.
Given Crosby’s resume — 483 pressures, 311 hurries, 95 QB hits, 69.5 sacks in 7 seasons, per Pro Football Focus — it would certainly take a lot more than just Moore to get Vegas to consider such a deal.
A first-round pick would almost certainly have to be involved, in addition to at least one or two Day 2 picks as well.
Insider Proposes Bears Explore Blockbuster DJ Moore-Maxx Crosby Trade