This morning, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek insisted they expect Maxx Crosby to remain in silver and black.
But three words from Spytek at the NFL Combine should have the Chicago Bears paying very close attention:
“We’re always listening.”
Spytek said earlier in his podium session that he anticipates Crosby being on the roster in 2026. He called him an elite player and emphasized how difficult it is to build a contender without stars.
But when asked directly if Crosby is untradeable, Spytek didn’t slam the door.
He left the door open for a potential trade down the line.
And for a team like Chicago, that matters.
“We’re always listening, man.”
Bears Have Been Searching for a True Game-Wrecker
General manager Ryan Poles has already shown he is not afraid to make a bold move when the right pass rusher becomes available. The midseason trade for Montez Sweat changed the tone of the defense and gave Chicago a legitimate presence off the edge.
But Maxx Crosby is on another level.
The Bears are dealing with cap pressure this offseason, but they still have flexibility in future drafts. If Las Vegas truly is “always listening,” Chicago can at least make the call and see what the asking price is. A deal built around future first round picks is very different from taking on a massive free agent contract.
Crosby is 29, still in his prime, and under contract.
For a Bears team that came up just short in 2025, this is the kind of move that signals you are all in. There is a growing belief the Bears are one piece away, and Crosby feels like the kind of player who could turn them into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Raiders’ Rebuild Timeline Creates Opportunity for Bears
The Raiders are coming off a 3-14 season and hold the No. 1 overall pick, widely projected to be used on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
They also have substantial cap space and appear to be entering a multi-year rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
That timeline doesn’t necessarily align perfectly with Crosby’s championship window.
If Las Vegas believes it is still two or three years away from truly contending, it may make sense to explore Crosby’s value now, especially if the return includes multiple first round picks.
Spytek’s comments sounded more like he was keeping his options open rather than shutting down trade talk completely.
Bears Still Have a Real Chance
The key takeaway isn’t that Crosby is definitely being moved.
It’s that he’s clearly not untouchable.
If the Raiders were shutting down talks, Spytek would have said so. Instead, he sent a message to the league: bring your best offer.
It could mirror the Micah Parsons situation in 2025, when he was traded shortly before the season began. At the time, most people assumed he would stay put, right up until a late summer deal changed everything. If talks around Crosby quietly build over the offseason, a similar surprise move right before Week 1 cannot be ruled out.
The Raiders may expect Crosby back in 2026. But they’re listening. And that means Chicago still has a shot.
Raiders GM Keeps Door Open for Bears-Crosby Trade With 3-Word Message