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
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.
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