The Chicago Bears face several challenges ahead in the 2026 offseason. Everybody knows they have to do something to fix their defense. It's been the clear weak link of this team in its push to make the playoffs. The problem is they don't have a ton of resources to accomplish that goal. While they have all their important draft picks, they lack substantial spending money. This could require substantial creativity from GM Ryan Poles to solve their core issues. One idea circulating is the trade market. More specifically, flipping DJ Moore for Maxx Crosby.
There is plenty of logic to it. The Las Vegas Raiders are about to select a quarterback in the 2026 draft. Outside of Brock Bowers, they don't have any proven weapons in the passing game to aid such a rookie. Adding a proven veteran like Moore makes sense. Meanwhile, Crosby has reached a boiling point with the organization after being placed on IR against his wishes, which many feel was a deliberate tanking decision. With a rebuild on the horizon, it's hard not to imagine Crosby asking for a trade. The Bears sorely need a dynamic pass rusher.
He would be perfect.
Obviously, there would be the question of draft compensation. Moore alone won't be enough to justify giving Crosby up. That said, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated was asked about both situations. He didn't outright dismiss the idea.
Moore is due $24.5 million in cash for next year. 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.
The Bears can afford to surrender DJ Moore if Crosby is the prize.
They're the same age, for starters. Crosby plays a more impactful position. More importantly, the Bears are now equipped to survive the loss of a quality weapon like DJ Moore. Rome Odunze was already showing signs of becoming a #1 receiver early in the season before suffering a foot injury. Then Luther Burden exploded onto the national scene in recent weeks, showcasing his enormous playmaking potential. Add Colston Loveland to the mix, and Caleb Williams should have no problem finding opening guys without Moore.
Whereas if you add Crosby to their defensive front with Montez Sweat and Austin Booker, you suddenly have a legitimate pass rush. Poles would then be able to focus his efforts on other positions, such as defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety. Those are much easier to address in the later rounds of a draft compared to edge rusher. Will this happen? Most likely not. The Raiders have been super reluctant even to entertain the idea of trading Crosby. He'd have to force the issue. As for Moore, the Bears seem happy with him, and his chemistry with Williams has grown a lot over the past few months.
