The Chicago Bears have taken a huge step in the right direction this season. They've gone 11-6 and won the NFC North title. Still, many agree that the team accomplished this despite still being deeply flawed. Nowhere is that clearer than on defense, where they've overcome a general lack of speed and an anemic pass rush thanks to crafty scheming and excellent takeaway skills. Until these problems are addressed, nobody believes the Bears will challenge for a Super Bowl. That is why the constant buzz about Maxx Crosby remains ongoing.
The superstar pass rusher appears on the outs in Las Vegas after they benched him against his will. As the team approaches a rebuild, it's felt he may demand a trade. If so, Chicago has every reason to explore the idea. The obvious question is how much it would cost. Carmen DeFalco of ESPN 1000 got in touch with a prominent NFL insider about the possibility. He was presented with a likely package that the Raiders might jump at.
Chicago 1st round pick in 2026 and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Maxx Crosby is great, but that cost is a bit much.
There is no question that the defensive end would be an immediate difference-maker for the Bears' defense. The issue is one of longevity. Crosby is 29 years old next season. Pass rushers tend to slow down in the early to mid-30s. That means it's reasonable to expect the Bears would get 4-5 good years from him before he runs out of gas. Is giving up Odunze worth that? The wide receiver is 23 years old and has two more cheap years left on his contract. He looked like a budding star earlier this season before his foot injury happened. The same reason Las Vegas would take the offer is also the reason Chicago might balk.
As great as Maxx Crosby is, a handful of great years from him might not compensate for losing what could be a decade-long career from Odunze. He and Luther Burden have a chance to form the most prolific tandem in franchise history. Caleb Williams' success must remain the priority for this team. It is a difficult decision. For what it's worth, head coach Ben Johnson wasn't involved in drafting Odunze. He may have a different opinion on this idea, but it doesn't feel like one that would garner much support in Halas Hall.
