How A Once-In-A-Lifetime Situation Gives Bears A Second Chance At Maxx Crosby
Chicago Bears fans held out hope for weeks that the team might swing a deal for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. He wanted out of Las Vegas and reportedly loved teh idea of joining the organization, being a big admirer of head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears were involved in talks up to the end, but their offer wasn’t strong enough. The Baltimore Ravens proved the big winners, giving up two 1st round picks to bring the five-time Pro Bowler to the east coast.
Then the bombshell dropped.
Less than 24 hours before the new league year opens, Baltimore announced it had rescinded the trade due to a failed physical. Crosby had just had knee surgery in January.
This is an unprecedented development. Trades have been voided for medical issues before, but never one of this magnitude. Suddenly, the Raiders get Crosby back, along with his massive contract, right after they agreed to several expensive free agent deals. Unless they withdraw some of those offers, they have to find a new trade partner for the defensive end or risk dealing with serious cap problems. What makes it worse is that their original asking price is now out the window.
The Bears can now make another run at Maxx Crosby.
This time, they might be able to land him at a far more palatable price. They have two 2nd round picks this year. That might be a good starting point. As for the contract, they still haven’t restructured any current deals. They should be able to do a few of those and find the necessary cap space to bring Maxx Crosby aboard. He is the last piece they’re missing. They’ve already added a quality safety (Coby Bryant) and a linebacker (Devin Bush). Crosby would provide the pass rush element they’ve been missing.
Getting a player of his quality without truly mortgaging the future is a dream scenario for the Bears. The tricky part will be whether they’re willing to pass him medically after what happened in Baltimore. We already know general manager Ryan Poles has failed players in the past. See Larry Ogunjobi. However, this case feels different. The Bears knew Crosby was recovering from surgery when they engaged in trade talks. His knee not being fully recovered shouldn’t be a shock to anybody.
The risk could be worth the reward.
The Bears have the ammunition to get Crosby.
They have four picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft. Perhaps they could offer the 25th overall pick and get it done. That would still leave them with two 2nd-round picks and a 3rd-round pick the following day to add more young talent to their roster. In addition, they wouldn’t have to give up any future picks. Everything depends on how aggressive Poles and Johnson wish to be. If they’re comfortable with the medical risks, it’s a no-brainer. Crosby plugs the last major hole on defense.
It’s not like Baltimore hasn’t failed players before. Michael Brockers signed a free agent deal with them in 2020, but failed the physical. He went on to have a really good season that year and didn’t miss a game in 2021 as well. Ogunjobi failed the Bears’ physical, signed with Pittsburgh, and remained a solid player. Presuming the knee recovers as it should from surgery, Crosby should remain a productive player for at least a few more years.