Bears assess a brutal outlook on Raiders’ Maxx Crosby amid rumors.

Trade speculation surrounding Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby has intensified as the NFL offseason shifts into high gear, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that more than a dozen teams—possibly as many as 20—have inquired about Crosby with varying levels of seriousness. Among the teams mentioned as natural contenders are the Bills, Lions, 49ers, Cowboys, and Ravens, with the Buccaneers cited as a surprising fit that could push Tampa Bay into the top tier. Notably, Fowler did not name the Chicago Bears in his rundown.

Beyond the roster-pile of potential suitors, the chatter has focused on whether the Raiders could be convinced to move Crosby for the right package. The list of interested teams underscores Crosby’s value, but turning interest into a deal requires alignment on compensation and fit, which remains unsettled as teams operate in offseason mode. One team not identified by Fowler was the Bears.

The Bears’ appetite to absorb Crosby is questioned on cap-space grounds. Anthony Herron of the Big Ten Network said on 104.3 The Score in Chicago that the financial math could be prohibitive, raising concerns about how much of the salary cap the team could allocate to a defensive front player of Crosby’s caliber without undermining other parts of the roster.

A separate report from Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom.com adds another layer, claiming Crosby had a tense conversation with Tom Brady and expressed that he would never play for the Raiders again. The report cites an unnamed general manager, and notes that it’s unclear whether the Raiders would trade Crosby despite the strong interest from multiple teams. The comparison to similar past situations by other players remains part of the rumor mill.

Crosby himself has addressed the swirling chatter, telling Colin Cowherd on The Herd (Feb. 6) that he prefers to stay quiet rather than engage in public schisms or made-for-the-headlines declarations. He emphasized that he can’t control every narrative and that being vocal has backfired for him in the past, leading to speculation about his intentions. As he said, his truth is his own, and he’s not interested in feeding the rumor cycle.

Overall, the Crosby situation remains fluid: no deal is in place, and teams must assemble a compelling package to persuade the Raiders to part with their star pass rusher. With cap considerations and fit debates ongoing, followers should monitor further reporting as teams continue to weigh Crosby’s value ahead of the new league year. This summary draws on reporting from ESPN’s Fowler, the Big Ten Network’s Herron, SportsBoom’s La Canfora, and Crosby’s own response on The Herd, originally highlighted by Heavy Sports.