Ben Johnson’s plan for Chicago centers on building a high-impact, playoff-ready roster, and the Moore transaction appears to be a deliberate step to create room for aggressive further moves. With roughly $34 million in estimated cap space after the deal and the inclusion of additional draft capital, Chicago is positioned to pursue premier talent while managing long-term commitments.
The Bears’ rising appeal for Crosby is bolstered by the perception that a Crosby exit could coincide with Chicago’s cap flexibility and existing draft assets. A recent report noted Crosby remains a top target for Chicago in the event of a departure from Las Vegas, reinforcing the sense that Crosby-heavy defense could be a cornerstone of a Super Bowl bid in 2026-27.
Las Vegas, meanwhile, has signaled a willingness to listen to offers for Crosby. Raiders leadership indicated they would consider the best path for the team, balancing Crosby’s elite production with the broader objective of building a more complete roster. The timing of the Moore trade has amplified speculation about Crosby’s potential destination and whether Chicago can close the gap with a high-profile acquisition.
In addition to the Crosby chatter, observers note that the Moore deal itself has broader implications for Chicago. By clearing salary-cap space and adding draft capital, the Bears could pursue a multi-mector upgrade — including trade avenues or free-agent targets — while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving market dynamics ahead of the 2026 draft and season.
Overall, Chicago’s strategy reflects a calculated approach to maximize win-now potential while preserving future flexibility. If a Crosby deal comes together, it would mark a major step in their bid to reach the Super Bowl in the 2026-27 season, underscoring their intent to assemble a championship-caliber core through a combination of veteran impact players and sustained cap discipline.
