Maxx Crosby has finally broken his silence about the offseason trade rumors surrounding his future with the Las Vegas Raiders, and it does not sound too encouraging for Bears fans hoping to see him move to Chicago in 2026.
Crosby discussed where he stands with the Raiders and the trade rumors that he could potentially leave Las Vegas during February 6’s appearance on Fox Sports’ “The Herd,” criticizing the NFL insiders who are “making big statements for me” about his future.
Just this week alone, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer told Yahoo Sports that he believes Crosby’s time with the Raiders is done. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also mentioned that Crosby has told her in the past that he wants to play for head coach Mike Vrabel, who leads the New England Patriots and just won 2026 NFL Coach of the Year.
From Crosby’s perspective, the discourse is pure comedy.
“It’s funny,” Crosby told Cowherd while calling into the show from the Raiders’ facility and dressed in all-Raiders gear. “I’m glad you brought it up, because it’s like, damned if you do, damned if you don’t, you know? For me, in the past, I’ve learned that being too vocal and too involved with trying to make, like, ‘I want this coach, or I want this.’ I’ve learned my lessons, and I’ve learned from that. That’s not my job.
“But you can’t control everything. I’ve learned that. Now that I’m quiet, now I’ve got random people making big statements for me. They’re like, ‘Oh, Maxx must have told them this.’ For me, I just sit back and laugh, because I know my truth. When I go to bed at night, I have a smile on my face because I don’t have to explain nothing to nobody.”
How Likely Are Raiders to Trade Maxx Crosby in 2026?
Reading between the lines, Crosby seems to find it ridiculous that insiders are pushing the narrative that he is “done” with the Raiders. Even still, there is sense in the Raiders exploring the possibility of trading Crosby as they start rebuilding for the 2026 season.
Crosby is one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL and has four years remaining on his $106.5 million contract with the Raiders, but a last-place finish in 2025 could have the front office re-evaluating its ability to compete for a title in the near future. Vegas will presumably roll the dice on Fernando Mendoza as its new franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, but a retooling could be necessary to fit its new window.
With Crosby turning 29 before next season, the Raiders could decide it is in their best interests to trade him while his value is still reasonably high and acquire a haul of picks that allows the general manager John Spytek to reconstruct the roster in his image. He should return at least one first-round pick in a trade, maybe even multiple Day 1s.
Of course, a lot of the fuel that has made the Crosby trade rumors run is the impression that he is unhappy with the Raiders after they shut him down for the final two games of the regular season against his wishes. While insiders have speculated that he could ask for a trade, Crosby’s interview from inside the team facility seems to say otherwise.
Bears Should At Least Call About Maxx Crosby Trade
If Crosby isn’t asking for a trade out of Vegas, the Raiders might just laugh along with him at the trade rumors and make their offseason plans with expectations that he will remain an integral part of their defense for the 2026 season. After all, he is their best defensive player, a five-time Pro Bowler with nearly 70 sacks in seven career seasons.
That said, the Bears should absolutely still call the Raiders to ask about Crosby.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles, like most NFL GMs, has acknowledged that he and the rest of his front-office companions investigate most rumblings about the potential trade availability of a high-profile player, even if it would involve huge compensation.
A good example of this is the Bears’ calling the Cleveland Browns about superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett at the 2025 NFL trade deadline, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Browns ultimately told them he wasn’t available, but kept stones from being unturned.
Crosby is the same deal. The Raiders could swiftly hang up on the Bears if they call to ask about his availability, but it is necessary due diligence to understand what options are available for improving the pass-rush group for 2026. What’s the harm in asking?
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Maxx Crosby Breaks Silence Amid Bears Trade Rumors appeared first on Heavy Sports.