Bears actively pursued Maxx Crosby before Ravens deal, but balked at the cost, prioritizing health and salary over two first-round picks.
It’s now been a few months since the season ended in a bad place for the Las Vegas Raiders, but over these months, the narrative has completely taken a 180.
They were horrible last season, but that earned them the top selection in this month’s draft. With an abundance of available salary cap room, the Raiders went out and made several splashes in free agency to strengthen their roster. Suddenly, the Raiders look like a competent team and one that will continue to get better with each passing year.
That doesn’t mean there weren't any hiccups during the offseason, however. Las Vegas’ direction of the offseason was halted back in March after an agreement to trade star edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens was suddenly rescinded.
Baltimore agreed to the deal, but when Crosby underwent tests with the team’s doctors, the Ravens didn't feel comfortable following through and sending two first round picks to the Raiders considering Crosby’s health.
Some questioned how the failed trade would impact how the Raiders attacked the offseason, given that they had already spent tens of millions with the idea that Crosby and his $36 million cap hit wouldn’t be on the team for 2026. Luckily, the Raiders had ample salary cap room to start with, so they decided to finalize all free agent deals and move forward with Crosby on the roster.
It could have played out much differently for the Raiders, however, with a new article from The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer reporting that the Chicago Bears were pursuing the four-time All-Pro before the Ravens deal was struck.
Chicago had been monitoring the situation regarding Crosby and Las Vegas and assessing the risk tolerance. Weiderer reported that despite previous beliefs, the Bears never actually offered a package for two first round picks. Instead, they were focused on having serious discussions surrounding Crosby’s age, health, and salary. The price Chicago would need to pay ultimately went beyond Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ comfort zone.
With the Bears pulling out on a potential deal, the Ravens-Raiders deal was eventually struck, commencing the most dramatic saga of the entire offseason.
Now, over a month removed from the deal falling apart and Crosby returning to Las Vegas, there is more clarity on the situation for everybody involved. The Raiders are in an even better spot than before, still bringing in numerous free agents to play a key role in 2026, maintaining their desired positions in the draft, and even keeping a perennial Pro-Bowler in Crosby.
The Raiders will be a completely new squad in 2026. There will be a new head coach and his coaching staff, a fresh quarterback and other rookies, and new faces who landed in Las Vegas in free agency. But one thing won’t be any different – Crosby will continue to be the heart and soul of the Raiders defense as he has year after year.