Will Maxx Crosby make it easier for Raiders to trade him?

Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby has been the subject of renewed trade rumors after he was shut down for the remainder of the 2025 season against his wishes in late December due to a knee injury.

Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5M contract extension last offseason, but it's thought he could ask for a raise to at least get closer to deals inked by the likes of Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons later in 2025. However, NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported on Wednesday that a would-be buyer may not have to worry about signing Crosby to a revised agreement. 

Will Maxx Crosby play on his current contract in 2026?

"Crosby's $35.5M average annual value contract is more than $10M below the top of the market with Parsons," Jones wrote. "If Crosby is willing to play this upcoming season on his current deal, that would sweeten the offers for Las Vegas. If Crosby wanted a raise, that would lessen the compensation sent to the Raiders. At least one high-ranking source tells CBS Sports it is his belief Crosby would play this season under his current contract."

Earlier on Wednesday, it was revealed that Crosby is "expected to be traded in the coming days or weeks." He may have already told Raiders minority owner Tom Brady that he no longer wants to feature for the club, and some believe that Crosby has a preferred destination in mind. 

Is Maxx Crosby heading to the NFC North?

"Multiple sources indicate the Chicago Bears are a team to watch in potentially dealing for Crosby," Jones added. 

That's not all. This past Tuesday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and others shared that the Bears had become the betting favorites to land Crosby's services this offseason. In February, a conversation involving Crosby and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams attracted quite a bit of attention from members of the NFL community. 

None of this means a trade is imminent, as the Raiders reportedly want two first-round draft picks and a starting player in return for Crosby. It remains to be seen if the Bears or a different club will match that price.