Inside the Rumor Mill: Breaking Down the Bears Trade Rumors
After a couple of slow weeks following the Super Bowl, the NFL offseason is beginning to heat up.
The scouting combine is later this week, and free agency is right around the corner.
But it wouldn’t be a Chicago Bears offseason without trade rumors.
The Bears have been linked to several star players, and have also been rumored to be shopping some of their own players.
We know that Ryan Poles isn’t afraid to pull the trigger (Thuney, Claypool, and Sweat).
Below, I’ll sift through the Bears trade rumors and break down the implications of each one.
DJ Moore for Maxx Crosby Blockbuster Deal
Maxx Crosby is one of the best edge rushers and players in the NFL. He’s a 2x All-Pro, 5x Pro Bowler, and averages 10 sacks per season. So if Crosby is so good, then why would he be traded?
Well, Crosby has played all seven of his NFL seasons with the Raiders and has experienced just one playoff appearance. Tensions have grown between the star pass rusher and the Raiders organization as Crosby recently said, “I just want to play football and be left the F alone.”
If Crosby were to be traded, several insiders have pointed to the Bears as a possible suitor. The Bears certainly need to improve their pass rush, and Crosby is one of the best in the game. He’s a true game-wrecker, and there aren’t many players in the league who fit that description.
ESPN – Jeremy Fowler’s Trade Offer
ESPN senior writer Jeremy Fowler listed four potential suitors for Maxx Crosby: the Bears, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Chargers. He provided a hypothetical offer for each team, and the Bears’ was intriguing.
- Bears receive: Maxx Crosby
- Raiders receive: D.J. Moore, 2026 first-round pick (No. 25), 2027 third-round pick
ESPN – Bill Barnwell’s Trade Offer
Bill Barnwell – another senior writer for ESPN – had the Bears trading for Crosby in a similar deal.
- Bears receive: Maxx Crosby, 2027 fifth-round pick
- Raiders receive: D.J. Moore, 2026 first-round pick (No.25)
Barnwell’s deal also involves Moore and the Bears first rounder for the upcoming draft. However, this deal would net the Bears a future pick instead of giving one up.
Would This Trade Be Worth It?
If the Bears traded either one of these packages for Maxx Crosby, I would be the happiest man alive. D.J. Moore is coming off his worst statistical season in the NFL, and it seems like Ben Johnson doesn’t love his skill set. While Moore had some memorable plays like his game-winning touchdowns against the Packers, his lack of route discipline really hurt the team.
The Bears would owe Crosby $60.6 million between 2026 and 2027, but they would move off of Moore’s lucrative contract in exchange. I’ll be honest, it does suck having to give up our first round pick, but it’s not the end of the world. It’s the 25th pick in the draft, and while there will be some good players available, you aren’t going to find the next Maxx Crosby.
If this trade were to happen, Crosby would immediately be the Bears’ best player. He would be a massive upgrade to the Bears’ lackluster pass rush and take a lot of pressure off of Montez Sweat.
The Bears’ Super Bowl window is RIGHT NOW. For the next two years, Caleb Williams will be on his rookie contract. They have to take advantage of this luxury and go all-in. Making a move for one of the league’s best players would certainly do that.
Budda Baker to the Windy City?
Bears fans are familiar with the Maxx Crosby trade rumors, but a new name has entered the discussion. Cardinals star safety Budda Baker has been linked to the Bears in a couple of hypothetical deals.
Baker is an 8-time Pro Bowler and has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he was drafted in 2017.
Bleacher Report – Alex Ballentine’s Trade Offer
- Bears receive: Budda Baker
- Cardinals receive: 2026 third-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
The Score – Dan Wilkins’ Trade Offer
- Bears receive: Budda Baker
- Cardinals receive: 2026 third-round pick
The Bears have a glaring need at safety that they must address this offseason. All four of their safeties from last season, including Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, are free agents. Baker is an absolute stud and would fix this need for the Bears. But he is 30 years old and currently earns $19 million, with $20 million owed in 2027.
If the Bears only had to give up their third-rounder, I would be excited to land Baker. His age and contract are concerns, but his play has not yet declined. He’s one of the best defenders in the league and would have an immediate impact on the Bears’ secondary.
This is another move that would capitalize on Williams’ rookie contract—adding a talented veteran player to get your team over the hump. If the Bears believe they can compete for a Super Bowl (I sure do!), then they should target Budda Baker.
A Tyson Bagent Trade!?!?
No. Just no. I don’t even want to entertain trading Tyson Bagent because I love him so much, but for the sake of this article, I’ll break it down.
An Arizona sports radio talk show host, John Gambadoro, said that the Cardinals are “intrigued” by Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent. Yeah, I’m sure they are because Bagent is freaking awesome.
But in all seriousness, this makes sense from Arizona’s perspective. The Cardinals have struggled to find consistent quarterback play for the past few seasons. Former #1 overall pick Kyler Murray has dealt with several injuries and has struggled in his recent performances.
The Cardinals fired head coach Johnathan Gannon and brought in Mike Lafleur earlier this offseason. Lafleur will likely look to bring in a QB outside of the organization, and Bagent makes perfect sense.
In Bagent’s four NFL starts, he is 2-2 with wins over the Panthers and Raiders. Bagent is an undrafted rookie who worked his way into a backup role. He’s been so good that he earned himself a 2-year $10 million contract extension through 2027.
Should the Bears Consider it?
A Tyson Bagent trade would likely net the Bears a day-3 draft pick. And to be honest, I don’t think that’s enough. Bagent is a great backup quarterback and is capable of winning games in the NFL. While Caleb Williams doesn’t get hurt (knock on wood), there’s always a possibility that the backup has to step in.
The Bears should hold onto Bagent unless someone gives them an offer they can’t refuse.
Luther Burden Trade Buzz
There aren’t any insiders discussing Luther Burden as a trade candidate, but this is for the fans. I’ve seen way too many hypothetical trades that involve the Bears shipping off their young receiver.
I’m here to say that THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Burden is the Bears’ most talented receiver and has some absurd talent that he flashed in his rookie season. I think Burden is going to be a superstar, and if someone like me believes that, I can’t imagine how the Bears feel about him.
Burden isn’t going anywhere, people.
It wouldn’t be the NFL offseason without trade rumors. And the Bears are always at the center of them.
Chicago has been linked to superstars like Maxx Crosby and Budda Baker, who could help them compete for a championship. Tyson Bagent has also drawn some interest around the league.
It’s only a matter of time until these rumors work themselves out and the truth is uncovered.
So here’s to hoping Maxx Crosby is a Bear in 2027
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