The Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders could come to an agreement on a possible trade swap between defensive star Maxx Crosby and wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed that the Bears would send Moore and a first-round draft pick to the Raiders while getting Crosby and a fifth-round pick in return. It sounds like a solid deal on paper, but the Bears could use that draft pick to draft a running back with the anticipation of releasing D’Andre Swift or a secondary weapon. For the Raiders, there is still smoke in the Crosby trade rumors even though the Pro Bowler wants to avoid the “talks,” but the deal sounds too sweet for Las Vegas to turn down.
After trading away Jakobi Meyers, the team would appreciate the thought of Moore stepping in as the No. 1 receiver in this offensive pass-attack. While they have Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Tre Tucker, who could emerge as solid, capable long-term receivers for whoever steps in as the new starting quarterback, there’s no denying how Moore could elevate the Raiders’ offense. Unfortunately, it feels more awkward seeing Moore in a Raider uniform than Crosby in Chicago threads.
Bears, Raiders May Connect On Massive Blockbuster Maxx Crosby, DJ Moore Trade
Does the Proposal Make Sense?
Absolutely, it doesn’t make sense for these two to agree on the proposed trade. It would only be sensible if the Raiders sent Crosby to the Bears for a first-round pick of this year’s draft while Chicago retains Moore. With that, if the Raiders draft Indiana standout quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the team could use the extra pick to draft a top receiver to supplement him early.
Meanwhile, the Bears will have one of the most generational pass-rushers in the league after missing the NFC Championship Game by a game of inches. The possible acquisition of Crosby could put them as a danger to every NFC team, putting them on notice. They desperately need an elite edge rusher either way to help Montez Sweat get after the quarterback. For the rest of this article, let’s evaluate both Moore’s and Crosby’s potential trade destinations if the Raiders and Bears never get a chance to agree on a deal.
Potential Trade Destinations
For Moore, there should be multiple suitors for him. Even though he took a step back with the emergence of Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, Moore is still a raw, talented weapon that can join a new team as a WR2. Teams like the Steelers, Panthers and Chargers could use his services. DK Metcalf needs a WR2 in Pittsburgh, while the Panthers can continue to elevate the offense for quarterback Bryce Young, and Justin Herbert needs a true “X” factor to help Ladd McConkey.
As for Crosby, he could make an impact anywhere, but if there’s a chance to do it, it’s with a contender. He should have plenty of options, but the Eagles, Commanders and Patriots sound like a haven for the All-Pro. Philadelphia improved its defense by acquiring Jaelan Phillips, but the team could lose him in free agency. Meanwhile, Washington and New England have the cap space to get aggressive and sign Crosby to a long-term contract.