NFL fans believe they already know the next destination for Maxx Crosby as they monitor the offseason activity around the league.
Speculation has increasingly swirled that the Las Vegas Raiders could be prepared to part ways with their defensive star and the potential availability of the 28-year-old has ignited huge interest across the NFL.
However, it would take something huge for them to let Crosby leave and a team with a lot of spare salary cap to take on his contract.
Yet, fans are convinced there is one team around the league that has already made the moves necessary to make room to acquire Crosby.
Earlier this week, the Chicago Bears traded star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
Moore spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Bears, attempting to rebuild the franchise alongside young quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson.
NFL fans believe they already know the next destination for Raiders star Maxx Crosby
Back in July 2024, he agreed to a four-year, $110 million deal with the Bears that included $81.5 m guaranteed.
By trading him, the Bears have offloaded a $16.5 million salary for the upcoming season.
It has now emerged that Chicago is also planning on releasing veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, according to ESPN.
The 27-year-old was set to enter the final season of the four-year, $72 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2023.
However, the Bears reportedly gave Edmunds permission to seek a trade last month or risk being a salary cap casualty.
In releasing him, the Bears free up $15 million in cap space days ahead of free agency.
The moves came after center Drew Dalman announced his surprise retirement on Wednesday. With all three players set to leave the Windy City, it is estimated that $44 million in cap space will free up for the Bears, according to ESPN.
And fans are convinced that the moves are to make way for Crosby as they took to social media to share their theories.
The Chicago Bears are reportedly releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds this offseason
The Bears also traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills earlier this week
‘The Bears now possess the necessary cap flexibility to absorb Maxx Crosby in a potential trade,’ one user claimed.
A Bears fan account posted: ‘Chicago Bears are releasing LB Tremaine Edmunds. It looks like we’re making space for Maxx Crosby. Absolute chaos today. Thoughts Bears fans?’
‘Bears cleared a ton of cap space after that DJ Moore deal, & Drew Dalman retiring.. The writing is on the wall what’s about to happen.. Also keep in mind Tremaine Edmunds hasn’t been traded yet garners huge interest via trade.. Lol welcome Maxx Crosby to the Chicago Bears,’ a third had written before the news of Edmunds’ potential release had broken.
‘The Bears have created $45M in cap space. Maxx Crosby and Tyler Linderbaum, get ready to learn Chicago Bears buddy,’ another shared.
Thursday is a year to the day that the defensive end signed a new contract in Vegas, agreeing to a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
But in the 12 months since, not much has changed for the better and Crosby was furious at being shut down for the season at the end of 2025.
Crosby turns 29 in August and it would seem this is the offseason where the Raiders could get the biggest haul if they were to trade him.
The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, where they are expected to choose quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Crosby, 28, signed a new Raiders deal last March but is now believed to want to leave
However, during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show earlier this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter didn’t appear convinced that the Bears would be able to get a trade done for Crosby.
‘I think the (Chicago) Bears have checked in on Maxx Crosby,’ Schefter said. ‘I don’t know if they will be able to get it done in the end.
‘I think there are a whole bunch of teams in on Maxx Crosby. Everybody is sniffing around. That feels like one of those situations where it is quiet now and the volcano is simmering.
‘We are just waiting to see if that volcano erupts and the Raiders decide to move on. The Bears have checked in, the Cowboys have checked in, the Bills have checked in.
‘I would think a trade like this (the Bills trade for Moore on Thursday) probably lessens the chances for the Bills to pull off a deal because you only have so many moves to make for big-game, big-money players.
‘Again, teams find ways to make things happen but it lessens the chance that Buffalo can get things done.’
