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EspañolThe Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason where they're looking to bolster the roster, most notably on defense, and free agency provides the first opportunity to do so.
Last offseason, the Bears acquired left guard Joe Thuney and right guard Jonah Jackson via trades before free agency even started. They rounded that off with the signing of center Drew Dalman in free agency to complete their overhaul of the interior offensive line. This offseason, the defensive line needs a similar overhaul, and there are options in free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft and the trade market. General manager Ryan Poles also has some work to do to free up salary cap space, which means some notable Bears could be on the move.
With trade rumors heating up, here's the latest on several key Bears players who could be on the move, as well as an update on Maxx Crosby's trade potential.
DJ Moore
There's been plenty of questions about wide receiver DJ Moore's future with the Bears next season. He's set to have a team-high $28.5 million salary cap hit, and with the team currently over the cap, they need to make moves to free up space. Trading Moore would free up $24.5 million in cap space. But, with that hefty contract, would Chicago be able to find a taker? According to Brad Biggs, the Bears could find a trade partner for Moore and get a Day 2 pick for him, should that be the route they go. But it would also likely require Chicago to pay some of the money owed Moore given that contract.
Tremaine Edmunds
The Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. It didn't come as a surprise given Edmunds was a strong candidate to be a salary cap casualty, which would free up $15 million in cap space. While many don't expect Chicago to find a trade partner, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said Edmunds has "strong trade value" and a "decent chance" to be dealt. Fowler notes that the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are among those interested.
Maxx Crosby
There's a growing belief that the Las Vegas Raiders will trade superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby this week, and it's no surprise that the Bears are among the teams showing interest. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Chicago is "keeping tabs" on the Crosby situation, along with several other teams. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero also believes the Bears would be a fit for Crosby. Pelissero said: "They feel like they're close, they were right there at the end in the playoffs. Could Maxx Crosby be somebody who puts them over the top and elevates that pass rush. I think that would be a fit."
Tyson Bagent
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has garnered plenty of trade interest given the weak quarterback market in free agency, and general manager Ryan Poles said they've gotten a few calls. Listening to Poles and head coach Ben Johnson at the NFL combine last week, it's clear Chicago doesn't want to trade Bagent. But they also understand the potential of getting significant compensation this offseason coupled with Bagent's contributions to this team as a top backup to Caleb Williams. According to Brad Biggs, the Bears would probably require a Day 2 pick for Bagent.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
One of the more surprising names mentioned in trade rumors involving the Bears is defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract. But Brad Biggs from the Chicago Tribune set the record straight about those Dexter trade rumors. "They're not taking (trade) calls on him. They're not making calls on him." Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need on the Bears' roster, and they currently have just two under contract in Dexter and veteran Grady Jarrett. Chicago will be adding to the defensive tackle group, not taking away from it.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears trade rumors: Latest on DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, Maxx Crosby