Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: Bears Eyeing Defensive Upgrade in 2026 NFL Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders' star defensive end, Maxx Crosby, has been rumored to be a potential trade target for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. The Bears are considered the frontrunners to acquire Crosby, while the Cowboys have also been mentioned as a possible destination. In a recent mock draft, the Bears are projected to trade up to the Cowboys' No. 20 overall pick to select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Cowboys currently hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round, with the 20th pick acquired from a trade involving Micah Parsons.
The Bears, led by general manager Ryan Poles, are expected to be aggressive in moving up the draft board to secure a talented safety like McNeil-Warren. With a strong offensive foundation in place, including head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears are looking to bolster their defense, which struggled in 2025, despite leading the league in turnovers. Key defensive players like Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright are set to become free agents, creating a need for reinforcements on defense.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is highly regarded by draft analysts, with NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranking him as the 15th-best prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Jeremiah praised McNeil-Warren's explosive playmaking ability, citing his knack for big hits, ball-hawking skills, and high energy on the field. McNeil-Warren is described as a versatile and aggressive player with the potential to make a significant impact at the NFL level.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, where teams like the Bears and Cowboys will have the opportunity to add talented prospects like McNeil-Warren to their rosters. As the draft approaches, speculation continues to swirl around potential trades and player acquisitions, setting the stage for an exciting offseason in the NFL.