ESPN's Adam Schefter says Bears are 'broke,' cannot afford Maxx Crosby trade

The Chicago Bears are one of the rising teams in the NFL, with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams making it to the NFC Divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams in their first year together.

Things are looking up for the Bears, and that could include additions of top-tier players this offseason. They've traded away DJ Moore, but have added Devin Bush and Coby Bryant. And Maxx Crosby trade rumors aren't going to die down. At least, they weren't.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears are "broke" and cannot afford to spend so much money on someone like Crosby or anyone making so much money. Bears fans are going to have to be content, as the spending power isn't great in Chicago.

Bears are 'broke' per ESPN's Adam Schefter

"I don't, the Bears don't have any more money right now, Greeny. They're broke. They're out of money," Schefter said. "The Bears do not have the money to make a move like that right now. They just cannot afford it."

Crosby would be a perfect trade addition for the Bears this offseason, with the team's big pass rusher need, and the defense looking to take the next step with an ascending offense.

But the 28-year-old Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher isn't cheap. Not just in the draft capital the Bears would have to give up, but in the money they would have to hand out.

Crosby is getting paid $30,782,000 in 2026, followed by $29,782,000 in 2027. There's an out after that season, but if Crosby were to stay on his current deal, the cash he's owed will be $27,282,000 in 2028 and then $28,212,000 in 2029.

More: Bears can trade for Maxx Crosby after Ravens back out of Raiders deal

The problem with the Bears doesn't have to do with the team's cap space; they have room to pay players with their cap, and Crosby's deal would work.

The issue is that the Bears, as an organization, do not have the cash to spend to pay someone what Crosby is earning.

Ryan Poles might have the means to add talent to the roster, but when it comes to expensive players like Crosby, especially with the massive contract for Williams in the future, the Bears aren't going to be able to make a deal work.

It's a harsh comment from Schefter, saying that the Bears are "broke." But, with how the team has less cash to spend than a lot of other teams do, it's not a surprise that the Bears are out of the running for an expensive player like Crosby.

More Bears news:

• Drew Dalman surprisingly retires at 27 years old after Pro Bowl season
• DJ Moore trade to Bills isn't expected to be all Bears do in trade market
• Bears to sign WR and returner Kalif Raymond to $5.5 million contract News
• Tyson Bagent trade rumors might pick up steam after Case Keenum re-signs with Bears
• Bears to sign Devin Bush to $30 million contract
• Coby Bryant to sign with Bears on $40 million contract
• D’Marco Jackson to re-sign with Bears on $7.5 million deal