The Green Bay Packers set the blueprint for landing an all-world pass-rusher in a trade, and the Chicago Bears seemingly want to follow suit. Ironically, though, the Packers' deal for Micah Parsons could play a role in keeping Maxx Crosby away from Chicago.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Bears are a "team to watch" in the Crosby sweepstakes, while noting that the Dallas Cowboys are "lurking." If it becomes a two-way fight between Chicago and Dallas for Crosby's services, the Parsons deal from last August could quietly make an impact.
Not only did the Parsons blockbuster leave a pass-rush void in Dallas, but it also gave Jerry Jones' team more ammunition at the trade table. It will likely require multiple first-round picks to tempt the Las Vegas Raiders to deal their five-time Pro Bowler, and that's where the Cowboys could win big. Chicago holds the No. 25 overall pick in this year's draft, but Dallas has two first-rounders, including Green Bay's.
Cowboys could use the Packers' first-round pick to make a blockbuster deal for Maxx Crosby
The Cowboys' original selection is at No. 12, which is already far more valuable than the Bears'. But, crucially, they also hold the No. 20 pick from Green Bay. Chicago would need to package a 2027 first-rounder, whereas Dallas could send two this year to sweeten the deal.
The Packers may have accidentally given the Cowboys the pick required to secure Crosby's services ahead of the Bears.
It's one of several variables that could factor into a Crosby trade. The Bears have an advantage in that Caleb Williams is on his rookie deal, making it a little easier to go all-in. That said, the Cowboys currently hold more cap space ($6.9 million to $1.4 million, per Spotrac), although those numbers could change after releases and restructures.
Crosby will likely have a say in where he lands.
Would he prefer to join the ascending Bears, who reached the divisional round? Does he believe he can ignite their defense and turn Chicago into serious Super Bowl contenders? Or does Dallas appeal more? The Cowboys took a step forward defensively after landing Quinnen Williams to join Kenny Clark. Adding Crosby to that defensive line would elevate the defense to new heights.
There's no doubt how talented the offense is, assuming they work out a long-term deal for George Pickens after using the franchise tag.
Many variables will determine where Crosby lands, and other teams may enter the conversation (hello, Detroit Lions?), but the Packers-Parsons trade terms could inadvertently make an impact.
Green Bay parted ways with two first-rounders to acquire Parsons. One of those, which became the 20th pick this April, could give the Cowboys a crucial advantage over the Bears in the bidding war for Crosby.