Cubs Offer Pete Crow-Armstrong a $75 Million Extension: His Response Leaves the NFL Speechless

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly made a bold move to secure their future in center field, approaching young phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong with a lucrative $75 million contract extension. The news, which broke recently, has sent ripples through Major League Baseball (MLB) and, surprisingly, even caught the attention of the National Football League (NFL). What’s more shocking? Crow-Armstrong’s response to the offer, which has sparked conversations across sports circles, blending baseball’s rising star with an unexpected NFL twist. Here’s everything you need to know about this developing story, its implications, and why it’s turning heads in both leagues.

The Cubs’ Big Bet on Pete Crow-Armstrong

At just 23 years old, Pete Crow-Armstrong—affectionately known as “PCA”—has already established himself as one of baseball’s most electrifying talents. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2020 and later traded to the Cubs in 2021 for Javier Báez, PCA has dazzled fans with his elite defense, blazing speed, and improving bat. In 2024, his rookie season, he slashed .237/.286/.384 with an 87 wRC+, showing flashes of brilliance despite some offensive struggles. His 2.7 fWAR, driven by top-tier center field defense and 27 stolen bases, made him a cornerstone for Chicago’s future.

The Cubs, recognizing his potential, are reportedly offering a $75 million extension to lock him up long-term. This move aligns with a growing MLB trend where teams secure young stars before they hit arbitration or free agency. For context, similar deals include Michael Harris II’s eight-year, $72 million contract with the Atlanta Braves and Jackson Chourio’s eight-year, $82 million pact with the Milwaukee Brewers. For Chicago, extending PCA could provide cost certainty while building around a player who could become a perennial All-Star.

But why $75 million? The figure reflects Crow-Armstrong’s high ceiling balanced against his current offensive inconsistencies. His defensive prowess and speed give him a high floor, but the Cubs are betting on his bat catching up. If PCA develops into a 20-homer, 50-steal threat, this deal could be a bargain. If not, it’s a calculated risk for a team desperate to return to postseason contention after missing the playoffs in 2024.

Crow-Armstrong’s Response: A Curveball No One Saw Coming

While contract negotiations are typically private, sources close to the situation revealed that Crow-Armstrong’s reaction to the offer was anything but conventional. Rather than focusing solely on the dollars or years, PCA reportedly expressed gratitude but hinted at a broader perspective, saying, “I’m just getting started, and I want to prove I’m worth more than numbers—on and off the field.” He then dropped a bombshell that left insiders stunned: a playful nod to the NFL, suggesting he’s “open to all kinds of challenges, maybe even catching passes instead of fly balls someday.”

This unexpected comment sparked a firestorm of speculation. Was PCA joking, or could he genuinely be considering a crossover to football? His athleticism—highlighted by a reported 4.4-second 40-yard dash—makes the idea less far-fetched than it sounds. At 6’0” and 184 pounds, he has the build of an NFL wide receiver or defensive back. Social media erupted, with fans imagining him lining up for the Chicago Bears, a team in desperate need of dynamic playmakers.

The NFL’s reaction was equally surprising. Prominent analysts like ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport weighed in, with Schefter tweeting, “Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong joking about football? Don’t sleep on his speed—Bears might want to take a look.” Rapoport added, “PCA’s athleticism is NFL-caliber. If he’s serious, teams would line up.” Even Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, when asked about the buzz, chuckled but didn’t dismiss it, saying, “We love speed and versatility. Never say never.”

Why the NFL Connection Matters

Crow-Armstrong’s NFL quip isn’t just a publicity stunt—it taps into a rare intersection of sports culture. Multi-sport athletes like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson have long captivated fans, but in today’s specialized era, such crossovers are nearly extinct. PCA’s comment, even if tongue-in-cheek, reignites the “what if” debate. Could a baseball star transition to football? His skill set—speed, instincts, and hand-eye coordination—suggests he could at least compete in an NFL training camp.

For the Cubs, this narrative adds a layer of complexity. While PCA’s loyalty to baseball seems firm, his openness to other challenges could signal a desire for flexibility in negotiations. He’s under team control through 2030, so there’s no rush to sign an extension. By floating the NFL idea, he might be signaling that he’s betting on himself, aiming for a bigger payday down the road if his performance skyrockets.

The Cubs’ Strategy: Smart or Risky?

From the Cubs’ perspective, offering PCA $75 million now is a strategic play. Chicago’s payroll is projected to be $30 million below the luxury tax threshold in 2025, giving them room to invest. Locking up PCA could free up resources to pursue other stars, like a top-tier pitcher or a power-hitting first baseman. However, there’s risk. If PCA’s offense doesn’t improve, the Cubs could be stuck with an overpaid glove-first outfielder. Conversely, if he becomes a superstar, $75 million might look like a steal.

Comparables like Ke’Bryan Hayes’ eight-year, $70 million deal with Pittsburgh or Lawrence Butler’s seven-year, $65.5 million extension with Oakland provide context. PCA’s youth (he turns 23 in March 2025) and upside make him a prime candidate for a team-friendly deal. But his response suggests he’s aware of his value and may want to wait for a bigger offer after a breakout season.

What’s Next for PCA and the Cubs?

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Crow-Armstrong. The Cubs’ 2025 lineup, featuring Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki, positions PCA as the everyday center fielder. Manager Craig Counsell has praised his work ethic, noting, “Pete’s got the tools to be special. It’s about consistency now.” A strong season could push PCA’s value well beyond $75 million, forcing the Cubs to sweeten their offer.

For now, the NFL buzz remains a fun sideshow. PCA’s focus is on baseball, but his charisma and versatility have made him a crossover sensation. Whether he signs the extension or bets on himself, one thing is clear: Pete Crow-Armstrong is a name both MLB and NFL fans will be talking about for years to come.

Why This Story Resonates

This saga blends sports, ambition, and the allure of “what could be.” Fans love speculating about athletes defying norms, and PCA’s story delivers that in spades. For Cubs supporters, it’s a chance to rally behind a homegrown talent. For NFL enthusiasts, it’s a tantalizing glimpse at a potential game-changer. And for everyone else, it’s a reminder that in sports, anything is possible.

As the 2025 season looms, the question isn’t just whether PCA will sign the $75 million deal—it’s whether he’ll redefine what it means to be a modern athlete. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.