The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to pursue pass-rush help this offseason. So whenever trade speculation around Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby surfaces, the 49ers are almost always mentioned as a potential landing spot.
It's easy to see why.
San Francisco's defense recorded just 20 total sacks in 2025—the fewest in the NFL by a wide margin. For a team that invested heavily in its defensive front last offseason, that production was a major disappointment. While much of the focus appeared to be on bolstering the run defense, the lack of consistent quarterback pressure proved costly.
Adding a player like Crosby would immediately elevate the 49ers' pass rush. The bigger question is the price.
CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan recently outlined five potential trade packages that could land Crosby. In his proposed deal involving San Francisco, the Raiders would receive the 49ers' first- and second-round picks in this year's NFL Draft in exchange for the All-Pro edge rusher.
"The 49ers were decimated by injuries in 2025, which seriously impacted their ability to rush the passer," Sullivan wrote. "Edge rushers Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both tore ACLs, contributing to San Francisco recording the fewest sacks in the NFL (20) and the fewest sacks per game (1.8) ever by a playoff team.
"Of course, that unit should improve simply by getting healthier in 2026, but the club should still explore significant additions. GM John Lynch is one of the more aggressive executives in the NFL, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him dip his toe into the Crosby trade waters -- especially with his team still in a Super Bowl window while competing in one of the league's toughest divisions, which includes the defending champions."
However, the 49ers' proposed package is not the most aggressive among Sullivan's scenarios. He projects the Buffalo Bills offering first-round picks in back-to-back years, plus wide receiver Keon Coleman. The New England Patriots' proposal includes first- and second-round picks along with defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Even the Seattle Seahawks are listed as offering a first- and second-round pick—similar to San Francisco's projected deal.
Beyond draft capital, the 49ers would also need to absorb Crosby's sizable contract, further complicating the equation.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently named the 49ers among the teams that could be interested in Crosby.
"The reality is the Raiders are still far away from significant winning, and the trade interest in Crosby is incredibly robust," Fowler wrote. "In fact, I believe more than a dozen teams, possibly up to 20, will at least inquire with levels of serious intent. And there are some natural would-be contenders, including the Bills, Lions, 49ers, Cowboys, and Ravens."
There's little doubt that pairing Crosby with a healthy Nick Bosa could transform San Francisco's defensive front into one of the NFL's most formidable units. The decision ultimately comes down to whether John Lynch is willing to pay a premium price—both in draft assets and salary—to improve the pass rush.
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