Could the San Francisco 49ers make a move for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby?
The Las Vegas Raiders attempted to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason, but the deal ultimately fell apart after Baltimore backed out.
The 49ers have frequently been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Crosby should the Raiders revisit trade discussions. However, much of that speculation has been driven by outside observers, as there has been little indication that Las Vegas is still actively shopping its defensive star.
Still, one reporter believes San Francisco is monitoring the situation closely.
"They sat and watched as the Rams traded for the best defensive player in the NFL, Myles Garrett," Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated wrote. "But according to a source, they're one of several teams still interested in trading for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby."
Cohn cautions that the 49ers' interest does not necessarily mean a deal is imminent. One major factor is Crosby's recovery from meniscus repair surgery, which he underwent on January 7. Concerns about his health were a key reason the Ravens withdrew from trade talks after Crosby reportedly failed his physical.
As a result, the Raiders may prefer to wait until Crosby can demonstrate he is fully recovered before engaging in serious negotiations.
Cohn believes the 49ers have the assets necessary to assemble an attractive trade package.
"Theoretically, the 49ers could offer a first-rounder and Mykel Williams to the Raiders for Crosby," Cohn wrote. "If the Raiders would prefer a second-round pick rather than Williams, who was the 11th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers could do that as well. Williams is coming off a torn ACL, but he's only 21 years old."
If there is a deal to be had, a trade may not materialize before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Any potential deal could hinge on how both teams perform early in the year. A strong start by the 49ers coupled with a disappointing season from the Raiders could increase the likelihood of trade discussions gaining traction.
If Nick Bosa returns to his pre-injury form following last season's ACL tear, pairing him with Crosby would give the 49ers one of the NFL's most formidable pass-rushing duos and significantly strengthen their chances of competing in a loaded NFC West.
Crosby has recorded 69.5 career sacks since entering the league in 2019, including 10 sacks last season and 44.5 over the past four years.
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