As a result, veteran free agents such as Joey Bosa and Jadeveon Clowney have frequently been linked to the 49ers. Another intriguing name that has surfaced is Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who reportedly appeared set to join the Baltimore Ravens before the trade fell through.
That has led some fans and analysts to wonder whether the 49ers should explore a trade for Crosby following the Raiders' unsuccessful attempt to move the All-Pro pass rusher.
In a recent mailbag for Sports Illustrated, NFL insider Albert Breer was asked whether San Francisco should pursue Crosby. While Breer likes the fit, he believes the 49ers should exercise patience before making a blockbuster move.
"I love the idea, and I think the 49ers are always open to these types of deals," Breer wrote. "But if I were them, I think I'd wait a bit before diving all-in. Let's see how that core looks over the first month or two of the season. The last thing you'd want, I think, is to see a bunch of guys get old at once right after you sold off assets you'd need to get younger."
The start of the 2026 season for both the 49ers and the Raiders could ultimately determine whether a deal becomes realistic. If San Francisco emerges as a legitimate contender while Las Vegas falls out of the playoff race, the timing could make sense for both teams.
For the 49ers, adding a player of Crosby's caliber could provide a significant boost in a highly competitive NFC West and strengthen a defense already anchored by stars like Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.
"But if the Niners are, say, 6-1, and the Raiders are 1-6, and Crosby is balling out, that's where, if I'm Lynch, I'm thinking about picking up the phone," Breer wrote.
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