The San Francisco 49ers have already made significant roster upgrades this offseason. On the offensive side, they added future Hall of Famer Mike Evans on a three-year deal and brought in former 1,000-yard receiver Christian Kirk. Defensively, they bolstered the interior line by acquiring veteran defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa via trade from the Dallas Cowboys.
But what if the organization decided to make one more blockbuster move before the season? What if John Lynch pulled the trigger on a high-stakes trade to supercharge the pass rush? According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, the target could be none other than Las Vegas Raiders star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby.
Could the San Francisco 49ers Trade for Maxx Crosby?
Maxx Crosby was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. Getty Images
The Raiders did attempt to move Crosby earlier this year, and while he remains in Las Vegas for now, the franchise’s rebuilding trajectory hasn’t shifted. For a 49ers team built to win immediately, acquiring Crosby represents a prime opportunity to escalate the arms race in the NFC West—especially following the Los Angeles Rams’ recent moves and the addition of talent like Myles Garrett elsewhere in the conference.
Davenport outlined a potential trade framework that would send Crosby to San Francisco in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and promising edge-rusher Mykel Williams. While some may view the deal as ambitious, it carries real logic: the Raiders gain valuable future draft capital and a young player to build around, while the 49ers add an elite pass-rusher without sacrificing their current championship window. Shipping talent out of the AFC entirely could also appeal to Las Vegas as they pivot toward long-term reconstruction.
Maxx Crosby Fits the 49ers’ Championship Mold
This 49ers squad isn’t a team on the rise—it’s a team ready to contend for a Super Bowl right now. After years of deep playoff runs without hoisting the Lombardi Trophy since 1994, San Francisco needs every possible edge. Pairing Maxx Crosby alongside All-Pro Nick Bosa, with Osa Odighizuwa providing interior pressure, would create a terrifying front for opposing quarterbacks to face—particularly in the high-stakes games of January and beyond.
In just seven NFL seasons, Crosby has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive forces. The former Eastern Michigan standout has earned five Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors. His career totals are eye-popping: 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, and 164 quarterback hits. He brings relentless motor, elite production, and proven leadership to a defense that already possesses championship pedigree.
Adding Crosby would not only elevate the 49ers’ pass rush to elite status but also position them as co-favorites in a loaded NFC West alongside the Rams. For a fanbase—the Faithful—that has waited decades for another title, this type of aggressive move signals a clear message: all-in on 2026.
While nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, and the Raiders may ultimately hold onto their star, the framework makes sense for both sides. The 49ers have the assets and the win-now urgency. Maxx Crosby, a proven nightmare for quarterbacks across the league, could be the final piece that pushes San Francisco over the top.
The offseason isn’t over yet. If John Lynch is willing to get creative, 49ers fans might soon be celebrating the arrival of yet another game-changing defender in red and gold.