Elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby's potential exit sparks blockbuster trade talks, with the 49ers eyeing a game-changing defensive duo.
If the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately decide to move Maxx Crosby this offseason, it would certainly be a franchise-altering decision for them. Elite edge rushers in their prime almost never become available, and when they do, contenders with championship aspirations are immediately pulled into the discussion. That includes the San Francisco 49ers.
Crosby’s 2025 season ended early after the Raiders placed him on injured reserve due to a lingering knee issue, a decision that reportedly did not sit well with the five-time Pro Bowler. The frustration surrounding that move has only fueled speculation about whether Crosby’s future still lies in Las Vegas. If it doesn’t, San Francisco is a logical and interesting potential destination.
From a football standpoint, the fit is obvious. Crosby remains one of the league’s most disruptive defenders, finishing the season with 73 tackles, 10 sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and his first career interception despite missing time. Pairing him with Nick Bosa would instantly give the 49ers the most terrifying edge duo in football, the kind that can single-handedly put you in playoff contention.
But the question has never been about on-field fit. It’s about philosophy, timing, and cost.
Over the past year, the 49ers have quietly shifted their roster building approach. After previous all in moves strained the salary cap, San Francisco has prioritized getting younger, cheaper, and more flexible options. That matters when discussing a player like Crosby, who would command both significant draft compensation and a massive financial commitment.
John Lynch and the front office also have major business already looming. Nick Bosa carries one of the largest cap hits in the league, Trent Williams’ future must be addressed, and the team has multiple core extensions to manage. While the 49ers did clear meaningful cap space last offseason, adding Crosby would represent a clear pivot back toward a stars-and-spend approach.
That doesn’t mean it’s off the table.
What happens in the playoffs could ultimately dictate everything. If the 49ers fall short, particularly if pass rush inconsistency or defensive breakdowns play a role, the internal calculus could change quickly. Championship windows are fragile, and San Francisco knows it cannot waste years of elite quarterback play, top end skill talent, and a dominant core.
There’s also the draft factor. If the 49ers don’t believe a difference-making edge rusher will be available where they select, trading for a proven superstar becomes more appealing. Crosby isn’t projection or potential. He is proven production and effort wrapped into one of the league’s best defenders.
Of course, the Raiders control the biggest variable. Any trade would likely require premium picks, and Las Vegas would have little incentive to help a division rival’s rival unless the return was overwhelming. Crosby’s own preferences could also matter. If he were to push for a contender that could soften the compensation required, although if he were to push for a specific team the signs don’t point to that team being the 49ers.
For now, this is all speculation, but it’s not baseless.
Crosby is exactly the kind of player the 49ers would target if they decide they’re one elite defender away from finishing the job. The price would be steep, the risk real, and the commitment massive, but the reward could be worth it.
If Maxx Crosby becomes available, the 49ers may not be eager buyers. But Crosby being available would be hard to ignore.