The San Francisco 49ers could still benefit from adding a proven veteran pass rusher after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season.
While there's no indication that the Las Vegas Raiders are actively shopping defensive end Maxx Crosby, there was previously a deal in place with the Baltimore Ravens—until the Ravens backed out unexpectedly. That left Crosby in Las Vegas despite his desire to leave.
Even so, many around the NFL believe a Crosby trade remains possible—if not before the season, then sometime during the 2026 campaign.
FanSided's Austen Bundy recently ranked the top five landing spots for Crosby, naming the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and the San Francisco 49ers. Bundy placed the 49ers at the top of the list.
He even proposed a blockbuster scenario in which the 49ers package troublesome wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and draft compensation in exchange for Crosby.
"If the 49ers manage to tempt the Raiders into swapping Crosby in a deal that involves wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it could be a hilarious ending to an entertaining (and at times cringe-worthy) saga," Bundy wrote. "San Francisco would probably still have to part with a first-rounder, but there's a possibility general manager John Lynch could persuade Las Vegas into taking a pair of conditional second-rounders in future years."
Historically, the Raiders have been reluctant to make deals with the 49ers, their former Bay Area rival. However, sending Crosby to an NFC team rather than another AFC contender could make a trade more appealing. Additionally, the 49ers have reportedly expressed interest in the veteran pass rusher.
Bundy believes a package built around conditional draft picks could benefit both teams.
"Those would upgrade should the 49ers go a certain distance in the playoffs and/or Crosby plays a majority of snaps," Bundy wrote. "Keeping Crosby on the west coast may also be a likelier move than him going east."
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