The NFL season hasn’t started as expected for the San Francisco 49ers. Following their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last year, many predicted they would be strong NFC contenders this season. However, with star running back Christian McCaffrey injured, they currently sit at 3-3. After two recent Super Bowl defeats and other playoff setbacks, it appears the 49ers are just one key addition away from reaching their goals. With quarterback Brock Purdy still on his rookie contract, the team has plenty of cap space to make a significant move, making this an ideal time to be proactive.
As the November 5 trade deadline approaches, discussions about potential trades are intensifying. Chase Senior, host of 49ers Report, believes that acquiring Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher and two-time All-Pro Maxx Crosby would be a smart move, allowing him to join Nick Bosa on the defensive line. “He’s an elite player who would be a fantastic edge rusher opposite Nick Bosa,” Senior noted. “For the next couple of years, he’s quite affordable. If offenses have to face a Niners defense with both Bosa and Crosby, that’s a daunting challenge.”
However, Senior recognizes that acquiring Crosby would likely require the 49ers to part with a first-round pick. “Would you be willing to trade a first-round pick for Maxx Crosby, who can contribute now and in the future? I’d definitely consider it,” he mentioned on YouTube. With the Raiders currently at 2-4 and having recently traded star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, it looks like Las Vegas is entering a rebuild phase. Trading Crosby could help them accumulate valuable draft picks. Currently in the second year of a four-year, $94 million contract, Crosby has a base salary of $24.5 million this year, with a cap hit of $30 million. This deal could be advantageous for the 49ers if they pursue Crosby, as both his base salary and cap hit are expected to decline in the years after 2024.
Despite the Raiders’ struggles this season, Crosby has shown he remains one of the league’s top pass rushers. Over six games, the former Eastern Michigan star has tallied 20 total tackles, 5.5 sacks (tied for fifth in the NFL), and nine tackles for loss. With a total of 52 sacks in his first five seasons, Crosby has earned three Pro Bowl selections. Pairing him with Bosa, who has three sacks this season, would create significant challenges for opposing offenses.
