The San Francisco 49ers have already made waves this offseason, signing future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans and trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. But according to NFL insider Hondo Carpenter, the team isn't done yet—and their next target could be the biggest splash of all: Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
“I am telling you there is a lot of interest in Maxx Crosby,” Carpenter said, via the New York Post. “Two teams specifically are nuclear hot: the Eagles and the 49ers.”
The Raiders had previously agreed to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, but that deal fell apart before the start of the new league year. Baltimore's front office and medical staff reportedly had concerns about a knee injury Crosby suffered during the 2025 season. Crosby, however, dismissed the notion that his health is an issue.
“Everyone’s got their own theory, conspiracy theory, no one really will ever admit on either side what the real truth is or whatever,” Crosby said. “Ultimately, it doesn’t even matter. I am where I’m supposed to be. I know that. I’ll just say that. . . . S**t happens for a reason. I know exactly who I am. I’m f*****g crushing my rehab. I’m doing what I’m doing. I wasn’t supposed to be in Baltimore and that’s it. You know what I mean? I’m meant to be a Raider. It’s through my damn core. And that’s it. I leave it as simple as that.”
For the 49ers, adding Crosby would create a terrifying defensive front. Nick Bosa has been a dominant force when healthy, racking up 278 tackles, 168 quarterback hits, 64.5 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles in his career. But injuries have occasionally sidelined him, leaving San Francisco's pass rush vulnerable. Crosby would provide a reliable, elite edge presence capable of anchoring the line when Bosa is out, and overwhelming offenses when both are on the field.
The NFC West is loaded with talent, and the 49ers need to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. A move for Crosby would send a clear message that San Francisco is all-in on winning now. The question is whether general manager John Lynch is willing to part with valuable draft capital to get a deal done.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are also reportedly pushing hard for Crosby, setting up a potential bidding war. Philadelphia has a strong defense already, but adding a player of Crosby's caliber could push them over the top. The 49ers would need to outmaneuver their Super Bowl rival to land the two-time Pro Bowler.
If the 49ers pull off this trade, it would be their most aggressive move yet in a offseason already defined by bold decisions. And it would give them a chance to build a defense that could dominate for years to come. For now, all eyes are on the negotiations—and on whether Crosby will be lining up in red and gold come September.
In other news, the Raiders' quarterback Fernando Mendoza has filed a trademark for his 'Nandolorian' nickname, adding a bit of personality to an otherwise tense offseason in Las Vegas.
