The San Francisco 49ers head into the 2026 offseason with a clear to-do list: bolster the wide receiver corps and get serious about the pass rush. And while both sides of the ball could use some fresh firepower, it’s the defensive front that demands immediate attention.
Let’s be real-Nick Bosa is elite. He’s the kind of game-wrecker every team dreams of anchoring their defense around.
But as this past season reminded us, even the best need support. When Bosa’s not on the field-or when opposing offenses are able to key in on him without consequence-the Niners’ pass rush all but disappears.
The team finished with just 20 sacks on the year. For context, that’s three fewer than what Myles Garrett managed by himself.
That's not just a red flag-it’s a siren.
So how do you fix that? You go big. And one name that makes all kinds of sense: Maxx Crosby.
According to a trade scenario floated by Tyler Sullivan, the 49ers could make a move for the Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher by sending over two premium picks in the 2026 NFL Draft-a first-rounder (No. 26 overall) and a second-rounder (No. 58 overall). In return, they’d get one of the most relentless pass rushers in the game.
Let’s break this down.
Crosby is under contract through 2029 after signing a three-year, $106.5 million extension last offseason. So if the 49ers were to pull the trigger, they’d be taking on a hefty financial commitment. But here’s the thing-he’s worth every penny.
At 28 years old, Crosby is still in his prime and already a five-time Pro Bowler. He’s played in 110 games over the past seven seasons and racked up 69.5 career sacks.
That’s not just production-that’s consistency, durability, and dominance. He’s one of the league’s most feared edge defenders, right up there with Bosa, Garrett, and Micah Parsons.
Now imagine Crosby lining up opposite Bosa. That’s not just a scary thought for opposing quarterbacks-it’s a nightmare.
The 49ers would go from a one-man pass rush to arguably the best edge duo in football. Offensive lines would be forced to pick their poison on every snap, and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks would have the kind of flexibility most coaches only dream about.
And the cost? Two top-60 picks.
That’s a steep price, sure. But for a team built to win now, it’s a calculated risk that could pay massive dividends.
The 49ers have a Super Bowl-caliber roster, but their Achilles’ heel has been getting consistent pressure without blitzing. Crosby changes that equation overnight.
This isn’t just about adding a star. It’s about reshaping the identity of the defense. With Bosa and Crosby on the edges, the Niners could unleash havoc on a weekly basis, giving their secondary more breathing room and their offense more opportunities.
If Crosby becomes available-and that’s still a big “if”-the 49ers need to be at the front of the line. Because when you’re this close to a championship, you don’t play it safe.
You make the move that puts you over the top. And adding Maxx Crosby?
That’s the move.