When it comes to game-wreckers on defense, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are two of the most disruptive forces in the NFL. And right now, their names are swirling in trade rumors that could shake up the league’s power structure heading into the 2026 season.
Both players have become the faces of their respective franchises - Garrett in Cleveland, Crosby in Las Vegas - but that hasn't stopped fans and analysts from imagining them in new uniforms, ones that might give them a better shot at chasing a Super Bowl ring. And if the latest buzz is to be believed, the San Francisco 49ers are a team to watch.
Let’s start with the numbers. San Francisco’s pass rush last season?
Flat-out underwhelming. Just 20 sacks all year - dead last in the league.
That’s not just bad, it’s alarming, especially for a team that prides itself on a fierce front seven. Even the Jets and Cowboys, both of whom had their own defensive struggles, managed more heat on opposing quarterbacks.
That’s where Garrett and Crosby come in.
Both are elite edge rushers in their prime. Garrett’s power and technique make him a nightmare for tackles, while Crosby brings relentless energy and motor that wears down offensive lines over four quarters. Plug either one into a defense that already has Fred Warner patrolling the middle and a (hopefully) healthy Nick Bosa on the other edge, and suddenly the Niners are back to looking like a defensive juggernaut.
But there are questions - and not just about trade logistics.
Nick Bosa’s injury history is starting to raise some eyebrows. Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman, speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area, didn’t mince words.
“Nick Bosa comes back and nobody’s going to know how it is because what, his second or third injury now?” Merriman said.
“I’ve been there, and after enough injuries you’re not the same player. I’m not saying this is going to be the case with him, but there should be some level of concern from the San Francisco 49ers front office on how he’s going to come back.”
That’s the kind of insider perspective that carries weight. Merriman knows firsthand how injuries can sap a pass rusher’s explosiveness and confidence. It’s not just about getting back on the field - it’s about being the same guy who can bend the edge, beat a double team, and make a game-changing play in the fourth quarter.
So, what would it take to land Garrett or Crosby?
Let’s be clear: it won’t be cheap. These are cornerstone players with big contracts and even bigger impacts.
Garrett has reportedly voiced frustration with the Browns, particularly after the team brought in Todd Monken as head coach. Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders has also shown signs of strain.
That doesn’t guarantee a trade, but it opens the door.
The Jets have already been floated as a potential landing spot for Garrett, while Crosby’s name has been linked to the Seahawks - two teams that could use a pass rush boost of their own. But if the 49ers decide to go all-in, they have the pieces and the urgency to make a bold move.
This is a team that’s been knocking on the door of a title for years. They’ve come close - heartbreakingly close - but haven’t been able to get over the hump. If they believe Bosa’s health is a long-term concern, or if they simply want to supercharge their defense, targeting a player like Garrett or Crosby makes sense.
The Niners don’t just need a pass rusher. They need a tone-setter.
Someone who can flip a game with one play, who can make quarterbacks uncomfortable from the opening snap to the final whistle. Garrett and Crosby check every box.
Whether a deal actually materializes remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: if San Francisco makes a move for either of these stars, the rest of the NFC better take notice.