Could 49ers trade for Raiders' Maxx Crosby before start of 2026 season?

A recent report noted that a San Francisco 49ers team in need of a pass-rusher was among the clubs that were "monitoring" the situation involving the Cleveland Browns and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

However, it now seems like the 49ers never came close to landing Garrett before Cleveland traded him to the Los Angeles Rams. 

For his latest mailbag, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated was asked if the 49ers could pursue a trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. Via multiple answers, Breer suggested the 49ers won't have Crosby on their roster anytime soon.

49ers trade for Maxx Crosby not on the "radar" right now?

"I don’t think so," Breer responded when asked if he sees a big-name player being traded before the start of regular-season play. "It’d take, at this point, a contract dispute that I may not have seen yet...So I’m not saying it won’t happen — as aggressive as GMs have gotten in recent years, anything could happen. There’s just nothing specific on my radar right now."

The Baltimore Ravens backed out of acquiring Crosby in March for reasons related to the meniscus repair he needed this past winter. He has since insisted on multiple occasions that he wants to stay with the Raiders. 

That said, some think that advertised contenders could begin calling the Raiders about Crosby's services in October if it becomes clear around Halloween that Las Vegas is headed toward a losing season. Breer seems to believe the 49ers could be such a club.

When 49ers could reach out to Raiders about Maxx Crosby

"If the Niners are, say, 6–1, and the Raiders are 1–6, and Crosby is balling out, that’s where, if I’m [49ers general manager John Lynch], I’m thinking about picking up the phone," Breer said about when a potential trade involving San Francisco and Las Vegas could materialize.

For now, there's no reason to believe the Niners or any other team will make a significant offer for Crosby until he tests his knee during regular-season games. From there, the Raiders' record may determine whether or not he celebrates New Year's Day as a Las Vegas player.