It hasn't exactly been the start to the NFL season that many were expecting from the San Francisco 49ers.
Following last season, which saw the 49ers lose in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco went into 2024 as one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the big game once again. But, with the absence of running back Christian McCaffrey, the Niners have fallen to 3-3.
With two Super Bowl losses to the Chiefs in recent memory, along with other playoff disappointments, the 49ers seem to be one big piece away from getting over the final hump. As quarterback Brock Purdy is still on his rookie deal, the 49ers have plenty of cap space to acquire a big-time player. So, the time is now for San Francisco to be aggressive.
As the Nov. 5 trade deadline nears, many members of the media are starting to make their trade predictions. 49ers Report host Chase Senior believes one of the best deals the Niners can make is to acquire Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher and two-time All-Pro Maxx Crosby and pair him with Nick Bosa on the defensive front.
"He's an elite player who would be a great edge rusher opposite of Nick Bosa," Senior said. "Over the next couple of years, he's pretty affordable... If opposing offenses have to prepare to go up against a Niners defense which has Nick Bosa at one defensive end spot and Maxx Crosby at the other defensive end spot, that's scary hours."
Senior noted that the 49ers would likely have to part ways with a first-round pick to acquire Crosby.
"Would you be willing to give away a first-round pick for Maxx Crosby, who can help you now and in the future?" Senior said on YouTube. "I'd be intrigued by that."
With the 2-4 Raiders trading away star wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets, it would appear that Las Vegas has decided to enter rebuild mode. If they want to start stockpiling draft assets, trading Crosby right now may also be the best move for Antonio Pierce's team.
Crosby is in the second year of his four-year, $94M deal. This year, Crosby is making a base salary of $24.5M, but the cap hit is sitting at $30M. This could be a team-friendly deal for the 49ers if they choose to acquire Crosby, as his base and cap hit is set to go down in each season following 2024.
So far this year, even with the Raiders' struggles, Crosby has proven that he is still one of the best pass rushers in the game. Over Las Vegas' six contests, the former Eastern Michigan star has recorded 20 total tackles, 5.5 sacks (tied for fifth in the NFL) and nine tackles for loss. Not to mention totaling 52 sacks over his first five seasons, which saw Crosby make three Pro Bowls.
As Senior mentioned above, pairing Crosby and Bosa, who has three sacks on the season, together would mean trouble for opposing teams.
