IT’S OFFICIAL! 49ers are officially plotting a BLOCKBUSTER $106 MILLION deal to “steal” the 5-Time Pro Bowl After Raiders Shut Down Star Pass Rusher

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly gearing up for a massive trade pursuit of Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Sources close to the situation confirm that the 49ers’ front office has initiated preliminary discussions, eyeing Crosby’s $106.5 million contract as the centerpiece of what could be one of the biggest blockbuster deals in recent league history. This comes hot on the heels of the Raiders’ controversial decision to shut down their defensive cornerstone for the final two games of the 2025 season, sparking widespread speculation and Crosby’s visible frustration.

The Shutdown That Sparked the Fire

The drama unfolded earlier this week when Raiders head coach Pete Carroll announced that Crosby’s lingering knee injury had forced the team to sideline him for Week 17 against the New York Giants and the season finale. With the Raiders languishing at a dismal 2-13 record and mired in a nine-game losing streak, the move was framed as a precautionary health decision. However, Crosby, known for his warrior-like mentality and history of playing through pain, vehemently disagreed. According to reports from FOX Sports, the 28-year-old edge rusher stormed out of the team facility after being informed, leaving fans and analysts questioning his long-term future in Las Vegas.

Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler (2021–2025) and two-time Second-Team All-Pro, has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense since being drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan in 2019. This season alone, despite battling the knee issue, he racked up 73 tackles and 10 sacks in just 15 games. His career stats are even more impressive: 69.5 sacks over 110 games, cementing him as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. But with the Raiders in rebuild mode and Crosby’s contract extending through 2029, the shutdown felt like a tipping point.

Reuters quoted Carroll as saying, “His knee looks too bad right now. It’s a medical evaluation, and nobody likes it, but it’s unavoidable.” Crosby, however, downplayed any draft-pick drama in a brief statement, insisting his focus remains on being “the best defensive end in the world.” Yet, the optics couldn’t be worse for a franchise already under fire.

The 49ers Enter the Fray: A Perfect Fit?

Enter the San Francisco 49ers, perennial Super Bowl contenders who have long coveted elite edge-rush talent to bolster their already formidable defense. Insiders tell us that the 49ers’ brass, led by general manager John Lynch, has officially begun plotting a trade strategy to “steal” Crosby from their AFC West rivals. The proposed deal would likely involve multiple high-round draft picks—potentially a first-rounder in 2026 and additional assets—to pry him away, while absorbing the remaining years of his lucrative three-year, $106.5 million extension signed in March.

Why the 49ers? The appeal is crystal clear. San Francisco’s win-now window is wide open, with a star-studded roster featuring quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, and a defense anchored by Nick Bosa. Adding Crosby—a high-motor, every-down disruptor—would create a nightmare tandem for opposing offenses. Fans on social media have been buzzing about this for months, with posts like one from @49ersSportsTalk asking, “YES/NO- Would you want the #49ers to trade multiple picks for Crosby??” garnering thousands of replies. Another user, @sareedanyelle, enthusiastically declared, “THE 49ERS WILL GLADLY TAKE YOU MAD MAXX .”

This isn’t entirely out of left field. Earlier in the year, a Sports Illustrated column highlighted Crosby’s affinity for the Bay Area, where he has family ties and has spoken fondly of the region. “If the Raiders ever considered moving him, San Francisco could be a logical fit,” the piece noted. Now, with Crosby’s shutdown amplifying tensions, those whispers have turned into actionable plans.

What Would the Trade Look Like?

Breaking down the blockbuster: Crosby’s contract, valued at $106.5 million through 2029, includes significant guarantees that the 49ers would need to navigate under the salary cap. Las Vegas, staring down a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, might be tempted by a haul of picks to accelerate their rebuild. Think something akin to the Khalil Mack trade in 2018, but with even higher stakes given Crosby’s prime age and production.

For the Raiders, losing Crosby would be a gut punch. He’s not just a player; he’s the face of the franchise’s grit. But with the team in freefall and questions swirling about leadership, this could be the catalyst for a full reset.

On the flip side, for the 49ers, it’s a championship-or-bust move. Pairing Crosby with Bosa could elevate their pass rush to historic levels, reminiscent of the Von Miller-Bradley Chubb duo. As one league executive anonymously shared, “If San Francisco pulls this off, they’re instant favorites for the Super Bowl.”

The Road Ahead: From Speculation to Reality

While no formal trade request has come from Crosby’s camp, the situation is fluid. End-of-season press conferences from Carroll and Raiders ownership could provide more clarity, as could any exploratory calls reported by national insiders. Crosby himself might address the shutdown publicly once the dust settles.

One thing is certain: this story is far from over. As the NFL heads into the 2026 offseason, keep your eyes on the Bay Area rivalry. The 49ers are officially in pursuit, and if they land Mad Maxx, it could reshape the league’s power balance.

Stay tuned for updates as this blockbuster saga unfolds. What do you think—should the 49ers go all-in? Sound off in the comments!