In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of landing Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby in a blockbuster trade. Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that the deal, centered around Crosby’s massive three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, is all but finalized and could be announced as early as this offseason. This move would pair the five-time Pro Bowler with Nick Bosa, creating what could be the most dominant pass-rushing duo in league history.
Crosby, who has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since being drafted in 2019, finished the 2025 season with 73 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and his first career interception in just 15 games. However, drama unfolded late in the year when the Raiders placed him on season-ending injured reserve due to a lingering knee issue. According to reports, Crosby “vehemently disagreed” with the decision and even left the team facility in protest after learning he wouldn’t play the final two games. This incident has fueled speculation about his future in Las Vegas, with insiders now indicating he’s the “closest he’s been to asking for a trade.”
The 49ers have emerged as the frontrunners in the Crosby sweepstakes, with multiple reports highlighting San Francisco as a top potential landing spot. Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard noted that adding Crosby “would make a ton of sense” if the Niners are willing to spend big, especially after clearing cap space by parting ways with Brandon Aiyuk earlier in the year. The team has about $24 million in extra cash to work with, which could help absorb Crosby’s hefty contract that includes $91.5 million in guarantees.
General Manager John Lynch and the 49ers’ front office have been cautious about going “all-in” on high-profile free agents or trades after mixed results with signings like Javon Hargrave. However, the allure of Crosby— who has amassed 69.5 sacks over seven seasons and earned second-team All-Pro honors twice—appears too strong to ignore. Pairing him with Bosa, whose own cap hit sits at $42 million next year, would give the Niners an unstoppable edge rush capable of terrorizing quarterbacks across the NFC.
What sealed the deal? Insiders point to the 49ers’ playoff performance as a key factor. If San Francisco falls short in the postseason, as Kawakami suggested, they might see Crosby as the missing piece to push them over the top. The Raiders, meanwhile, are eyeing a rebuild after a disappointing season that positioned them for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Compensation details are still being ironed out, but it’s believed the trade won’t require multiple premium draft picks if Crosby pushes for a move to Santa Clara.
This acquisition would dramatically alter the NFL’s defensive landscape, giving the 49ers a fearsome front that could dominate for years. Crosby, at 28, is in his prime and has expressed a desire to win championships—something the Raiders have struggled to provide. With the deal on the brink of reality, fans in the Bay Area are already buzzing about the potential for a Super Bowl run.
Stay tuned as this bombshell develops, but one thing is clear: the $106 million superstar is headed to San Francisco, and the league will never be the same.
