It's reasonable to assume Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby would love a change in venue that would somehow involve the San Francisco 49ers.
After all, a brutally bad rap video featured him dropping lyrics about the Bay Area, so it's hard not to read between the lines and see what the disgruntled pass-rusher is trying to say. On top of that, after recording a league-low 20 sacks last season, the Niners would love nothing more than to grab Crosby and pair him with All-Pro Nick Bosa as an elite one-two pass-rushing punch this upcoming season.
Unfortunately for general manager John Lynch and Co., going after Crosby right away and engineering some blockbuster move might be just a bit too unrealistic.
ESPN's Adam Schefter had an appearance on Philadelphia's 97.5 the Fanatic (h/t Kyle Madson of Niners Wire) and laid out what an expected trade package would be to acquire Crosby from Vegas.
It's not cheap.
Schefter said Las Vegas was aiming to get a similar return as the Dallas Cowboys did last offseason when they dealt All-Pro edge Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
"That’s what I was told," Schefter said. "Do I think they are getting two firsts and a player? No. Do I think they want to trade him? No. Do I think he’ll be traded like AJ Brown? That’ll change by the week… Any deal involving Maxx Crosby, I would think for the Raiders to make that deal, would take a first-round pick at minimum."
That alone might be enough for San Francisco to pull the plug on any would-be talks.
But, if Lynch and the 49ers exercise patience, it could be a different story.
49ers must wait out the Maxx Crosby market
It's understandable why the Raiders are reportedly selling high. They're entering (another) massive rebuild this offseason, and Crosby could either be viewed as a defensive cornerstone or as their best trade asset. In short, they're not eager to trade him despite whatever stance he has toward the franchise.
But, if Las Vegas ultimately offboards him, it'll want the biggest return possible.
Additionally, 31 other teams should be in on the Crosby market, further driving up the price tag. And the Niners may not have the best top package available, considering their first-round pick this April is at No. 27 overall.
Instead of trying to outbid the competition, Lynch and his staff should go with the safer and less-aggressive option of waiting it out. Should another bidder ultimately pull off a trade for Crosby that would exceed San Francisco's comfort level, fine.
If the Raiders aren't getting the packages they seek, though, and continue to lower the asking price to a reasonable amount, that's when Lynch should pounce.
The waiting, indeed, can be the hardest part.