The San Francisco 49ers whiffed on the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes over the offseason, but that doesn't mean they're not still keeping tabs on his current availability.
Not that they still have hopes of acquiring him. As has been reported, the 49ers are likely done making blockbuster moves after they traded for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Instead, they may be monitoring the superstar's whereabouts for a more frightening reason.
Crosby himself has expressed his desire to stay in Las Vegas, but sometimes the needs of a franchise take priority over the needs of the individual. Tom Pelissero reminded fans of that fact when he ruminated on the plethora of calls Raiders GM John Spytek is receiving regarding the edge rusher.
" [The GM] is sure to get calls over the next 10 days, leaving open the possibility of another blockbuster," the insider said.
Maxx Crosby could only hinder 49ers' Super Bowl odds, not help them
If Crosby was dealt, he would presumably go to a competitor, likely in the NFC. Contenders like the Seahawks, Bears, and Vikings would salivate at the opportunity to acquire the Pro Bowler, as his presence could completely change a team's defensive landscape.
The three aforementioned threats, along with the Rams, Lions, and Packers, are potential opponents that the 49ers could see on their path to the Super Bowl.
If the Raiders elect to sell, it would be a result of an overwhelming offer from an already competitive franchise, just not the 49ers.
San Francisco, being significantly older than many other playoff hopefuls, cannot afford to offload more draft capital to acquire a player of Crosby's caliber. Therefore, they will be forced to watch the ensuing sweepstakes from the sidelines.
49ers can't escape Week 9 game vs. Raiders without a negative outcome
In Week 9, the 49ers match up against Maxx Crosby and his Raiders. While Vegas has lifted itself out of the murky depths of the AFC, it is still not a serious playoff contender. After starting the year 3-0, coach Klint Kubiak's squad have lost four straight and are on the brink of losing their chance at a playoff berth.
Week 9 presents a lose-lose situation for the 49ers. If they lose, they obviously miss out on an opportunity to elevate themselves in the playoff picture. Given their current push for the one seed in the NFC, every loss is magnified.
If they win, though, they will push the Raiders further toward irrelevance ahead of the trade deadline. Las Vegas is on the brink of selling as it is. They drafted their quarterback of the future, Fernando Mendoza, this offseason, and they are surely looking to build around him for years to come.
Crosby, while still just 29 years old, would demand a haul in return. If their front office is already fielding calls, then a loss to the Niners could be just the push they need to throw in the towel for 2026.
Maxx Crosby's status will be something to monitor over the next week and a half, but one thing is certain: 49ers fans should be rooting for him to stay put in Las Vegas.
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