The NFC West arms race just escalated dramatically, and the San Francisco 49ers may already be preparing their counterstrike.
In the wake of the Los Angeles Rams’ blockbuster trade for former Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, San Francisco is reportedly exploring its own high-impact move on the defensive line. According to team insider Grant Cohn, the 49ers could pursue Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby — a player many describe as a “monster tackle machine” — to create one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the league alongside Nick Bosa.
Rams Land Garrett, Putting NFC on Notice
On June 1, multiple reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that the Rams are finalizing a trade to acquire Garrett. In exchange, Los Angeles is sending two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and additional draft compensation to the Browns.
The move instantly strengthens what was already a formidable Rams defense and positions Los Angeles as the clear team to beat in the NFC, at least on paper. For the 49ers, who share a division with the Rams, the development has sparked urgent internal discussions about how to respond before the trade deadline.
Could Maxx Crosby Be the Answer?
Grant Cohn, who covers the 49ers for Sports Illustrated, addressed the possibility of San Francisco targeting Crosby during a June 1 video analysis. He believes a trade for the Raiders star is realistic, potentially costing the 49ers two first-round picks — or possibly even less, given recent questions surrounding Crosby’s physical.
“I think [the 49ers] could do [trade for Crosby] for two firsts; maybe it would not even take two firsts,” Cohn stated. He noted that the Raiders may be hesitant to sell low after Crosby reportedly failed a physical, preferring instead to get him back on the field, rebuild his value, and reassess at the trade deadline.
Cohn emphasized that if the Raiders remain out of contention later in the season, Crosby’s trade value could climb back to two first-round picks — a price the 49ers should seriously consider if their season remains competitive.
A Defensive Line That Could Rival the Rams
Pairing Crosby with Nick Bosa and recent addition Osa Odighizuwa would give San Francisco a terrifying front that could challenge even the newly upgraded Rams defensive line.
“If you have Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa you can actually with a straight face talk about the Niners being maybe better than the Rams; maybe,” Cohn added.
Last season, Crosby played 935 defensive snaps for the Raiders and earned a strong 79.7 overall PFF defensive grade. He generated 53 total pressures, including 10 sacks, 31 hurries, 12 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. He also contributed 46 solo tackles against the run, showcasing his complete game as an edge defender.
Cohn Doesn’t Hold Back on 49ers Inaction
Cohn has been vocal about the 49ers’ lack of aggression this offseason. Following news of the Garrett trade, he didn’t mince words:
“The 49ers messed up,” Cohn said. “They just let the Rams trade for Myles Garrett… The 49ers could have been the team that traded for Myles Garrett. They have way more cap space than the Rams [and] have first-round picks; they have Nick Bosa. They could have put together a trade package and brought in a player who would really give them a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl.”
Now, with Garrett in Los Angeles, all eyes turn to whether San Francisco will make a decisive move of their own. Acquiring Maxx Crosby would not only neutralize the Rams’ upgrade but could create a pass-rushing tandem with Bosa capable of dominating opposing NFC quarterbacks week after week.
While nothing is finalized, the groundwork for a potential 49ers-Raiders blockbuster appears to be quietly forming. In a season where the margin for error in the NFC is razor-thin, San Francisco may be preparing one bold swing to keep pace with their division rivals.
