Raiders and 49ers Rumored to Be Eyeing Major Midseason Trade

As the offseason draws to a close, NFL teams are beginning to focus on potential trades that could reshape their rosters midseason. According to Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, the San Francisco 49ers are a key team to watch, as they may be contemplating a significant defensive acquisition that could shake up the league.

Breer suggests that the 49ers might look to strike a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for a standout edge rusher. “I love the idea of San Francisco acquiring Maxx Crosby, and I think the 49ers are always open to these types of deals,” Breer remarked. He added, however, that it would be wise for the team to hold off on any major moves until the season's early weeks unfold. “The last thing you’d want is to see a bunch of guys get old at once right after you sold off assets you’d need to get younger,” he noted.

Breer also pointed out that if the 49ers find themselves with a strong record, such as 6-1, while the Raiders struggle at 1-6, and Crosby continues to excel, it could prompt San Francisco's General Manager John Lynch to make a call about a potential trade.

The 49ers’ interest in pass rushers like Joey Bosa, Alex Highsmith, and Jadeveon Clowney highlights ongoing concerns about their current edge rushing capabilities. Last season, they only secured 20 sacks, indicating a need for improvement in this area. Despite any early successes this season, the 49ers could still consider pursuing Crosby during the midseason trading period.

Crosby, who almost joined the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason, has demonstrated his prowess on the field, recording 73 tackles and 10 sacks for the Raiders in the 2025-26 season. His potential addition to the 49ers could prove to be a game-changer as the season progresses.