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The Rams’ blockbuster acquisition of Myles Garrett may have triggered an NFC West arms race, and the 49ers are looking to even the score.
Weeks after the Rams landed the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, fresh reports suggest the 49ers remain one of the most aggressive pursuers of Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
According to longtime Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter, the 49ers are among two teams with particularly strong interest in Crosby despite the failed trade that briefly sent him to the Ravens earlier this offseason.
“I am telling you there is a lot of interest in Maxx Crosby,” Carpenter said on the “Las Vegas Raiders Insider” podcast. “Two teams specifically are nuclear hot: the Eagles and the 49ers.”
Whether a deal ultimately materializes is another question.
The Raiders are not actively shopping Crosby, and Carpenter was careful to note that no trade is imminent. However, the fact that Crosby’s name continues to surface in league circles has only fueled speculation that contenders are monitoring the situation closely.
The timing is hardly surprising.
The 49ers spent the offseason watching their division rivals pull off one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history when the Rams acquired Garrett. Pairing Garrett with Byron Young, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner suddenly gave LA one of the NFL’s most feared defensive fronts.
Adding Crosby alongside Nick Bosa would be San Francisco’s answer.
Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn recently reported that the 49ers remain interested in Crosby and could have the draft capital necessary to put together a compelling package if the Raiders become sellers later this season.
Crosby, 28, has recorded 69.5 career sacks and remains one of football’s most complete edge defenders thanks to his relentless motor and ability to defend the pass and run. He is also under contract through 2029, making him more than a short-term rental.
The biggest obstacle remains health.
Baltimore reportedly backed out of its trade agreement after concerns surfaced during Crosby’s physical following offseason knee surgery. Las Vegas is expected to give Crosby every opportunity to prove he is fully healthy before revisiting any potential trade discussions.
Still, if the Raiders stumble again and the 49ers emerge as contenders, don’t be surprised if the rumors return.
After all, the Rams fired the first shot by acquiring Garrett. San Francisco may already be looking for its response.
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