ClutchPoints
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a familiar, yet uncomfortable position. After years of championship contention built on defensive dominance, their pass rush has evaporated into thin air. With just nine sacks through eight games and ranking dead last in the NFL in pressure rate at 21.3%, the 49ers are on pace for a historically anemic 19-sack season. Nick Bosa’s season-ending ACL tear has exposed the harsh reality that San Francisco lacks the talent to replicate his production, and young first-round pick Mykel Williams is still developing his pass-rush repertoire.
Meanwhile, 300 miles north in Las Vegas, the Raiders sit at 2-5 and appear destined for another lost season under Pete Carroll. The franchise is experiencing one of its worst campaigns in recent memory, allowing more points per game than last year despite significant investment in defensive personnel. With the November 4 trade deadline approaching, Raiders general manager John Spytek faces a critical decision: hold onto franchise cornerstone Maxx Crosby and continue the rebuild, or capitalize on his immense value to accelerate the roster reconstruction.
Despite reports suggesting the Raiders rejected initial inquiries and Crosby’s desire to remain in Las Vegas, the right offer could change everything. Here’s the perfect trade proposal that addresses both teams’ needs and gives the Raiders no choice but to accept.
San Francisco’s championship window is rapidly closing. Christian McCaffrey is navigating injury concerns, Trent Williams turns 37 this summer, and the roster’s core is aging. The defense, once the team’s backbone, has hemorrhaged talent through free agency and injury, with Fred Warner now sidelined alongside Bosa. The 49ers desperately need an immediate impact player who can transform their defense overnight.
Crosby represents the perfect solution. The four-time Pro Bowler has recorded 4 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 18 solo tackles through seven games this season despite playing on a dysfunctional Raiders team. Since entering the league in 2019, he’s amassed 63.6 sacks, 153 quarterback hits, and 115 tackles for loss. At 28 years old, Crosby is entering his prime and possesses the rare combination of elite pass-rushing ability and stout run defense that Robert Saleh’s system demands.
The financial structure also works in San Francisco’s favor. According to multiple reports, the 49ers would owe approximately $20.3 million for the remainder of 2025, with subsequent cap hits of $35.88 million in 2026, $29.78 million in 2027, and $27.28 million in 2028. While substantial, these numbers are manageable for a team committed to winning now, especially considering Crosby’s production justifies every dollar.
Las Vegas is spiraling toward another top-five draft pick. The team ranks 27th in offensive efficiency and 24th on defense, with virtually every measurable metric trending worse than their disastrous 2024 campaign. The Raiders are projected to finish with more turnovers, more punts, fewer passing touchdowns, and a worse third-down conversion rate than last season—all while Crosby plays at an All-Pro level.
The harsh reality is that elite edge...
