49ers Propose Blockbuster Trade for Raiders' Maxx Crosby

San Francisco could use QB Mac Jones as trade bait to land the star pass rusher.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would send quarterback Mac Jones to another team in exchange for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. The 49ers had a solid 2025 season but struggled to generate consistent pass rush, recording just 20 sacks. Crosby has been mentioned as a potential trade target for several teams, and the 49ers believe they could use Jones as valuable trade capital to land the star pass rusher.

Why it matters

The 49ers' defense was a weak spot in 2025, and adding a dominant pass rusher like Crosby could significantly improve their chances of making a deep playoff run in 2026. Jones proved he can thrive in Kyle Shanahan's system, but with Brock Purdy entrenched as the starter, the 49ers may be willing to part with Jones to address their biggest need.

The details

After losing the starting quarterback job to Brock Purdy, Mac Jones remains a valued player within the 49ers organization. However, the team may be willing to trade Jones, who went 5-3 as a starter in 2025, for the right price. According to reports, the 49ers believe they could land Crosby by packaging Jones in a trade, potentially netting a third-round pick in the process. Crosby has been mentioned as a trade target for several teams, and the 49ers are hoping to capitalize on his availability.

  • The 49ers' defense struggled in 2025, recording just 20 sacks.
  • Maxx Crosby has been mentioned as a potential trade target for multiple teams this offseason.

The players

Mac Jones

The 49ers' backup quarterback who went 5-3 as a starter in 2025 after losing the job to Brock Purdy.

Maxx Crosby

The star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for several teams this offseason.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has had success in developing quarterbacks like Mac Jones.

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What they’re saying

“Lynch and Shanahan didn't seem flexible when the topic of trading quarterback Mac Jones came up on Wednesday, but that may have just been posturing, or a sense that it was too soon to hint at goodbye for the popular, self-admittedly goofy backup who won five games last season.”

— Vic Tafur, Reporter

“Surely, an offer of a third-round pick would be too rich to pass up for more years of Jones, especially given Shanahan's success in developing quarterbacks.”

— Vic Tafur, Reporter

What’s next

The 49ers will need to determine if they can find a trade partner willing to part with a valuable draft pick for Mac Jones, and if they can then use that capital to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the 49ers' desire to improve their pass rush after a disappointing 2025 season, and their willingness to part with a talented backup quarterback in Mac Jones if it means landing an elite defensive player like Maxx Crosby.