The Los Angeles Rams acquiring Myles Garrett could push the San Francisco 49ers over the edge in a desire to go after Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
Once in a while, there’s a trade that sends shock waves throughout the entire league. Garrett landing with the Rams is one of those moves as it could end up having repercussions for other organizations. Among those teams, both the Raiders and 49ers might see an after effect.
49ers general manager John Lynch has to realize that his team’s Super Bowl window might’ve officially closed with the Rams’ recent acquisition. Of course, this could be remedied. Going after one of the most heralded pass rushers currently in the NFL would theoretically match what the Rams did. It would be a wild scenario playing out but it’s possible; the top two pass rushers right now moving to the NFC West automatically launches this offseason into another atmosphere.
When’s the last time such an outcome actually came true?
For the Raiders, it’s just business. They already traded Crosby once before, so it wouldn’t exactly be shocking if it happened again. If the return value is even remotely close to what the Baltimore Ravens once sent, you do it.
Would the Raiders send Maxx Crosby back to the Bay Area?
Now as far as San Francisco goes, the scenario could play out but maybe not as soon as we’d expect. Grant Cohn, who covers the team for Sports Illustrated, presented the possibility of the Raiders moving Crosby once they’d be out of the playoff race bound for another top draft pick. The 49ers, presumably in the thick of it once again, could acquire Crosby. A move that would help them get over the hump.
“So let us say the Raiders are unwilling to trade Maxx Crosby until the deadline, when they are definitely out of it, and Crosby is once again worth two first-round picks. I would trade the picks unless the season was going off the rails and he would not save it,” stated Cohn. “But I do not see the season going like that. 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.”
Interestingly enough, the Raiders and 49ers play in the regular season this year. Crosby heading back to the Bay Area is just as a big of a move as Garrett coming to L.A.
Thoughts, Raider Nation? If the Raiders are trending toward another losing season, wouldn’t acquiring as much draft capital to continue building make sense?
*Top Photo: Getty Images