NFL Insider shares when a Maxx Crosby-49ers trade could take place

There is some skepticism about whether the San Francisco 49ers are done adding to their defense.

One of the best pass rushers in the NFL was traded this offseason. But after Maxx Crosby failed his physical, he returned to the Las Vegas Raiders. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said he loves the idea of the 49ers pursuing Crosby, as the team is “always open to these types of deals.”

However, Breer believes the 49ers should let the season play out before moving any assets for Crosby this summer:

But if I were them, I think I’d wait a bit before diving all-in. Let’s see how that core looks over the first month or two of the season. The last thing you’d want, I think, is to see a bunch of guys get old at once right after you sold off assets you would need to get younger.

You wouldn’t want to stunt the growth of Mykel Williams, Romello Height, and some of the other young defensive linemen. That’s not to say any of them are in the same stratosphere as Crosby. But if they get off to a hot start and look the part, why wouldn’t you continue to let them ascend as players?

Now if Mykel is still showing some effects from his injury last year, or if Height looks like a one-trick pony who can’t win, then Crosby would be one heck of a fallback option to have.

Here’s more from Breer:

But if the Niners are, say, 6-1, and the Raiders are 1-6, and Crosby is balling out, that’s where, if I’m John Lynch, I’m thinking about picking up the phone

It’s a sound process if you’re the 49ers.

But you also need to understand that the 49ers won’t be the only team wanting the services of Crosby around the deadline. There will be a bidding war, and not necessarily at the exact deadline. Another playoff team may offer enough to sway the Raiders early enough in the season because they don’t have the young draft picks on the roster to develop.