Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is an elite pass-rushing talent. He has recorded double-digit sacks in three of his first five NFL seasons and already tallied 5.5 this season. With the Raiders' recent trade of wide receiver Davante Adams, some have speculated that the AFC team could be leaning towards a rebuild and might be open to dealing Crosby for the right price.
However, prying the All-Pro defender from the Raiders would likely require a hefty offer, one that might exceed the San Francisco 49ers' comfort level. However, according to one NFL analyst close to Crosby, it's not just trade compensation that would prevent a deal. Unlike the Adams situation, the team and player have a mutual interest in staying together.
During an appearance on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game on Tuesday morning, Brian Baldinger discussed the possibility of the 49ers or Detroit Lions pursuing a trade for Crosby.
"He wants to be a Raider for life," Baldinger said. "He texts me every week. He makes me watch every single game. He played a great game last week, but he's a Raider. He went to school in Michigan. I'm sure going to a franchise like that probably would—he would elevate everybody around him.
"I don't know what the Raiders are doing if you get rid of Davante. It's funny, ironic—two weeks ago, they won a game against Cleveland without Davante and without Maxx. ... And so you go, 'Maybe he could be expendable.' But that's their best player. I wouldn't get rid of my best player."
RELATED Should the 49ers pursue a trade for Haason Reddick?
Baldinger was also asked about disgruntled New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick, who has been permitted to seek a trade. However, the analyst questioned Reddick's passion for the game as the defender has held out this season.
"If you love football, are you really sitting out?" Baldinger asked. "... If you really love football, does it come down to $10 million or $15 million? If you love it, you're willing to just sit out, not play? It makes me question if he really loves the game because you never see that, ever."
You can listen to Baldinger's entire interview below.