The 49ers should definitely be paying attention to the matchup this Sunday between the Raiders and the Jets.
Two standout players from that game could be crucial in helping the 49ers finally bridge the gap between playoff near-misses and actually securing a Super Bowl title.
Garrett Wilson will be in green and white, while Maxx Crosby will don silver and black.
It’s worth imagining how each of them would look in the 49ers’ traditional scarlet and gold.
With the trade deadline approaching on November 10, the team is in a position to aim high. A strong start of 6-1 has opened the door for another championship run.
The 49ers owe it to themselves to seize this opportunity.
They’ve been so close before—too close, really—to let this moment slip away. They’ve watched chances dwindle and walked away from big games with that haunting feeling of what could have been.
Those memories linger, as do the lingering questions about critical plays or decisions that might have made a difference.
Now, they have another shot at it—a legitimate path to glory. They need to ensure this time their current era is remembered for more than just near misses.
This mindset should influence all their discussions leading up to the trade deadline, especially around making inquiries about Wilson and Crosby.
The competition isn’t idling either. The Bears have taken significant steps, bringing in Jeffery Simmons, while the Seahawks added Quenton Nelson. The Rams are gearing up to have Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie back on the field. Anyone thinking the Rams won’t eventually mount a serious challenge is probably overestimating their chances.
These moves could pose challenges for the 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations, and each team believes they still have their best football ahead of them. It’s crucial for the 49ers to react accordingly.
While adding Khalil Mack could be a boon, it might not be enough. The 49ers should be considering trades that would make other teams take notice.
However, Wilson and Crosby might not be easily obtainable. Both teams have compelling reasons to keep their key players, and any trade offer would likely reflect that reality.
But the 49ers should dig deeper into the possibilities. If they must part with several valuable draft picks, it’s something they should ponder seriously.
The risk of giving up those picks shouldn’t overshadow the pain of falling short once again.
Especially when they have this chance to make a difference.
Wilson could greatly enhance a receiving corps that has been hit hard by injuries, forcing Brock Purdy to build chemistry with a revolving cast of teammates.
While there’s merit in managing those absences, having a solid receiver who can create separation would significantly aid Purdy, especially in crucial moments late in the season.
Picture Wilson operating in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, stretching defenses and opening up space for others.
Now, think about a January game that comes down to a pivotal third-and-8. Those are the kinds of scenarios the 49ers should keep at the forefront of their minds.
Crosby might bring a similar impact on the defensive side.
With Nick Bosa out for multiple games and Mykel Williams just returning from injury, the San Francisco defensive front appears more vulnerable than ideal for a title contender.
Crosby could offer much-needed disruption, pressuring quarterbacks and monitoring ball carriers, all while demanding opponent focus.
He would help secure the defensive line as Bosa navigates his recovery. Together, a healthy Bosa and Crosby could formulate the kind of pass rush that often changes the outcome of playoff games.
It could mean one more hurried throw, another drive-ending sack, or fewer chances for rival quarterbacks to make the 49ers rue their past failures.
The team understands the significance of these moments better than most.
Sure, pulling off a trade involves tough choices regarding draft capital, finances, and the future construction of the roster. There’s a limit to what makes sense in negotiations.
However, there’s also a point at which safeguarding future flexibility shouldn’t come at the cost of chasing an immediate title.
At 6-1, the 49ers are in a position to pursue that goal.
They can’t predict if or when this kind of opportunity will present itself again. They know from experience that being so close doesn’t guarantee success.
That’s why the price for acquiring Wilson or Crosby should be weighed against the greater cost of losing another chance.
The 49ers have experienced that heartache too many times already.
If a reasonable opportunity arises to secure either player, they should act on it.
Sure, losing valuable draft picks might sting.
But suffering through yet another long offseason filled with uncertainty about how to win that elusive championship would be far worse.
