SANTA CLARA — 49ers React to Rams’ Big Trade

Trent Williams, like many 49ers fans, is not excited about the Rams acquiring All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett this week.

“It sucks,” said the 49ers left tackle, noting they’ll face one of the league’s top pass rushers twice a year, outside of the playoffs.

Indeed, this puts pressure on the 49ers’ leadership, particularly John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, to respond and ensure their team remains competitive.

It’s not exactly time to panic, but the stakes are undeniably high. The 49ers can’t afford to be inactive while the Rams bolster their roster further away from the rest of the NFL.

This is especially true after such a significant acquisition like Garrett.

Looking at potential solutions, there’s Maxx Crosby, currently with the Raiders, just a short distance away in Las Vegas. The rebuilding team might be open to trading him for the right offer.

In fact, it may be wise for Lynch to reach out to Raiders GM John Spytek. Sources indicate the 49ers could propose a deal including a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and young defensive end Mikel Williams.

Crosby’s roots trace back to the Bay Area, where he started making a name for himself in 2019. He has ambitions of competing at the highest level, having previously sought a trade away from the Raiders to the Ravens.

Now, at 28 and still in his prime, Crosby deserves to play in meaningful January—or even February—games.

To make this happen, the 49ers must be willing to part with future assets.

If the Rams can trade draft picks for star players, the 49ers shouldn’t hesitate either. They’ve missed chances before—who can forget that night in Cabo where the Rams snagged Matthew Stafford right under their noses? The result: Stafford leading the Rams to an NFC Championship victory over the 49ers and ultimately the Super Bowl.

While it’s unclear how involved the 49ers were in Garrett’s signing, the Rams succeeded, and now they hold a distinct advantage in a fiercely competitive division.

Crosby could be the key to leveling the playing field.

The 49ers seem to be on the right path this season, winning 13 games last year and adding talented players like wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa in the offseason. Yet, with the Rams’ bold move, the pressure’s on.

Describing the impact of the trade, one 49ers player said it felt surreal. “That’s AI,” quarterback Mac Jones remarked, his initial disbelief giving way to concern when he realized the news was indeed true.

“They’ve built an incredible roster,” he added.

Williams echoed this sentiment, noting Garrett is still young and has room to improve.

Even amidst their disappointment, the 49ers claim they are focused on their own game rather than fixating on the Rams. “It was good for them,” said tight end George Kittle. “There’s really nothing we can do.”

True enough—for now, anyway.

But Lynch and Shanahan still have options available. Crosby could be an excellent counter to Garrett. Teaming him up with Nick Bosa could create one of the most formidable pass-rushing combinations in the league.

Sure, Crosby is recovering from offseason knee surgery, but he seems on track for training camp. There have also been concerns about a shoulder injury stemming from a failed trade last March.

Regardless of the challenges, Crosby is determined to prove his worth, particularly after the Ravens rescinded their interest in him.

Pursuing Crosby could change the dynamics for many teams, especially offensive lines trying to protect their quarterbacks.

With around $72 million available in salary cap space, the 49ers should take action for their benefit, not just due to the threat posed by the Raiders.

The Rams are making their moves, and now it’s time for the 49ers to respond.