Another high-profile defensive lineman is on the move. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the San Francisco 49ers have acquired former second-overall pick and 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick.
A third-round pick going to the Commanders. https://t.co/sCV8DS1QBf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
Young has rebounded nicely in 2023 following a 2021 ACL tear that cost him most of the previous two years: with 5.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits on 407 snaps, he's on pace for a career season in the final year of his rookie contract. If he can keep up his current production, he'll have a chance to land a lucrative extension this offseason, or at the very least a franchise tag.
Young should be a relatively low-stakes gamble for a 49ers team trying to make the most of a Super Bowl window. He'll slot in right across from 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa. The pair wreaked havoc together from 2017 to 2018, combining for 26.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss over two consecutive Big 10 Championship-winning seasons. With any luck, they'll provide the 49ers one of the most potent edge rusher duos in the league.
As for the Commanders, trading Young is the surest sign yet that they've given up on the 2023 season. They've thoroughly dismantled their defensive line, arguably the strength of their team, in a single day; they also traded defensive end Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears earlier this afternoon. With two of their premier assets now liquidated, the Commanders are clearly bearing down for a significant rebuild in 2024.
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