The San Francisco 49ers acquired Chase Young from the Washington Commanders in a trade during the 2023 NFL season, exchanging him for a third-round pick. Once hailed as one of football’s premier defensive talents, Young’s career has been marred by multiple injuries that have hindered his performance on the field. Since earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, he has struggled to replicate his initial success due to these setbacks.
When the 49ers secured Young in the trade, they envisioned him as a key addition to their defensive lineup, pairing him with former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa to form a formidable pass-rushing duo. However, Young’s tenure with the 49ers proved underwhelming, as he struggled to make a significant impact during the nine games he played for the team. Despite registering five sacks for the Commanders before the trade, he managed only 2.5 sacks during his stint with the 49ers.
Despite these challenges, there remains a level of interest within the 49ers organization regarding the possibility of re-signing Young, as reported by Dan Graziano of ESPN. Graziano notes that while Young may need to accept a one-year “prove-it” deal, several teams remain intrigued by his potential, given his status as the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and his strong rapport with star edge rusher Nick Bosa.
With Young entering free agency at the age of 24, there is still optimism surrounding his potential as a defensive playmaker in the league. Graziano suggests that a one-year prove-it deal could present an opportunity for teams to capitalize on Young’s talent while minimizing financial risk.
Despite his recent struggles, Young’s impressive rookie season with the Commanders offers a glimpse of his potential impact when healthy. While his athleticism may not have been as pronounced during his time with the 49ers, there remains hope that he can recapture his previous form with the right opportunity.
The decision to trade Young may have been a strategic move by the Washington Commanders, as they sought to capitalize on his value before his contract expired. With Young now entering free agency, he has the opportunity to explore potential opportunities with other teams or consider re-signing with the 49ers.
Ultimately, Young’s journey in the NFL has been marked by both promise and setbacks. As he navigates free agency for the first time in his career, he will be looking to find a team that can provide him with the support and opportunity to realize his full potential as one of the league’s top defensive talents.
