Why Chase Young is a much-needed, low-risk signing for the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers made a blockbuster trade on the trade deadline day last Tuesday, acquiring former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a third-round pick. 

The move is a major coup for the 49ers, who have been looking to bolster their pass rush all season. Winner of the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, Young was once regarded as one of the most promising edge rushers in the NFL. However, a series of injuries over the last two seasons has meant Young’s reputation has been questioned; a notion underlined by the Commanders’ decision not to pick up his fifth year option at the start of this season. 

Despite obvious concerns about Young, when healthy, his game-breaking ability is hard to ignore. He will now be reunited with collegiate team-mate Nick Bosa, and the pair will be desperate to recreate their Ohio State dominance which saw them combine for 33 sacks in the 2017 and ‘18 seasons.

Since returning from his ACL injury this year, Young has already shown signs of promise; accumulating 5 sacks and 15 tackles. Now, he will join a defence where considerable focus will be placed upon thwarting Bosa. This may give Young new-found freedom to truly assert his dominance.

In terms of value, the 49ers will likely be very happy with themselves given the context of the exchange. Whilst a third round pick is certainly no chump change, it almost represents a bonus asset, as it was recently handed to the Niners as a reward for their hand in the development of now Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. 

San Francisco’s smugness may also be magnified when comparing the Commanders other trade deadline deal, which saw them trade away another pass-rusher, Montez Sweat. This exchange saw the Chicago Bears surrender a significantly more valuable second rounder, a pick that’s value is underlined due to the Bears poor form this season, likely meaning it will be reasonably high in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Come January time, this trade certainly has the potential to be looked back upon as a steal for San Francisco. Kyle Shanahan’s side are on the back of a three-loss stretch, and this move was made in the hope of unlocking a pass defence which has struggled so far this season, ranking 24th in pass pressure and 18th in sacks.

However, it’s a well-known fact that in the NFL, assured success is a rare commodity, and another injury to Young could quickly dispel much of the optimism which surrounds the trade. But with his talent, the potential reward definitely outweighs the risk.

Young will make his debut this Sunday versus Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars.