The San Francisco 49ers were rumored to be active on the trade front leading up to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. But with roughly an hour to go before the deadline passed, nothing had happened in Northern California.
That’s until always-active general manager John Lynch pulled off a major blockbuster. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, San Francisco has acquired former No. 2 pick Chase Young from the Washington Commanders to help with their edge pass rush needs behind Nick Bosa.
Rapoport goes on to note that a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is heading back to Washington in this deal.
For the Commanders, this represents the second trade of a star edge rusher on deadline deay. They had moved Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick earlier in the day. Rumors had persisted that Washington might move one of these impending free agents. But trading both represents a change of philosophy.
2015 NFL Draft Tracker with Trades
San Franciscco 49ers pull off blockbuster Chase Young trade
In the midst of a three-game losing streak after winning five consecutive to open the season, San Francisco’s defense has been torched recently. That included Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completing 28-of-32 passes for 283 yards with three touchdowns last week.
EDGE pass rush has been a major issue for San Francisco this season. Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa has struggled to the tune of three sacks in eight games. Drake Jackson is tied for the team lead with three himself.
Acquiring a highly-talented player in Chase Young is only going to help this unit moving forward. Fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered back in 2021, Young has recorded nine QB hits, six tackles for loss and five sacks in seven games this season.
For the 49ers, this represents another major October blockbuster after Lynch and Co. acquired star running back Christian McCaffrey ahead of the NFL trade deadline last season.