In Santa Clara, many 49ers players were seen in the weight room close to the NFL trading deadline and their time for a bye week.
It was at this moment that the talk among players started.
News circulated just 90 minutes before the deadline approached that the 49ers had traded to acquire defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead got a phone call from Kansas City – “Charles Omenihu called me and said, ‘Oh, y’all cheating now,’” Armstead said with a laugh on 49ers Talk.
Last offseason, Omenihu, initially acquired by the 49ers in a trade from the Houston Texans, signed with the Chiefs. The acquisition of Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, marked the biggest name to switch teams.
“It took social media by storm, of course,” Armstead mentioned. “Chase is a great player. I think reuniting him with Nick (Bosa) is a special story. I know they’re going to be able to build chemistry like they had in college. That’s how I found out about it.”
Young is already listed at the top of the 49ers’ depth chart at defensive end with his former Ohio State teammate Bosa holding down the starting role at the other edge position.
Armstead expressed surprise at the 49ers general manager John Lynch for managing to acquire Young by only giving up a special compensatory pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Guys are obviously excited, but now it’s time to get to work. It was exciting news over the bye week. We’re excited to have him, and he’s going to be tremendous for our team. And now it’s time to go put it out on the field,” Armstead said.
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