The struggling and stumbling 49ers pulled off a major trade right before the NFL trade deadline. They acquired Chase Young, the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Now, you might be wondering why the Commanders would give up such a highly touted player for just a third-round selection.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver provided some insight into how Washington viewed Young.
“According to several Commanders coaches and other organizational sources, Young was seen as an undisciplined player who often deviated from his assignments in an effort to make flashy plays,” Silver wrote on Tuesday. “There were questions about his off-the-field priorities and commitment to his craft, and internally, he was considered someone who didn’t progress much after his rookie season.”
If multiple people within Washington’s organization had those concerns about a player as talented as Young, it’s understandable why they declined his fifth-year option and didn’t pursue a contract extension beyond this year.
The 49ers must be hoping that bringing Young into their locker room will bring out the best in him. He will now reunite with his former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa, and having a dynamic pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line could greatly benefit Bosa. Together, they could form an unstoppable duo if they perform at their highest level.
If Young, who suffered a torn ACL in 2021, can tap into his full potential and address any discipline issues, the 49ers will greatly benefit from his addition to the team.
However, if the same problems persist in San Francisco, the 49ers have the option to part ways with Young at the end of the 2023 season and allow him to enter free agency.
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