The San Fransicso 49ers have fallen on some tough times the last few weeks. After coming out of the gates hot with a 5-0 record, they have lost three straight games. Looking to get things back on track, they have pulled off a blockbuster trade ahead of the NFL deadline.
The 49ers have a deal in place to acquire defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders. Jay Glazer of FOX NFL Sunday reported that the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is on his way to the Bay Area.
This is a huge trade for the 49ers, who now pair an emerging star defense end with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa. The Ohio State products will be wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks once again after being teammates with the Buckeyes in 2017 and 2018.
With those two now leading the pass rush, that will take some pressure off of the 49ers’ secondary. Many people thought San Francisco would look to make a move for a cornerback, but they have shocked a lot of people instead bolstering their defensive front.
It will be interesting to see how things play out in the offseason. Young is set to be a free agent in 2024 after the Commanders declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Can the 49ers find enough money to keep him long-term after having so many top-of-the-market contracts already on their books?
That could also complicate the future of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk had his fifth-year option exercised this offseason and is eligible for an extension of his own in the offseason.
For the Commanders, an unexpected firesale is underway. They already traded defensive end Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears, which many thought indicated they were committed to retaining Young long-term.
That, clearly, was not the case. With new a new ownership group in place, the Commanders seem ready to have a firesale and reset the roster. The 49ers took full advantage, acquiring Young for what is believed to be a mid-round pick.
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