The stumbling and reeling 49ers made a huge move ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline at 1 p.m. PT, acquiring former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young from the Washington Commanders for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Why would the Commanders give up the former No. 2 2020 draft pick for just a third-round pick?
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver offered some insight into Washington’s opinion of Young.
“According to multiple Commanders coaches and other organizational sources, Young was viewed as an undisciplined player who developed bad habits, such as deviating from assignments to cause a stir,” Silver wrote Tuesday. “His off-field priorities and commitment to his craft were often questioned, and internally he was viewed as a player who came through as a rookie.”
If multiple people in the Commanders building felt that way about a player as talented as Young, it explains why they didn’t pick up his $17.452 million fifth-year option or sign him to a contract extension beyond this year.
The 49ers will have to hope that adding Young to their locker room brings out the best in the former Ohio State star.
Young will now be reunited with former Buckeyes teammate Nick Bosa, who should benefit from having a dynamic pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line. The duo could be unstoppable if they put their best foot forward.
If Young, who suffered a torn ACL in 2021, can fulfill his potential and correct any discipline issues, the 49ers should benefit tremendously from his signing.
But if the same issues persist in San Francisco, the 49ers could move on from Young at the end of the 2023 season and let him hit free agency.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast