This season, the San Francisco 49ers traded a 2024 third-round compensatory pick for Chase Young from the Washington Commanders, and the return on investment was 2.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, six quarterback hits, and a deflected throw over nine games.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, he has enough talent to earn a second look, despite not being a standout performer.
Young has yet to play up to the potential that landed him the No. 2 overall choice in the 2020 NFL draft, with only 16.5 sacks in 43 career games. Injuries played a role, limiting him to only 12 total games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but he has yet to consistently demonstrate the game-changing potential that top-five edge-rushers are anticipated to have.
Another season opposite Bosa, who draws a lot of attention and helps his teammates have good matchups, could be just what the doctor ordered. Young is unlikely to receive the hefty second deal he had hoped for, but a successful 2024 season could help him get there. Returning to San Francisco on a short-term basis would be logical.
