San Francisco 49ers’ Chase Young Embraces New Home and Reunion with Nick Bosa
By Staff Writer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers’ defensive end Chase Young is already settling into his new team after being traded from the Washington Commanders. Young, who joined the 49ers last week, expressed his excitement about reuniting with his former college teammate Nick Bosa and joining a team that is currently leading the NFC West division with a 5-3 record.
Speaking to Bay Area media for the first time since the trade, Young revealed that he was not upset about the move. He mentioned that Bosa has always been like a big brother to him and that he feels like he’s in a winning environment with the 49ers.
Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, spent three injury-plagued seasons with the Commanders. Despite returning to form this season, concerns about his right knee led Washington to decline his fifth-year option for 2024, making him a potential free agent in the offseason.
With the Commanders struggling and already trading away another pass-rusher, Montez Sweat, Young was not surprised to be traded just before the deadline. However, he holds no ill feelings towards his former team and is focused on competing and being the best player he can be.
The 49ers are hoping that Young’s addition will provide a boost to their defense, which has struggled during a three-game losing streak. Young’s reunion with Bosa, along with the presence of defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, is expected to create one of the league’s most formidable defensive lines.
During their time together at Ohio State, Young and Bosa combined for 33 sacks over two seasons. Young’s 25% pass rush win rate this season is a significant upgrade over the other defensive ends who have played opposite Bosa for the 49ers.
Despite investing heavily in their defensive line, the 49ers’ sack rate and pressure rate rank among the lowest in the NFL. General manager John Lynch believes that Young’s arrival will help turn near misses into sacks and production, emphasizing the importance of the defensive line wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
Young’s reunion with Bosa has been a source of excitement for both players. They never imagined they would have the opportunity to play together again after college. Young described their dynamic as a friendly competition to reach the quarterback, which he believes will be a lot of fun.
Since joining the 49ers, Young has wasted no time immersing himself in the team’s culture and working with the defensive line coaches. He has been eager to learn the playbook and understand his role in the defense. Young has also been seeking guidance from Bosa, who provides instant feedback and helps him adjust to the team’s expectations.
While Young’s future with the 49ers beyond this season remains uncertain due to his potential free agency, he is solely focused on staying healthy, productive, and contributing to the team’s success. His performance in the remaining games and potential playoff contests will play a significant role in determining his market value.
For now, Young is determined to make the most of his time with the 49ers and be the best player he can be.