Why Chase Young of the San Francisco 49ers Is a High-Risk Free Agent in 2024, Explained.
Following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the recent Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers are in a period of evaluation for the upcoming season, with a focus on key players like Chase Young.
Picked as the second overall selection by the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young entered the league with a lucrative four-year contract of $34.56 million. He quickly demonstrated his defensive prowess, making history as the only rookie in NFL history to achieve a sack, defend two passes, force a fumble, and recover one for a 47-yard touchdown. Concluding his rookie season with 7.5 sacks, he led all first-year players in that category.
However, Young faced challenges with injuries during his time with the Washington Commanders, leading to a trade to the 49ers for a third-round pick. In San Francisco, he contributed 7.5 sacks and added one in their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.
As Young approaches free agency with the end of his contract with the 49ers, teams may express interest in bolstering their defensive line. Brad Gagnon, in a Bleacher Report article, notes that while Young remained healthy throughout the 2023 season, his impact became less significant during his tenure with the 49ers. At 24 years old, Young’s undeniable talent at a premium position suggests he will attract considerable attention in free agency. However, there is an inherent risk given his injury history.
Whether Young becomes a dominant force on the field or faces challenges due to his past injuries remains uncertain. Keeping an eye on his landing spot during the offseason will provide insights into his future impact in the NFL.
