Earlier this season, the Washington Commanders tore down their star-studded defensive line and moved former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers, much to the chagrin of many supporters, but in retrospect, did the club win the trade? San Francisco was a powerhouse in NFL season, earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC after acquiring Young at the trade deadline, but they failed to win the Super Bowl after trading a day two choice for the defensive end.
Young had his best individual season since his rookie year, tying his regular-season career high with 7.5 sacks despite being traded for a third-round choice. He even achieved postseason success, recording a sack in the Super Bowl. Despite San Francisco’s overall excellent season, the failure to win the Lombardi Trophy raises the question of whether the trade for Young was worthwhile.
Given that Washington failed to pick up Young’s rookie contract’s fifth-year option, the 49ers have no guarantee that he will be on the roster next season.
Young and Nick Bosa, former Ohio State teammates, never turned into the lethal pass-rushing tandem that many predicted. Having said that, San Francisco might let Young go free this offseason rather than feeling forced to provide him a higher salary to stay with the team.
The Commanders will be able to continue rebuilding via the draft with the additional third-round pick obtained for Young. Which is better for this squad than committing money to Young based on his potential?
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