Guess Which Former Commanders Star the 49ers Are Desperate to Bring Back

During the 2023 season, the Washington Commanders made a significant move by trading Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a third-round pick. Young, once heralded as one of football’s premier defensive talents following his Defensive Rookie of the Year win, has grappled with multiple injuries throughout his career, which have notably hampered his performance.

Upon joining the 49ers, there was optimism that Young could recapture his elite form, especially alongside former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa. However, despite remaining relatively healthy, Young struggled to make a significant impact during his nine-game stint with the team. Prior to the trade, he notched five sacks for the Commanders, but managed only 2.5 sacks with the 49ers. Despite these challenges, there appears to be some interest within the 49ers organization in retaining Young for the future, as reported by Dan Graziano of ESPN.

At just 24 years old, Young still presents an intriguing opportunity for teams willing to take a chance on him in the free agent market. Graziano suggests that Young could opt for a one-year prove-it deal, offering teams the potential for a significant return on investment if he can regain his rookie-year form.

While injuries remain a concern, Young’s past performance with the Commanders indicates his capability to deliver impactful play on the field. However, it remains uncertain whether he can replicate that level of performance, given his recent struggles.

Despite his promising start, Young’s tenure with the Commanders came to an end amidst the team’s efforts to rectify past mistakes under new ownership. Trading Young at the opportune moment, just before his contract renewal, appears to have been a prudent move for the Commanders.

As Young enters free agency for the first time in his career, the hope is that he can overcome his injury woes and fulfill his potential as one of football’s premier defensive talents, whether with a new team or a potential return to the San Francisco 49ers.