New defensive end for the San Francisco 49ersChase Young expressed it succinctly when asked what his move west means to him.
Young told reporters, “I’m in the building with winners” a week after being traded to the 49ers by the Washington Commanders on October 31. The former Ohio State standout will rejoin with one of his most famous former colleagues, 49ers defensive tackle Nick Bosa.
“I wasn’t mad,” Young said of the trade during a press conference on Monday, November 6. “Nick is here; he’s always been like a big brother to me…” I moved here last week, and the culture and vibe are very different. I’m confident that I’m in the company of winners.”
The Chase Young and Nick Bosa Show Reopens on the West Coast
Young joins a 49ers team that has appeared in three NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl in the last four years. This 49ers team started 5-0, but they need to get back on track in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are on a three-game losing streak.
“Just the players, the spirit in the locker room, the spirit of the coaches, you know, it’s just different,” he said. “It’s kind of like at Ohio State, where you’re supposed to win and there’s just that air of ‘We’re gonna win.’ Just the intricacies of each play, the nuances of my task are far more important, so I understand why they win.”
Young and Bosa, who were teammates for the Buckeyes in 2017 and 2018, can reestablish their supremacy on the West Coast. They had 12 sacks combined in 2017 and 14.5 sacks combined in 2018.
San Francisco selected Bosa with the second overall choice in the 2019 NFL Draft, while Washington selected Young with the second overall pick in the 2020 draft. Both were named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year as rookies, and both have been powerful figures for their clubs.
“Even in college we never thought that we would ever be able to play with each other again,” stated Young. “I think it’ll be similar to college, just a race to the quarterback.” All I know is that it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Their first race will be against Jaguars quarterback and former Clemson standout Trevor Lawrence, whom Bosa and Young have never faced together in college. Young, on the other hand, faced Lawrence in the 2019 College Football Playoff and received only one quarterback hit in a 29-23 loss.
‘I Don’t Know What They’re Doing Over There,’ says Chase Young.
Despite his accomplishments there, Young considers Washington to be in the rearview mirror. In four seasons, Young has 14 sacks, 90 tackles, six caused fumbles, and eight pass deflections.
“I know who I am,” stated Young. “I am a rival.” As a result, I’m going to compete. I’m not sure what they’re up to over there [in Washington]. That’s over my pay grade. I’m just going to be Chase Young and compete to the best of my ability.”
The question of how long Young will stay in San Francisco remains unanswered. Young was released by the Commanders on his rookie contract with no fifth-year option, and he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
“I’m not even worried about that right now,” Young admitted. “I’m just worried about learning this playbook and just being the best player that I can be.”
According to Spotrac, Young could earn $13.6 million per year or a two-year, $27.36 million contract. With minimal salary cap space and multiple other critical players to re-sign, the 49ers will be hard pressed to meet those numbers next year.
For Heavy.com, Matthew Davis covers the NFL, focusing on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers. He has covered Minnesota prep sports as a contributing writer for the StarTribune since 2016.More information on Matthew Davis
