The San Francisco 49ers were actively pursuing key players in the NFL trade market as the deadline approached, showing interest in notable talents such as Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and then-Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat, according to sources close to ESPN.
Despite the 49ers’ ambitious pursuit, the cost associated with acquiring these players proved too steep. With just hours remaining before the October 31 deadline at 4 p.m. ET, the team faced the reality that a deal might not materialize to enhance their roster.
However, a notable development occurred with the Washington Commanders, who adjusted their asking price for defensive end Chase Young. Originally seeking second- and fifth-round draft picks, Washington reconsidered after other teams expressed concerns about Young’s medical condition. The Commanders ultimately reduced the price, allowing the 49ers to secure Young by trading a compensatory third-round pick.
In Young, the 49ers found a promising addition to their defensive lineup. The former Ohio State star, now reunited with college teammate Nick Bosa, is set to make his debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This reunion between two former Defensive Rookies of the Year, who played together in college, marks a historic moment in the NFL.
San Francisco boasts an impressive defensive front, featuring five first-round picks – Young, Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and Clelin Ferrell – along with two second-round picks – Drake Jackson and Randy Gregory. Javon Hargrave, a defensive tackle who signed a substantial four-year, $84 million deal last offseason, further strengthens their defensive depth.
Despite their already formidable defensive lineup, the 49ers considered the acquisition of Young too valuable to pass up. Rather than parting with multiple picks, they opted to trade only the compensatory third-round pick received for losing Ran Carthon to the Titans and DeMeco Ryans to the Texans.
Young, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2020 draft, is enjoying a standout season after overcoming injury setbacks. With five sacks in seven games this season for Washington, the 24-year-old is on an expiring contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Should he depart for a lucrative deal elsewhere, the 49ers could potentially recoup another compensatory draft pick.
