On Wednesday morning, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters via a conference call, shedding some light on the team's trade for defensive end Chase Young. Lynch revealed that Young was their primary target, even with the knowledge that Montez Sweat might also be available.
The Commanders eventually traded Sweat to the Chicago Bears before shifting their focus to getting a deal done with San Francisco.
Lynch admitted to a restless night on Monday, unsure if a deal for Young—or any deal—would materialize. Ultimately, the 49ers and Commanders made it work.
However, one question arises. Why did San Francisco focus so much on acquiring another pass rusher rather than potentially bolstering other areas? For example, the team could have benefitted from adding another starting cornerback, allowing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to shift Deommodore Lenoir to the nickel spot. There was a report that the 49ers were in talks for Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Why add another pass rusher?
"Because I felt like it was the best deal to be had," Lynch responded. "We had a number of conversations, and we've always been of the philosophy that it starts up front, and that was the deal that made the most sense for us."
Lynch shared his thoughts on Young's projected role on the 49ers defense, highlighting the significant number of snaps he played for the Commanders when available.
"I kept turning on the tape and like, 75, 64, those are a lot of snaps," Lynch said of his time watching Young's recent play. "And so I think the proof is in what's translating on the field, and he's been playing a lot and looking really good."
Having recently undergone extensive ACL reconstruction surgery in 2021, were there any apprehensions about Young's health during the trade negotiations?
"There's preliminary medical stuff where they send medical files and all that," Lynch said. "And then the last step is him flying out here today and doing the actual physical. So we hope that all goes well. But it sure looks like he's been healthy based upon what he's been doing on the field."
According to Lynch, Young brings versatility to the team. The 49ers defense has greatly struggled in recent weeks and will benefit from Young lining up across from the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.
"We think Chase is a complete player," Lynch said. "... In the NFL, you've got to earn the right to rush the passer, and you do that by playing the run well, and we've not been good enough there. So I think when we start doing the little things right, that gives you the opportunities, and ultimately, I think we're going to get this thing right and all those things.
"But that definitely is true. We've got to shore that up. It starts with stopping the run, and we haven't been doing that well enough, so we got to do that. And then we got ample ability and options as pass rushers to start to pull this together."
In the end, Lynch and the 49ers landed another weapon for their talented yet underachieving defensive front.
"Yeah, you obviously have some areas where you're like, 'Hey, if we could get something here, I think we could improve our team and our chances,'" Lynch added. "And that's all you're trying to do at this time of the year without handicapping us."
