In the world of NFL trades, there's always an element of risk. The San Francisco 49ers' acquisition of defensive end Chase Young is no exception. While the team gave up relatively little in the trade, they knew the former No. 2 overall draft pick was slated to become a free agent after this season.
The 49ers shipped a 2024 compensatory third-round draft pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Young. If Young opts to leave the team in 2024, general manager John Lynch and company hope to receive a 2025 compensatory third-round draft pick in return.
Even if Young turns out to be a short-term rental for the 49ers, similar to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, Lynch views the potential exchange as reasonable.
"You always try to forecast, but plans change," Lynch told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami in a recent podcast conversation. "With Emmanuel, we tried to make that happen the following year. We played really well as a team. Emmanuel made a huge contribution, and there was a better opportunity for him, financially, elsewhere.
"So we go in with an open mind with Chase. I think he's going to be a coveted free agent this offseason. His play has represented someone that would be. With as much invested, it might be difficult [to keep him], but I never say never."
The 49ers are leaving that door open, instead focusing on what Young can bring to the team this season. Having faced three consecutive losses and struggling defensively in recent games, Lynch is hopeful that Young's addition will provide the necessary boost to turn their fortunes around.
San Francisco has nearly $40 million in salary-cap space, with a significant portion expected to carry over into next season. This leaves the possibility of retaining Young on the roster within reach. It all comes down to cost and projected value.
"You bring a guy in, and then you kind of keep figuring things out," Lynch continued. "I think you do this forecasting and planning, but you kind of have plan A, plan B, plan C, and a bunch of different scenarios within those as to how things—these are 53-man rosters and beyond.
"And so a lot of things play out as the season just happens, and so you just add players, and then you kind of figure it as you go."
