49ers Rumors: Chase Young Contract Interests SF in NFL Free Agency as Teams Eye EDGE

The San Francisco 49ers gave up a 2024 third-round compensatory pick to acquire Chase Young from the Washington Commanders this season, and the return on investment was 2.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, six quarterback hits and a deflected pass in nine games.

Not exactly banner production, but he has enough talent to warrant a second look, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano:

"The 49ers have at least some interest in bringing back edge rusher Chase Young, who was a bit of a disappointment for them after their deadline deal to acquire him from Washington but is still just 24 and has a great relationship with star 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa. (They were college teammates.) Young might end up having to take a one-year prove-it deal, be it from San Francisco or someone else, but there are enough teams still intrigued by the 2020 No. 2 overall pick's potential."

Young has yet to truly live up to the upside that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, with just 16.5 sacks across 43 career games. Injuries played a part, limiting him to just 12 overall games between the 2021-22 campaigns, though he's yet to also consistently flash the game-changing potential that top-five edge-rushers are expected to possess.

Another season opposite Bosa, who soaks up plenty of attention and helps create favorable matchups for his teammates, could be just what the doctor ordered. Young isn't going to get the lucrative second contract he might have once envisioned, though a strong 2024 campaign could help him get there. A return to San Francisco on a short-term deal would make a lot of sense.