49ers Lose Super Bowl; Commanders Win Chase Young Trade?
Earlier this season, the Washington Commanders tore down its star-studded defensive line and traded away former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers, to the frustration of many fans, but in hindsight, did the team win the trade?
San Francisco was a powerhouse this NFL season and earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC after acquiring Young at the trade deadline, but failed to win the Super Bowl after giving up a day two pick to land the defensive end.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) reacts after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Young had his most successful individual season since his rookie year, tying his regular-season career high of 7.5 sacks after being traded for a third-round pick. He even had postseason success, recording a sack in the Super Bowl.
Despite San Francisco's overall successful season, not winning the Lombardi trophy begs the question, was the trade for Young actually worth it?
Considering that Washington declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Young's rookie contract, the 49ers have no guarantees heading into next season that he'll remain on the roster. The pass-rushing tandem of Young and Nick Bosa, former college teammates at Ohio State, never developed into the unstoppable combo many expected.
That being said, San Francisco might let Young hit free agency this offseason rather than feeling obligated to offer him a larger contract to remain with the franchise.
As for the Commanders, the team will have the opportunity to continue rebuilding through the draft with the additional third-round pick acquired for Young. Which is smarter for this roster than committing money to Young based on his potential.
For now, it appears both teams are tied in this trade, but depending on whether or not the 49ers re-sign Young and who Washington drafts, the winner could become more apparent. Until further notice, though, the Commanders will hold a slight edge as the winners of the trade with a C+ grade versus a C for San Francisco.
