Defensive end Chase Young arrives in Santa Clara today to undergo a physical and finalize his trade from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers. While discussions with the Commanders began roughly two weeks ago, the deal was finalized just hours before the trade deadline.
General manager John Lynch wasn't even sure a deal would get done, but both parties successfully reached an agreement in the nick of time.
The 49ers are banking on Young to provide the much-needed defensive boost to get the team out of a slump that has resulted in three consecutive losses.
Following the trade, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle shares insights on why Washington might have been willing to part ways with Young, even after trading their other star pass rusher, Montez Sweat.
Wrote Silver: "Young, according to several Washington coaches and other organizational sources, was viewed as an undisciplined player who developed bad habits such as deviating from assignments in an effort to make splash plays. His off-the-field priorities and commitment to his craft were often questioned, and he was viewed internally as a player who plateaued as a rookie."
In light of these reports, how concerned is John Lynch?
"People I really respect think highly of the young man," Lynch said during an interview on Bay Area radio station KNBR's "Murph and Mac" show. "I know there's some things coming out, and they seemingly always do, but we're not worried about that.
"My [parents], John and Kathy Lynch, taught me long ago, make your own judgment on people. You obviously have to talk to people who you respect. You have to do your homework. But I think highly of Chase. The people who I respect, who've been in that building, think highly of him."
One other person's opinion of Young may have come into play. 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa and Young were teammates at Ohio State and have maintained a close relationship.
"And I know that Nick Bosa thinks very highly of him," Lynch shared. "That means a lot to us because Nick's words are never hollow. I think sometimes, the economy of words, what Nick Bosa can say in a few words, I wish I had that skill. He just says it all like that.
"I didn't call Nick until afterward, but I can tell you that Nick's very excited about the opportunity to play with Chase."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.