The San Francisco 49ers traded for Chase Young last season, hoping the defensive end could significantly boost the pass rush and help propel them to a Super Bowl victory. However, the 49ers fell just short, and Young's impact failed to meet the team's expectations.
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While ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the 49ers have "at least some interest" in Young returning for the 2024 season, the team will unlikely engage in a bidding war for his services. This is especially true after agreeing to terms on two-year deals with defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos.
With the legal tampering period underway, allowing teams to negotiate with impending free agents, Young is attracting interest from around the league. NFL Network reports that the former No. 2 overall pick will visit with the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans in the coming days.
Source: #49ers pass-rusher Chase Young has added a #Titans visit to his schedule. @TomPelissero reported he'll visit the #Panthers and #Saints first. pic.twitter.com/BLFyElwM2Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Young, 24, finished the regular season with just 2.5 sacks following his trade to the 49ers, totaling 7.5 for the season. Notably, he did not record a sack in the playoffs until the Super Bowl.
In four NFL seasons, Young has amassed 100 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 32 quarterback hits, 16.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, and six forced fumbles in 43 game appearances, with 32 starts. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
San Francisco plans to release defensive tackle Arik Armstead after failing to negotiate a contract restructure. Defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Javon Kinlaw plan to sign with other teams.