49ers Interested In Re-Signing Chase Young

The 49ers have passed on re-signing some Nick Bosa wingmen in the recent past, letting the likes of Arden Key, Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu walk over the past two free agency periods. It would seem Chase Young will follow suit, but the NFC champions are not resigned to collecting a compensatory pick just yet.

Young is less than a week from testing the market, and while the 49ers have a considerable amount of money tied up in D-line payments, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano notes the team is interested in re-signing the recent trade acquisition. It probably will depend on how teams view Young, which will be one of this free agency period’s most interesting storylines.

A brutal knee injury sidelined Young for more than a year, but the former No. 2 overall pick showed some positive signs to start this past season. Young totaled five sacks in eight games with the Commanders last year, drawing trade interest from the Ravens, Jaguars and 49ers. After the Commanders reduced their asking price for Young — on a memorable deadline day in Washington — the 49ers obtained him for a third-round comp pick. The partnership did not produce fireworks, with Young finishing with 2.5 sacks during his Bay Area regular-season run. He did add a sack of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LVIII, however.

If Young’s market escalates well past the “prove it” point, it would seem the 49ers may have a hard time bringing him back. Some teams, per Graziano, remain intrigued with Young’s potential; the former Heisman finalist entered the league as one of the 21st century’s top defensive prospects.

With Brian Burns and Josh Allen off the market via the franchise tag, interest in Young would stand to increase. Though, other edges — most notably Jonathan Greenard, Bryce Huff and Danielle Hunter — are poised to be available as well. Young’s place on this market is somewhat difficult to peg as of now, but a team viewing this as a buy-low opportunity for a player in the process of re-establishing his value following an ACL tear and a ruptured patellar tendon could conceivably land a steal.

The former Defensive Rookie of the Year probably fits best as a sidekick pass rusher at this point in his career. The 49ers could use such a presence, having seen 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson fail to return from injury last season. Bosa’s starting bookend partner, Clelin Ferrell, is also on track for free agency. So is Randy Gregory, thanks to a contract reworking.

Although Brock Purdy is on a rookie deal, the 49ers have Bosa tied to a defender-record contract ($34MM per year). They struck that deal after having extended Arik Armstead in 2020 and giving Javon Hargrave a $21MM-AAV pact during free agency last year. San Francisco Young a notable second contract would be a fascinating roster-building move.

‘Dancing bear’ Suamataia could be 49ers’ Day 2 draft target

The 49ers took advantage of the talented offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine, meeting with several prospects as part of their process looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft.

BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia is a prospect the 49ers could target on Day 2 of the NFL draft and would add depth to San Francisco’s offensive line group.

While the 49ers don’t have an immediate need for a tackle, Suamataia could take his time developing into a solid NFL starter.

School: Brigham Young University
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 315 pounds
Age: 21 years
Positions played: right tackle, left tackle

Trent Williams is signed through the 2026 NFL season, which means there is no rush to select a successor but the 49ers are always looking to the future.

“It’d be a blessing just to learn from one of the greats that is doing it to this day,” Suamataia said of Williams. “Just to be in the room with him would be an honor.”

Playing in the NFL is in Suamataia’s genes. The BYU product is a cousin of Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell, Chicago Bears linebacker Noah Sewell and New Orleans Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell. He hopes to follow in their footsteps.

Suamataia appeared in one game for the University of Oregon before transferring to BYU and starting at right tackle in 2022. The following season, the Utah native made the move to the left side where he started the entire year.

One of Suamataia’s best attributes is his mobility, and as one NFL scout even told NBC Sports Bay Area, the BYU product is like a “dancing bear” when on the field.

The agile lineman agreed with the analogy.

“I love dancing, not going to lie to you,” Suamataia said with a laugh. “Got to stay light on my feet. Being able to show my athleticism, especially in the run game. Being able to move blockers from point A to point B. I definitely love doing wide zone.”

Suamataia’s athleticism makes him an excellent candidate for the 49ers in coach Shanahan’s outside zone run scheme. The young lineman would not have the pressure on his shoulders to start immediately while working on becoming a stronger pass protector.

In his two seasons as a BYU starter, on 742 pass blocking snaps, Suamataia allowed two sacks, nine hits and 15 hurries, per PFF. When asked if pass blocking or run blocking was his strength, the second-team All-Big 12 honoree answered diplomatically

“It’s like a 50-50,” Suamataia said. “But I’ll say run blocking. I just like being physical, getting off the ball, being able to move somebody.”