Lynch says 49ers keeping ‘open mind’ to re-signing Chase Young

Lynch says 49ers keeping ‘open mind’ to re-signing Chase Young

The San Francisco 49ers made a strategic move when they acquired Chase Young to bolster their pursuit of a championship. However, the team’s plans for the star edge rusher beyond this season are still uncertain, as he is set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason.

In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami on “The TK Show” podcast, 49ers general manager John Lynch shed some light on the team’s long-term intentions for Young following the trade.

“We always try to plan ahead, but plans can change,” Lynch told Kawakami. “We saw this with Emmanuel [Sanders]. We tried to keep him the following year, but he ended up making a significant contribution to the team and found a better financial opportunity elsewhere. So, with Chase, we’re approaching his situation with an open mind. He’s likely to be a highly sought-after free agent this offseason, given his performance. Although it might be challenging given our investment, we never say never. We bring players in and continue to evaluate the situation. We have different plans and scenarios in place. As the season progresses, things unfold, and we adjust accordingly.”

Young has faced setbacks in his career due to injuries, but he has shown glimpses of his immense potential that led to his selection as the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

So far this season, the former Ohio State Buckeye standout has recorded five sacks in seven games, ranking fifth in the NFL for quarterback pressures with 40.

While the 49ers did not keep their last mid-season acquisition who was a pending free agent, the situations between Young and Sanders differ significantly. Young is only 24 years old, whereas Sanders was already over 30 when the 49ers traded for him in October 2019.

It is also important to note that Lynch’s roster construction in San Francisco has consistently prioritized the defensive line. The opportunity to retain a talented edge rusher entering his prime might prove difficult for the 49ers to pass on, even with the potential financial implications.

Currently, the focus for the 49ers is on reinvigorating their struggling defensive front during a three-game losing streak.

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