In a surprising move, the San Francisco 49ers have acquired the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young, from the Washington Commanders. This strategic trade sees the 49ers sending a 2024 third-round pick to Washington in exchange for Young, a move aimed at fortifying their defense.



This isn’t the first time that 49ers general manager John Lynch has orchestrated a significant trade just ahead of the trade deadline. Last season, they managed to secure running back Christian McCaffrey, who has since proven to be a valuable asset for the team. The 49ers are now placing their hopes on Chase Young having a similar positive impact.



Meanwhile, the Commanders have had a tumultuous day on the trading front. Earlier, they traded Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears in return for a second-round draft pick. While there is room for debate regarding the relative value of these trades, the acquisition of Chase Young by the 49ers is unquestionably a major move.



<h2>Chase Young and Nick Bosa’s Dynamic Duo for the Struggling 49ers</h2>



For fans of the San Francisco 49ers, the thought of Chase Young lining up alongside Nick Bosa, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is an exciting prospect. This reunion of former Ohio State teammates, both selected high in their respective drafts, holds the promise of a formidable defensive duo.



Despite Nick Bosa’s relatively modest three sacks this season, he remains an influential player, as evidenced by his impressive 41 quarterback pressures, ranking fourth in the NFL according to Next Gen Stats. However, the 49ers have been struggling, allowing a season-high 31 points to the Cincinnati Bengals in their most recent game.



The San Francisco 49ers started the season on a high note with a 5-0 record. Unfortunately, they have recently experienced a string of three consecutive losses. Nonetheless, their aspiration of securing a championship remains unchanged, and they believe that Chase Young’s arrival can be a game-changer for their quest.

San Francisco 49ers Acquire 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in Trade

San Francisco 49ers Acquire 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in Trade - thesportsdrops NEWS

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In recent games, Christian McCaffrey has been a central figure, playing an extensive number of snaps and showcasing his undeniable dominance on the field. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the need for a more balanced running back rotation, particularly involving backup Elijah Mitchell.



Christian McCaffrey’s snap counts have been a subject of interest lately. In the most recent game, he played all 57 snaps, a significant display of his durability and importance to the team. This followed his impressive performance in the season opener, where he participated in 58 of the 68 snaps.



McCaffrey expressed his opinion as reported by Alex Espinoza of 95.7 The Game: “I think it’s all dependent on how the game’s going. We had a lot of breaks last game. Sometimes, that’s just how it goes. There’s going to be games, too, where Mitchell gets four or five carries in a row on multiple drives because he’s playing well, and he’s feeling it, and I’ll be out.”



<h2>Christian McCaffrey’s On-Field Dominance and Unprecedented Playing Time</h2>



Christian McCaffrey’s extensive playing time is not a new phenomenon. In fact, he has played 100 percent of the offensive snaps for his team an impressive 15 times in his career. In contrast, other running backs have rarely played every single snap, doing so only ten times in the same timeframe.



McCaffrey’s 268 rushing yards this season lead the NFL, putting him ahead by a substantial 88-yard margin compared to other players in the league. This performance underscores his ability to make an impact as a versatile running back and key contributor to his team’s success.



In conclusion, Christian McCaffrey’s extensive playing time and remarkable on-field dominance continue to be a focal point. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how his role evolves and whether the running back rotation adjusts to accommodate his exceptional talents.

Christian McCaffrey Doesn’t Worry About his Usage

Christian McCaffrey Doesn’t Worry About his Usage - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-return-to-buccaneers-and-four-other-options-for-tom-brady-20230118-SPD-3332.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL divisional playoffs</a> ended many debates over who the top teams were. The league’s four finest clubs will square off in the conference finals. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants by a large margin, proving once again that they are a top-tier NFL club and a legitimate title contender. 



The NFC Championship Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers will be played on January 21 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The 49ers advanced by defeating the Dallas Cowboys, setting up the conference’s top-two seeds against each other.



This year’s AFC Championship Game features a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, two of the greatest teams in the league. Although Patrick Mahomes played through a high ankle injury to help the Chiefs beat the Jaguars, Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a dominating win against the Bills in Buffalo’s snow.



<h2>AFC Championship – Kansas City Chiefs</h2>



Already, the anticipated rematch between the Chiefs and Bengals from last year’s AFC championship game is exciting. When you add in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-kickers-in-nfl-history-20221228-SPD-3287.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a> and Joe Burrow and consider that Mahomes is playing with a high-ankle sprain, you have a recipe for another classic in the NFL.



Mahomes is 0-3 against Burrow in the previous two years, including a 27-24 overtime loss in last year’s AFC Championship Game that Kansas City squandered after leading 21-10 in the second quarter. The average margin of victory in those games has been three points, with Cincinnati outscoring Kansas City 26-6 in the last frame and overtime.



Since they had a winning record at Arrowhead Stadium during the regular season, they have a solid shot of beating the Bengals there. Though the Chiefs eventually prevailed 27-20 against the Jaguars in the Divisional Round, the Chiefs’ offensive line had been the league’s deadliest throughout the regular season.



<h2>NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers</h2>



Unfortunately for fans of both teams, the 49ers and Eagles have only ever met once in the playoffs (the 49ers won 14-0 in the 1996 NFC Wild Card round). Both of today’s starting quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy, weren’t even conceived then. This will be the youngest NFC Championship Game ever, with Hurts (24 years, 175 days) facing off against Purdy (23 years, 33 days).



In his first year as a starter, Purdy became just the fourth quarterback to win a conference title after being taken in the sixth round or later (or going undrafted). It marks the 49ers’ 18th trip to the NFL’s conference championship game (and third in the last four years). As far as we can tell, they are the only NFC club that has never been to Philadelphia for a playoff game.



Kyle Shanahan has played in an NFC Conference Championship game before, in 2021 when his team fell 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams. Hopes have been raised, their performance has improved, and Purdy seems to be the frontrunner to start next season.

NFL: The 2 heavy favorites to take home 2023 Conference Championship title

NFL: The 2 heavy favorites to take home 2023 Conference Championship title - thesportsdrops NEWS

After a miserable 31-14 defeat to the Cowboys on Monday night, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> and the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes for this year are officially over. This was just Brady’s fourth one-and-done performance in his 23 seasons as an NFL starting quarterback, and the loss was the second most lopsided of his career. 



The 45-year-old told reporters he would ‘take it one day at a time’ in the wake of Monday’s defeat, being characteristically evasive. Being a free agent, this season marked Brady’s third season with the Bucs, and it very well may have been his last, either by the team’s or his own decision.



It’s possible that Brady may revisit his old stomping grounds in Tampa. It’s possible he’ll look for a new team to play for. He even could decide to call it quits at some point once again. In any case, what choices does he have? Let’s find out.



<h2>Return to Buccaneers</h2>



It’s no secret that Brady gets along well with the team’s higher-ups, especially the Glazer family, who own the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-takes-leave-from-buccaneers-until-august-20-for-personal-matters-2506-20220811-SPD-2506.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buccaneers</a> and helped lure Brady away from the Patriots in 2020. Compared to other NFL locales, Tampa, Florida, must be a lot more pleasant now that he’s reached the end of his career. And he leaves behind a short but significant legacy as a Buccaneer, ending a decade of club irrelevance with an MVP-caliber championship run.



<h2>Join Jets</h2>



Currently, the Jets’ sole evident need is for a veteran quarterback. Meanwhile, Brady’s arrival would instantly restore respectability to a locker room that cheered Zach Wilson’s demotion that year. For the most part, what’s holding things up is whether or not the Jets would rather have a somewhat longer-term potential.



<h2>Go back to Patriots</h2>



Despite the general public’s disapproval, here is where Brady made his mark, and he is still respected among his peers. The Patriots’ offense may be revamped without a financial problem. Mac Jones has to move over here and regain his bearings. It would also serve as a logical stepping stone for Brady’s eventual transition into full retirement.



<h2>Join Titans</h2>



Prior to re-signing Ryan Tannehill, the Titans explored a free-agent deal with Brady in 2020. The departure of general manager Jon Robinson and the hiring of coach Mike Vrabel gives the quarterback a chance to return to his roots as a quarterback.



<h2>Join 49ers</h2>



On paper, this seems like a match made in heaven: Brady grew up in the Bay Area and has always had a soft spot for the 49ers, and his ability to make split-second decisions and read the field effectively makes him a great fit for a system designed to get the ball to its playmakers as quickly as possible. However, the team may not be able to afford to change a winning recipe only to bring together a renowned name and a legendary team.

NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady

NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady - thesportsdrops NEWS

The San Francisco 49ers took down the reigning Super Bowl champions on Monday night to get back to winning ways. The Niners pulled off a 24-9 home win to make their record 2-2.



It’s not like the hosts needed extra motivation to get the win, given that they were on a losing record prior to the game. However, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/49ers-planned-to-trade-jimmy-garoppolo-to-commanders-2814-20220922-SPD-2814.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> and George Kittle revealed that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-49ers-coach-kyle-shanahan-says-deebo-samuel-inspires-him-2423-20220801-SPD-2423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Shanahan</a> found a way to lit a fire beneath them.



The 49ers head coach made the team rewatch last season’s NFC Championship game, in which they lost to the Rams. According to Garoppolo and Kittle, that worked.



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle reveal Kyle Shanahan’s way to give them extra motivation vs. Rams</h2>



“Just watching that film, you feel the emotions … Just watching the film, it’s silent, but you can take yourself back to that spot and put yourself in that emotional state you were in. I think that’s good for competitors; I really do. After last week, too, it gave us a little motivation,” Garoppolo said, via 49ers Webzone.



“Just rewatching it this week definitely adds a little fuel to the fire. They’re out there talking a little bit of smack about it, and you’re like, ‘Last year is last year. We’re just going to do our best to give it to you this year,” Kittle said.

How Kyle Shanahan inspired Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle for 49ers' MNF win over Rams

How Kyle Shanahan inspired Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle for 49ers' MNF win over Rams - thesportsdrops NEWS

After a chaotic summer of attempting to move him, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-frank-reich-doesnt-blame-matt-ryan-for-colts-early-struggles-2806-20220921-SPD-2806.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> got lucky when <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/there-was-no-respect-there-ryan-fitzpatrick-reveals-why-tom-brady-annoys-him-2769-20220916-SPD-2769.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> stayed on the team. Trey Lance was designated the 49ers’ starting quarterback after San Francisco dealt away Jimmy Garoppolo in hopes of relieving the burden on Lance.



However, the 49ers decided to modify Garoppolo’s contract so that he could serve as Lance’s backup when he had shoulder surgery over the summer, reducing the likelihood that he would be traded. After just two games, Lance went down with an ankle injury that ended the season, and Garoppolo returned to the starting position he had held for the previous five years, where he had excelled.



In the offseason, the 49ers believed they had a buyer for Garoppolo, which would have drastically changed their 2022 campaign. According to ESPN, before Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery, the 49ers thought they had a contract with the Washington Commanders. 



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo was expected to complete move to Commanders</h2>



Washington moved on and completed the trade for Carson Wentz after Garoppolo elected to undergo surgery on his shoulder because it wasn’t recovering as quickly as expected. The 49ers chose to restructure Garoppolo’s deal after they couldn’t locate a trade partner for him during training camp. 



No trade or franchise tag provisions are included in Garoppolo’s new agreement, but he will get a fully guaranteed base salary of $6.5 million. In 2023, Garoppolo will be a free agent and may choose his next club.

49ers planned to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to Commanders

49ers planned to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to Commanders - thesportsdrops NEWS

The months-long saga came to an end on Sunday when the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> struck a three-year, $71.55 million deal with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. For months, his future looked up in the air.



Samuel was reportedly willing to leave earlier this offseason, but fortunately, the Niners were able to turn this situation around. Everyone in San Francisco seems to be happy to have him for the next few years, especially Kyle Shanahan.



The 49ers head coach talked to reporters on Monday and he didn’t hide his feelings towards the wideout. In fact, Shanahan suggested Samuel is the most inspiring player he’s ever seen.



<h2>Kyle Shanahan says Deebo Samuel inspires him more than any other player</h2>



“My favorite thing about Deebo is how much he inspires people,” Shanahan said, via Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. “He inspires me more than almost any player I’ve watched on a field. The way he runs the ball, whether you’re handing it to him, whether you’re throwing it to him, whether he’s catching it on a kick. 



“And these aren’t things that you have to talk him into doing and stuff. He usually talks you into doing, because Deebo loves playing football and he loves helping us win and I think that’s what everybody sees on Sunday when you guys watch him on TV, and I think that’s why this country really likes Deebo.”

NFL News: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says Deebo Samuel 'inspires' him

NFL News: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says Deebo Samuel 'inspires' him - thesportsdrops NEWS

After making a big effort to select him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers look ready to promote <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/george-kittle-says-both-jimmy-garoppolo-trey-lance-have-what-it-takes-to-be-the-49ers-qb-in-2022-997-20220523-SPD-997.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trey Lance</a> as the starting quarterback for the 2022 season.



<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-49ers-coach-kyle-shanahan-expects-jimmy-garoppolo-trade-1072-20220525-SPD-1072.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be traded</a>. But first he has to complete rehab from surgery on his throwing arm, and then pave the way for the young quarterback to take the reins of the team.



The Niners made a deep run in last season’s playoffs, losing to eventual <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl winners Los Angeles Rams</a> in the NFC Championship Game. Even so, there is some skepticism around both Garoppolo and Lance.



<h2>Trey Lance has the perfect answer for the doubters</h2>



One of the brightest prospects of his class, Lance struggled to win the job last year. Now, some people doubt he is prepared to be the Niners quarterback. However, he is not paying attention to the outside noise.



“In the most respectful way possible, it doesn’t change how I feel about you guys as people, but it’s not my job to care what you guys say or anyone else on social media,” Lance said, via ClutchPoints. “For me, I care about what the guys in the locker room think and what my coaching staff thinks.”



It will be interesting how this season plays out for him. The Niners’ defense has already proven to be solid and just need a dependable quarterback to reach new heights. Will Lance be that guy? Only time will tell.

NFL News: 49ers QB Trey Lance has the most respectful response to the critics - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: 49ers QB Trey Lance has the most respectful response to the critics

This <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-falcons-interest-in-deshaun-watson-drove-matt-ryan-away-from-atlanta-360-20220504-SPD-360.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL offseason</a> has already seen many teams making significant changes at <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/carson-wentzs-honest-take-on-returning-to-philadelphia-to-face-eagles-for-the-first-time-755-20220513-SPD-755.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterback</a>. The <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> are expected to join that list, but the outlook is still uncertain.



Trey Lance seems ready to take the reins, but Jimmy Garoppolo is still part of the roster and anything can change in preseason if the team doesn’t trade him. While many argue that it’s Lance’s moment, others claim that Jimmy G still has what it takes.



Niners tight end George Kittle sees great things in both quarterbacks, suggesting that any of them could be the starter this year. In fact, he couldn’t tell who he would choose between the two of them. 



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance are both great QBs for 49ers, George Kittle suggests </h2>



“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” Kittle said, via Pro Football Talk. “That’s one reason I’m glad I’m not the head coach of the 49ers. That’s all on Coach Shanahan. I’ll give you both ways. Jimmy G, awesome in the huddle, great leader, directs guys. 



“People go to attention when he’s talking. He’s got a quick release, he knows the offense. Like I said, been to two NFC Championship games, knows what he’s doing. Trey Lance can run, extend plays, does all the play-action stuff incredible, could throw the ball 70 yards. I don’t know. It’s a toss-up for me.”



It seems that the 49ers are ready to promote Lance in his second year in the NFL, after selecting him with the third overall pick in the 2021 Draft. Garoppolo is still recovering from shoulder surgery, but the team is expected to move on from him once he completes rehab.

San Francisco 49ers