Chase Young is a free agent in 2024, but the last thing on the mind of the newest member of the San Francisco 49ers is whether he will be there for the long term.

The 49ers acquired Young in a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, landing the pass rush by sending a compensatory third-round pick to the Washington Commanders.

With the 24-year-old edge rusher looking poised to cash in on the open market if he can continue a fine start to the season that has seen the former second overall pick register five sacks and 38 quarterback pressures, many have assumed that he is likely only serving as a rental for the Niners.

The 49ers, per Over The Cap, are projected to have just $1.48 million in cap space for 2024 and will also be looking to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a long-term contract.

For now, though, Young is entirely unconcerned with what might happen when the 2023 league year comes to a close, and is focusing on excelling for San Francisco after getting the surprise opportunity to reunite with former Ohio State teammate Nick Bosa on a loaded defensive line.

He told reporters at a press conference on Monday: "I'm not worried about that right now, I'm just worried about learning this playbook and being the best player I can be."

Young said he could instantly feel a difference in the culture upon arriving in the 49ers' locker room.

Asked to expand on why that contrast to the culture with the Commanders was so apparent, he replied: "Just the players, the spirit in the locker room, the spirit of the coaches, it's just different.

"It's like kind of that same thing at Ohio State, where it's like you're expected to win, and it's just like that vibe of 'we're going to win'. 

"It definitely reminds me, not Ohio State, but obviously, it's the NFL. These are grown men. So I'm just excited to be blessed with the opportunity to be with this franchise."

How long that opportunity lasts remains to be seen but, regardless of the duration of his 49ers spell, Young's time with the team will be fondly remembered if he can help San Francisco right the ship and make crucial contributions to the Niners finally getting over the hump in their quest for a sixth Lombardi Trophy.

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