49ers trade for a former 2nd-round pick to address a major position of need ahead of Week 9

Get to know the newest 49ers defender.

Destin Adams, Sophie Weller
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Patriots edge rusher Keion White
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers have been rumored to be scouring the edge rusher trade market for multiple weeks. The team lost star pass rusher Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury early in the year. They haven’t been able to come close to replacing him, and their defense has suffered as a result. After a long wait, the team finally got a deal done as they landed former second-round pick Keion White from the New England Patriots.

Keion White career stats

  • 2023: 1 sack, 26 total tackles, 16 games
  • 2024: 5 sacks, 56 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 17 games
  • 2025: 6 total tackles, 5 games

Get to know Keion White

Keion White, a 2023 second-round pick, was someone who showed a lot of promise during his tenure in New England, but in recent weeks, it didn’t seem like he was a fit for Mike Vrabel’s scheme. The defensive end was once a starter, but appeared to have lost his job to K’Lavon Chaisson during training camp. And then, this past week in the team’s win over the Cleveland Browns, White was a healthy scratch, which made it all but certain that New England was interested in finding a trade partner. – Sophie Weller

How does he fit in the 49ers’ present and future plans

While White lost his starting spot with the Patriots, he should start right away for the 49ers opposite rookie Mykel Williams. The hope is that he can return to the level of play he showed in 2024 and be a legit threat as a pass rusher. This addition should upgrade their second starting edge spot, but I think both White and Williams will benefit from playing opposite each other for the rest of the season.

In terms of the future, White is also under contract for next season. This will allow the 49ers to have him as a key reserve who would take the field anytime either Bosa or Williams needs a breather. And if he plays well enough this season, he could end up being a solid trade chip for the team to use ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. They hope to get back more than the sixth-round pick they gave up to acquire White and a seventh. 

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