49ers Acquire Keion White from Patriots to Strengthen Defense

The San Francisco 49ers have made a strategic move to enhance their defensive line by trading for Keion White from the New England Patriots. According to a source familiar with the deal, the 49ers will send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the trade had not yet been officially announced.

This acquisition comes as the 49ers grapple with significant injuries on their defensive front. Star edge rusher Nick Bosa is sidelined for the season due to a knee injury suffered in Week 3. Additionally, defensive ends Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos are currently out with hamstring injuries. The situation was compounded when Trevis Gipson was claimed off the practice squad by Carolina after appearing in four games this season.

The 49ers’ struggles were evident in their recent performance. In a loss against Houston, the team recorded no sacks and only two quarterback hits, leaving them ranked last in the NFL with just five sacks over the past six games. Currently, with a record of 5-3, San Francisco holds third place in the NFC West.

White, drafted in the second round in 2023, displayed potential during his rookie season but has struggled to maintain his form under the new coaching staff led by Mike Vrabel. He has started only one game this season and was a healthy scratch during the Patriots’ recent victory over Cleveland. Despite a promising start to the 2024 season, where he recorded four sacks in the first two games, White has only managed one sack in his last 20 games. According to Pro Football Focus, he has three quarterback pressures on 76 pass rush snaps this season.

The 49ers are optimistic that Kris Kocurek, the team’s defensive line coach, can maximize White’s potential, as he has successfully done with several other players in similar situations. White has one year remaining on his rookie deal, allowing the 49ers some flexibility as they look to bolster their defensive capabilities moving forward.

As the season progresses, San Francisco will need to leverage all available resources to remain competitive in a challenging division.