49ers Acquire Keion White from Patriots to Strengthen Defense

The San Francisco 49ers have strengthened their defensive line by trading for defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots. The deal, confirmed by a source familiar with the transaction, involves the 49ers sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. This move comes as the 49ers seek to address a series of injuries that have plagued their defense.

The 49ers are dealing with significant challenges on the defensive front, particularly following the season-ending knee injury to star edge rusher Nick Bosa during Week 3. In addition to Bosa, defensive ends Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos are sidelined with hamstring injuries. San Francisco’s defensive depth has been further tested with the loss of Trevis Gipson, who was claimed off the practice squad by the Carolina Panthers after participating in four games.

In their recent game against the Houston Texans, the 49ers struggled defensively, recording no sacks and only two quarterback hits. This performance has dropped them to last place in the NFL, with just five sacks over their last six games. Currently, the team holds a record of 5-3 and sits third in the NFC West standings.

White, drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, displayed potential during his rookie season but has seen limited playing time this year under new head coach Mike Vrabel. He started only one game this season and was a healthy scratch in the Patriots’ recent victory over the Cleveland Browns. Although White had four sacks in his first two games of the 2024 season, he has struggled since, managing just one sack in his last 20 games and three quarterback pressures on 76 pass rush attempts, as reported by Pro Football Focus.

Despite these challenges, the 49ers are optimistic that defensive line coach Kris Kocurek can maximize White’s potential, as he has successfully done with other players in similar situations. White has one year left on his rookie contract, and the 49ers hope to unlock his versatility, allowing him to play effectively both inside and outside on the defensive line.

As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming games, the addition of White could provide the much-needed boost to a defense that is eager to improve its performance and maintain its competitive standing in the league.