49ers land Keion White in bold trade as John Lynch moves to reinforce defense

49ers land Keion White in bold trade as John Lynch moves to reinforce defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers strengthened their defensive front by acquiring defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots in exchange for two late-round draft picks.

GM John Lynch discussed the move during his appearance on KNBR’s Murph and Markus show, revealing how the trade took shape ahead of the deadline.

Lynch explained that San Francisco had been monitoring defensive line options for weeks, particularly at end.

“We’ve been looking at this whole defensive end, this defensive line,” Lynch said. “He played extremely well last year. Played really well against us. So those things tend to stick with you and make an impression upon you.”

White produced his strongest season in 2024 with New England, starting 13 games and recording five sacks, 56 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.

However, his role declined this year under head coach Mike Vrabel, who implemented a system that didn’t suit White’s style.

“We felt comfortable and felt he’s a guy who could really help us,” Lynch added. “He’s got this year and next year, he’s not just a rental. We think we can really untap some of his limitless potential.”

At 5–3, San Francisco remains in the playoff mix despite losing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to season-ending injuries. The trade gives the 49ers much-needed depth as they fight to stay competitive.

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John Lynch believes Keion White’s versatility can reshape 49ers’ pass rush

White’s transition to San Francisco follows a stretch of reduced snaps in New England. After a 16-snap appearance in Week 7 against the Titans, he was a healthy scratch in the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the Browns.

This season, he has only six tackles and three total pressures, a significant drop from 45 pressures in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. The 2023 second-round pick acknowledged that the Patriots’ defensive approach limited his impact.

“No knock to the guys over there — they had a system where I was outside,” White said. “I could’ve been better on the outside rushing and everything like that, and just roll with what I could’ve done better.”

He also noted that he’s most effective “rushing from the inside,” which aligns better with the 49ers’ defensive setup. Despite losing his starting battle to K’Lavon Chaisson in training camp, San Francisco views White as a high-upside addition.

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Lynch said their analytics department and coaching staff “were huge fans” after reviewing his tape. Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment, praising White’s adaptability.

“He would have helped any team,” Shanahan said. “He can play D-end, and he can rush inside. So, versatile guy.”

With Robert Saleh impressed by his interior pass-rushing skills, the 49ers see White as a long-term investment capable of helping offset their mounting defensive injuries.