The San Francisco 49ers, renowned for their formidable defensive line, anticipate significant changes in 2024. Despite the team’s playoff prospects, retaining both Chase Young and Randy Gregory poses challenges.
In the 2023 mid-season acquisitions, Young and Gregory find themselves in distinct contract scenarios. Young faces impending free agency, regardless of the season outcome. On the flip side, Gregory remains under the original Denver Broncos contract but can now be released without incurring dead cap issues due to the trade.
While the prospect of a “prove-it” contract is conceivable for either player, it appears improbable. Young, amassing 7.5 sacks between the Washington Commanders and the 49ers, is poised for a substantial deal based on his performance. As the 49ers navigate these contract intricacies, the dynamics of their defensive line in the upcoming season hold intrigue for NFL enthusiasts.
Randy Gregory, aged 31 with a modest 3.5 sacks this season, is unlikely to settle for a veteran minimum deal, especially considering his recent $14 million per year contract. While Gregory’s trade impact might be underwhelming, Chase Young’s potential departure could be a silver lining for the 49ers.
Despite Gregory’s lackluster performance, his contract demands present a financial challenge. On the flip side, the 49ers can potentially gain compensation if Young, a valuable asset, decides to leave. In NFL terms, managing Gregory’s contract expectations becomes a key factor, while Young’s departure could still bring benefits to San Francisco.
In the 2024 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers, renowned for their formidable defensive line, face significant changes. The retention of both Chase Young and Randy Gregory poses challenges, considering Young’s impending free agency and Gregory’s contract situation.
Young, set to be a free agent soon, has showcased his prowess with a total of 7.5 sacks between the Washington Commanders and the 49ers. Despite Gregory’s lower sack count this year and being 31 years old, his recent $14 million per year contract makes a veteran minimum deal unlikely.
While Gregory might not yield significant trade success, the potential departure of Young offers a silver lining for the 49ers. San Francisco could be compensated with a third-round pick in 2025 if Young secures a substantial deal in free agency, essentially refunding the 2024 third-round pick they invested in him. In NFL terms, managing the future of these two pass rushers involves considering contract dynamics and potential draft pick gains.
This strategic move aligns with the 49ers’ history of gaining bonus draft picks from coaching staff departures. If Young stays, it’s a win; if he leaves, the 49ers effectively bolstered their 2023 chances at minimal cost.
It’s important to note that Gregory’s potential departure in 2024 differs; if he leaves this offseason, it will be through release rather than the expiration of his contract. In NFL terms, managing these scenarios involves strategic considerations for both immediate performance and future draft assets.
Throughout their tenures, both edge rushers have accumulated 2.5 sacks each. While providing additional support off the bench as intended by the 49ers, neither player has emerged as a significant impact player on the field.
There is a chance that Young and Gregory could improve their future pay with exceptional performances. But at this point, it doesn’t seem like that pay won’t be coming from the 49ers.
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