Following the move of defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers, rumours surfaced that raised questions about his conduct while playing for the Washington organisation. Certain sources within the Commanders organisation questioned Young’s discipline, according to San Francisco Chronicle journalist Michael Silver.
“Young, according to several Washington coaches and other organizational sources, was viewed as an undisciplined player who developed bad habits such as deviating from assignments in an effort to make splash plays,” Silver wrote. “His off-the-field priorities and commitment to his craft were often questioned, and he was viewed internally as a player who plateaued as a rookie.”
This week, general manager John Lynch responded to these concerns, saying, “People I really respect think highly of the young man. I know there’s some things coming out, and they seemingly always do, but we’re not worried about that. … The people who I respect, who’ve been in that building, think highly of him.”
Even if prior concerns about Young’s “bad habits” are valid, one 49ers great doesn’t believe that will carry over to the locker room in Santa Clara.
“I really trust our locker room,” Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young declared Thursday on Bay Area radio station KNBR’s “Tolbert and Copes” show. “I think it’s strong, and people coming in, not a problem. It’s all good for him. He’s the one that’s going to benefit. He’s the one that has the opportunity. He’s the one that can bring something to us, and it’s up to him, in many ways.”
Chase Young has five sacks this season, more than any of his new 49ers teammates. His presence should reduce some of the focus on Nick Bosa, creating opportunities for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year to face more one-on-one matchups and increasing his effectiveness in reaching opposing quarterbacks.
Young and Bosa were teammates at Ohio State and have kept in touch since their collegiate days. That existing bond should translate into instant chemistry along the defensive front, hopefully offsetting any “commitment” concerns.
“It sounds like people you’d listen to, that are in the know, that have played around him, that there’s a lot of talent, but not being realized,” Steve Young continued. “And maybe, is it [him] not being deployed right? Is it not being coached correctly? You know how people can inspire you and don’t inspire you. Could [Commanders head coach] Ron Rivera be somebody that just doesn’t inspire him? Theoretically.
“So there could be huge upside if that’s the case. But if it’s just generally he’s been hurt, and now he’s not performing, and he can’t give you what you think you can, then it’s still going to be helpful. But there’s a real upside potential where something really cool could happen. So I’m in for that.”
