It was just a week ago, on Halloween, that Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young was traded to the 49ers for a third-round pick.
Now, with Young getting his feet firmly planted on the opposite coast and preparing for his first start with the 'Niners, he finally got a chance to chat with San Francisco media about the adjustment. In doing so, the Commanders received more than a couple not-so-subtle ricochet shots in the process.
This type of thing isn't exactly surprising when it comes to two mutually unhappy parties, particularly when the departing player was quickly labeled by his former team as "undisciplined" with "bad habits" right after the trade went through.
Here's what Young had to say about his new teammates and the 49ers franchise in general:
"Nick (Bosa) is here. Always been a big brother to me, even at Ohio State. Just stepping in here for today. Got in here last week, just the culture. The vibe is a lot different. I definitely know that I'm in a building with winners."
Wow, that "winners" line has to burn just a little despite what Commanders coaches had to say. You can certainly tell where this one is going, because Young was just getting warmed up:
"Just the players. The spirit in the locker room. The spirit of the coaches. You know, it's just different, you know what I'm saying? It's kind of that same thing at Ohio State, where it's like you're expected to win, and it's just like that vibe of 'We're going to win,' you know what I'm saying? So, it definitely reminds me of Ohio State, but obviously, it's going to feel — these are grown men. I'm just excited — blessed with the opportunity to be with this franchise."
In a word, ouch. In more words, Young certainly seems to have covered all the bases with that beefy quote. From the difference in the locker room to the spirit of the coaches to playing with "grown men" who house an expectation to win, the 24-year-old stud defensive end pretty much jumped off the top rope with the ring bell in hand.
Should Young choose to add any further daggers in the coming days, it's going to start feeling like Andy Dufresne the moment he emerged from the tunnel and victoriously escaped Shawshank.
All Young has to do now is deliver the goods on the field. Provided he stays healthy — a lingering question ever since a season-ending ACL tear in 2021 — he should be able to find plenty of opportunities to wreak havoc while lined up with 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Chase Young and Nick Bosa are reunited ? pic.twitter.com/Yu8jdP0Bfj
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) November 6, 2023
Judging by the bright smile on Young's face in the above clip, it sure looks like a player who's been waiting for a clean slate and some friendly familiar faces to line up with.
Young will make his highly anticipated 49ers debut on the road this Sunday against the streaking Jacksonville Jaguars, winners of five in a row.
