The San Francisco 49ers signed Chase Young with high expectations during the current season. After several disappointing performances, the former college star is facing the bench in Super Bowl LVIII.

Shortly before the trade deadline, the San Francisco 49ers secured a big-name pass rusher in Chase Young.

The 24-year-old defensive end was selected second overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2020 draft.

After a brilliant start, injuries repeatedly set Young back. In the end, Washington traded the defender to the Niners for a third-round pick.

In San Francisco, he was reunited with Nick Bosa, both pass rushers dominated college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and should now be able to show their potential together again.

Chase Young a shadow of his former self

In nine games of the regular season, Young recorded 2.5 sacks for his new team. That’s not enough for someone in his category. With the Commanders, he still had five sacks.

Young’s performance for his new employer reached a low point in the NFC Championship Game. The Detroit Lions took a 21-7 lead away from home, and Young was particularly noticeable with his soulless body language on running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ touchdown run – once again

Chase Young 92 with some all time effort & heart on this play pic.twitter.com/EqqpoSdB2U

– Adam Samuels (@SamuelAdams_12) January 29, 2024

And that despite playing for his future. In the offseason, general manager John Lynch will decide whether Young deserves a new contract after his rookie contract expires. It doesn’t appear so.

The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year could well only be a backup on the bench in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs in just under two weeks’ time. Several Niners insiders have reported that the coaches have also noticed Young’s disappointing play.