Patriots Trade Keion White to 49ers: A Fresh Start for the Former Second-Round Pick
The New England Patriots have traded defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. The Patriots will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for White and a 2026 seventh-round pick. For White, it’s the end of a tough stint in New England and the start of a new opportunity in San Francisco.
49ers Banking on White’s Potential
Drafted in the second round in 2023, White’s time in New England didn’t pan out as hoped. Despite flashes of potential, he struggled to find a consistent role as the Patriots navigated coaching changes—from Bill Belichick to Jerod Mayo and now Mike Vrabel. This season, the Georgia Tech product started just one game and was even a healthy scratch in the Patriots’ recent win over Cleveland. With New England thriving under Vrabel at 6-2 and leading the AFC East, White became the odd man out as the team solidified its new direction.
For the 49ers, this trade fills a critical need. Injuries have gutted what was once one of the league’s most feared pass rushes, with Nick Bosa out for the season after a Week 3 knee injury. Losses of Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos have only added to the struggles, leaving the 49ers with just five sacks over the last six games. At 5-3 and sitting third in the NFC West, San Francisco needed help to stay in the playoff hunt.
White is a low-risk, high-upside option. While his production with the Patriots was inconsistent, he showed promise early in his career, including a standout stretch with four sacks in the first two games of the 2024 season. That said, he’s only managed one sack over his last 20 games. The 49ers are betting that defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, known for turning players’ careers around, can help White unlock the potential he showed at Georgia Tech, where he earned All-ACC honors.
White Adds Needed Versatility to 49ers
White has one year left on his rookie contract and an opportunity to prove himself in a system that needs fresh energy on the defensive line. His ability to play both inside and outside adds much-needed versatility for a 49ers defense desperate to reignite its pass rush.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Drafted in the second round (2023) by the Patriots
- All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech
- Six career NFL sacks
- Four sacks in the first two games of the 2024 season
- Three quarterback pressures on 76 pass rush snaps this season
