The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers have officially agreed to a trade. The trade comes between two teams who have put themselves in a great position to make a post-season run. New England is 6-2 and atop the AFC East while the 49ers are 5-3 and right in the middle of things in the NFC.
Now, Keion White will get a fresh start.
Shock Trade Emerges Between The 49ers and Patriots โ A Surprise Roster Pivot
Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
In a move that caught the league off-guard, two of the NFLโs most storied franchises quietly struck a deal just ahead of the deadline. Earlier today, the Patriots sent defensive end Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.
White, a 2023 second-round pick out of Georgia Tech (46th overall) by the Patriots, had high expectations but has yet to live up to his draft billing. The trade signals that New England may be shifting focus โ preferring to recoup value now rather than wait for Whiteโs upside to materialize.
๐ Why This Trade Matters
The 49ers add a player with size (6โ5โ, 285 lbs as listed by ESPN) and versatility who could help their pass rush and interior defensive front. ESPN.com+1
For the Patriots, the move frees up roster spot and redirects future pick resources โ suggesting they value flexibility or are preparing for other acquisitions. Pats Pulpit+1
๐ Next Steps to Watch
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
How White will fit into the 49ersโ scheme, and whether heโll see increased playing time or a positional shift (e.g., interior to edge).
What the Patriots do with the pickup: Will they target a veteran pass-rusher, bolster another position, or accumulate picks for a future maneuver?
The reaction of both fan bases: Patriots supporters may view this as cutting bait early; 49ers fans could see this as a low-risk gamble with potential reward.
๐ฐ Related Reading
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