49ers Trade for Keion White to Fix Collapsing Defense — Will the Ex-Patriot Revive Their Pass Rush?

The San Francisco 49ers have traded for defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots to address a depleted defensive line plagued by injuries. The deal, first reported by the Associated Press, sends a 2026 sixth-round pick to New England in exchange for White and a 2026 seventh-round selection.

The move comes after weeks of defensive struggles for San Francisco, who have fallen to last in the NFL in sacks over the past six games. The 49ers are desperate for reinforcements following season-ending injuries to star pass rusher Nick Bosa and hamstring issues sidelining Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos.

Keion White Trade Details and Why It Matters

White, a 26-year-old defensive end, was a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2023. Although he flashed potential early in his career, he lost playing time this season under new head coach Mike Vrabel’s system. White started just one game in 2025 and was a healthy scratch in last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns.

According to Pro Football Focus, White has produced only three quarterback pressures in 76 pass-rush snaps this year. Still, his blend of size, power, and versatility gives the 49ers a chance to reshape their struggling front. Known for his ability to line up both inside and outside, White could provide defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with more flexibility in rotating his injury-hit linemen.

The 49ers are hopeful that defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who has a track record of reviving underperforming players, can help White regain his early form. San Francisco’s defense, once the NFL’s most feared unit, has managed just five sacks across six games — a stunning drop for a franchise built on its pass rush.

The 49ers enter Week 9 with a 5–3 record, sitting third in the NFC West. Their front office sees White as a low-risk addition who can provide immediate depth while also being under contract for one more season on his rookie deal.

Impact on 49ers’ Defense and Future Outlook

The trade underscores San Francisco’s urgency to stabilize its defense after multiple roster setbacks. Losing Bosa early in the season left a massive leadership and production void, while backup options have failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively.

In last week’s loss to Houston, the 49ers failed to register a single sack and recorded only two quarterback hits. General manager John Lynch’s decision to bring in White signals a belief that with proper coaching, the ex-Patriot can reignite the 49ers’ defensive identity.

For New England, the move clears space for younger linemen to develop while recouping draft value. For San Francisco, it represents a calculated bet that Kocurek can turn White into the next success story — much like he did with Charles Omenihu and Kerry Hyder in past seasons.

Keion White’s arrival gives the 49ers a fresh spark of hope. Whether he becomes a temporary fix or a long-term contributor will depend on how quickly he adapts to the team’s aggressive defensive system.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who did the 49ers trade for Keion White?

The 49ers acquired Keion White from the New England Patriots for a 2026 sixth-round pick while also receiving a 2026 seventh-round selection in return.

Q2: Why did San Francisco trade for Keion White?

The 49ers needed pass rush help after losing Nick Bosa, Bryce Huff, and Yetur Gross-Matos to injuries, leaving the defense struggling to pressure quarterbacks.

Q3: What is Keion White’s current contract situation?

White is still on his rookie deal, with one year remaining after the 2025 season, making him an affordable addition for the 49ers.

Q4: How has Keion White performed in recent seasons?

White had four sacks in the first two games of the 2024 season but has recorded only one sack in his last 20 games since then.

Q5: Can Keion White replace Nick Bosa’s production?

While White brings versatility, he is not expected to replace Bosa’s elite impact. The team hopes he can contribute as part of a rotational strategy to revive the pass rush.