Keion White Traded to 49ers; Shanahan Highlights Versatility and Role Following Bosa Injury

Defensive end Keion White has been acquired by the San Francisco 49ers from the New England Patriots in a low-risk trade, with the 49ers sending a 2026 sixth-round NFL draft pick for White and a 2026 seventh-rounder. The move is intended to fill the edge-rushing void created by All-Pro Nick Bosa’s season-ending ACL injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in White, calling him a 'problem' when they played against him last year and praising his versatility to play both D-end and rush inside. A three-year veteran, White has accumulated 88 tackles and six sacks over 38 games, including 18 starts. After appearing in 74 percent of snaps in 2024, collecting 56 tackles, five quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss, his snap count dropped to 40 percent with the Patriots in 2025. The 49ers are banking on White to return to his 2024 production under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.