Copyright newsweek
The San Francisco 49ers were predicted to make a move for a defensive end, and they have done just that. The team pulled off a trade with the New England Patriots, picking up former second-round pick defender Keion White. More news: NFL Insider Predicts Three Teams Will Make Big Splash at Trade Deadline The trade was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. BREAKING: The #Patriots are trading pass-rusher Keion White to the #49ers, per multiple sources. The former 2nd round pick gets a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/q0LVnUVkpl— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 28, 2025 Schultz also indicated that the 49ers and Patriots are trading late-round picks for the White trade. “Sources: The Patriots and 49ers are swapping picks. It’s a 6/7 with the Pats getting a 6th and the 49ers a 7th. Keion White has a new home,” Schultz indicated on X. FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 28: Keion White #99 of the New England Patriots rushes against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) More news: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Shuts Down Trade Possibility Ahead of Deadline White was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. Coming out of college, White impressed with a total of 33.5 sacks from his two years with Georgia Tech and two years with Old Dominion. As a member of the Patriots, he began his rookie season appearing in 16 games and starting four in 2023. He secured three passes defended, one sack, and 26 total tackles. White would elevate his game in the 2024 season, picking up five sacks, 56 total tackles, and 16 quarterback hits. Despite seeing a huge uptick in production, the young pass rusher fell down the depth chart for the Patriots. Now, he gets a fresh start in the Bay Area. The 49ers have been actively shopping for a pass rusher since losing Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury. Linebacker Fred Warner also suffered a season-ending ankle injury, leading the team’s defense to be severely lacking. White can offer a chance for the 49ers’ defense to chase down opposing quarterbacks, and also to help in aiding the run defense for the team now that Warner is out. San Francisco is likely to make more trades ahead of the deadline, but they landed a potentially huge playmaker in White. He is very young in his career and can elevate his game even more with Robert Saleh running the show on defense. For more on the 49ers, head to Newsweek Sports.
