The writing was on the wall, now it has indeed happened: the New England Patriots have traded defensive lineman Keion White.
The 26-year-old is headed to the San Francisco 49ers alongside a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. In return, the Patriots are getting back a 2026 sixth-rounder.
A second-round draft pick by New England in 2023, White flashed disruptive talent over his first two seasons in the NFL. While he only registered six combined sacks over that
span, the arrow appeared to be pointing upward. However, the Patriots’ coaching and scheme changes in 2025 proved to be a challenge for the Georgia Tech product.
Despite entering training camp as a starter on the edge opposite free agency pickup Harold Landry, he eventually was relegated to backup duty in favor of another offseason signing, K’Lavon Chaisson. As a consequence of his demotion and the fact that he had to miss time due to both an illness and an elbow injury, White was on the field for only 26% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps over the first eight weeks of the season.
His impact was limited. He registered no sacks and only three combined quarterback pressures in five games, and by Week 8 was made a healthy scratch by the team — a sign of things to come.
Now, he is getting a fresh start in San Francisco.
