The New England Patriots and defensive lineman Keion White are parting ways, as recent reports confirm a trade to the San Francisco 49ers. This move involves the Patriots sending a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 along with White to the 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the upcoming spring draft. This article will analyze the implications of this trade and provide insights from various analysts.
Following a recent game where White was a healthy scratch, it became apparent that his tenure with the Patriots was nearing its end. Analyst Brian Hines notes that despite moments of potential as an interior rusher, the emergence of players like Milton Williams and other quality rotational options led to White being shifted to the edge position, where he struggled to make an impact.
Hines assigns a grade of C to this trade, acknowledging that while White showed flashes of talent, his overall performance did not meet expectations.
Another analyst, Pat Lane, expresses a more critical view of the trade. He remarks that the Patriots had no choice but to move on from a player who was largely seen as a disappointment. Lane struggles to justify a positive grade for the Patriots, given the minimal return they received. He assigns a grade of D and emphasizes hope that a change of scenery might help White improve his game.
Furthermore, Matt St. Jean acknowledges White's potential but points out that he never managed to become a significant pass rusher or a reliable run defender during his time in New England. St. Jean gives the trade another C grade, indicating that while it’s unfortunate to lose a player with White's pedigree, the return seems fair based on his on-field production.
Drafted as a second-round pick in 2021, White’s career with the Patriots concludes with 38 appearances and six sacks. With his departure, the Patriots will now depend on players like Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder, and Caleb Murphy to support starting outside linebackers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson.
Now it’s time for you to weigh in. What do you think about the Keion White trade? Do you believe it was the right move for the New England Patriots? Join the conversation in the comment section below and share your insights!
