Former Georgia Tech defensive standout Keion White is on the move in the NFL, as the San Francisco 49ers acquired the defensive end from the New England Patriots on October 28, 2025. The deal involves a late-round pick swap, signaling a fresh start for White as he looks to regain his stride with one of the league’s top defenses.
The trade includes New England sending White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers, while the Patriots receive a 2026 sixth-round selection in return. White was originally drafted by New England in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making this a low-risk, high-upside move for San Francisco.
Rookie Season Potential
White showed flashes of promise early in his career. As a rookie in 2023, he appeared in 16 games and recorded one sack. He took a noticeable step forward in 2024, finishing with five sacks. However, his role diminished in the 2025 season, leading to limited playing time before the trade.
The #49ers have acquired DL Keion White from the New England Patriots.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 29, 2025
📰:https://t.co/W6ooylZKwD pic.twitter.com/IEdhiduf6M
San Francisco’s motivation for adding White is clear. With injuries affecting key members of their defensive front, including star edge rusher Nick Bosa, the 49ers needed depth and reinforcement. The team hopes White’s athleticism and prior production will help bolster their pass rush during the second half of the season.
Over three seasons with the Patriots, White played in 38 games (18 starts), tallying 88 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. In 2025, he appeared in five games with one start and recorded six tackles.
Before his NFL career, White played at Old Dominion from 2017–20 before transferring to Georgia Tech. With the Yellow Jackets, he became a defensive force, posting 122 tackles, 11 sacks, and 33 starts across three seasons.
The 49ers are currently 5-3, in 3rd place in the NFC West.
Sting ’Em!