Defensive end Keion White was one of the main reasons the San Francisco 49ers held on and beat the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football in Week 6, notching half a sack alongside defensive end Romello Height to close out the game.
But White's impact this year goes well beyond that one particular play.
The 27-year-old White has been one of the Niners' best edge rushers on the year despite San Francisco's lengthy list of injuries to its defensive line, already having tallied 3.5 sacks and five quarterback hits through six weeks. In light of star defensive end Nick Bosa's lingering calf injury that's kept him sidelined, White's own star has been on the ascent.
San Francisco should extend him as soon as reasonably possible.
Keion White's current contract with 49ers
The 49ers picked White up from the New England Patriots last season—a seemingly under-the-radar move that cost the Niners a mere sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In doing so, San Francisco inherited the better part of the final two years of the defensive end's rookie contract, which is worth up to $1.812 million this year, although there are no more remaining guarantees on the deal.
Unless further action is taken, White will hit the open free-agent market this offseason.
49ers have every reason to extend Keion White now
Even if the 49ers are hoping Bosa returns fully healthy and continues out his own current contract, plus the hope second-year Mykel Williams' maturation stays on pace, having a B-level pass-rusher like White rostered for the long run is a smart move.
NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco argued such in a recent mailbag:
If White signs an extension now, it would be at a discount for what he could get on the open market after the season. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, it would give him financial security while also eliminating the risks involved with waiting to become a free agent after the season. ...
White, who leads the 49ers with 3.5 sacks, is playing a lot of snaps.
Second-tier pass-rushers can easily earn an annual salary of $8-plus million per year, but White may be willing to settle for less, should the Niners get it done now without much delay. Plus, they'd be avoiding a potential bidding war, which could increase significantly if White closes out the season with eight or nine sacks.
In this case, it's clear the sooner, the better.
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