The New England Patriots are trading defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers as part of a trade that involves a swap of late-round draft picks, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. White, who has recorded six career sacks, was selected as a second-round pick by the Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to Pelissero, the Patriots will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for White and a 2026 seventh-round pick. In return, the 49ers will receive White, the No. 46 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and a former third-team All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech.

White was part of the final Patriots draft class under coach Bill Belichick and is affected by multiple coaching changes from Belichick to Jerod Mayo to current coach Mike Vrabel. Despite the changes, White recorded five sacks last season.

This trade is part of the Patriots’ strategy to redefine their identity under Vrabel, who is leading the team to its most successful season in recent years, currently topping the AFC East at 6-2 with a five-game winning streak.