The Washington Commanders have a difficult decision to make in the coming weeks when it comes to defensive end Chase Young. They took a risk declining the fifth-year option on his rookie contract this past offseason and it is one that will come back to bite them.
It was a very difficult decision to make, as Chase Young’s career has been derailed by a knee injury. The Commanders wanted to see if he could return to the level he showed when he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and to this point, he has done that.
But, complications arise when taking into account that Montez Sweat will also be a free agent in 2024. He is currently playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, meaning the Commanders will have to make a choice on who to keep.
Retaining both Sweat and Chase Young is a virtual impossibility as they have already invested heavily in their defensive line, paying lucrative extensions to Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. There is only one franchise tag to use, and if Sweat is the player they want to keep, trade rumors will revolve around the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Where could Chase Young end up? Ryan Heckman of Riggo’s Rag put together a piece suggesting three possible trade suitors for the young pass rusher, with the Atlanta Falcons being the first team mentioned.
The only thing missing from the Falcons becoming a dominant defense is a more consistent pass rush. They are getting nothing from their current group of pass rushers and Chase Young would help change that. After using first-round picks on offensive players in five out of the last six drafts, he would give them a building block on the defensive side of the ball to build around.
Next up is the New England Patriots, who need help up and down the roster. Given their current standing, it would be hard to imagine them being buyers at the deadline. But, if the opportunity presented itself for Bill Belichick to get his hands on a talented young defensive player such as Chase Young, he would likely jump at it.
Last but not least, the Chicago Bears were mentioned as a suitor. The Bears made some big moves this past offseason but it wasn’t enough to get them out of the doldrums of the NFL. Plenty of work remains to be done and Chase Young would be a great addition to the defense.
With extra draft capital from trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears have the means to get a deal done. They are projected to have a ton of cap space as well, capable of signing Chase Young to a long-term deal he will be seeking this offseason.
