The Chicago Bears were rumored to be interested in Chase Young ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but instead, they pivoted and swung a deal with the Washington Commanders to acquire their other star edge rusher: Montez Sweat.
So what caused the change of heart for the Bears?
Former Chicago scout Greg Gabriel wrote an article for SB Nation this week and explained the Bears’ thought process, stating that the club could not attain all of the medial information it needed in order to feel comfortable about trading for Young. As a result, Chicago backed out.
So, it sounds like the Bears were actually deep into discussions with the Commanders for Young but got cold feet at the last minute due to Young’s checkered injury history.
Young tore his ACL nine games into his second season in 2021 and ended up playing in just three games the following year due to his recovery. He also missed the 2023 opener as a result of a stinger he sustained in preseason.
The 24-year-old has certainly shown signs of turning things around this season, as he has already logged 15 tackles and five sacks through his first seven games. However, there is no question that durability is a concern for the Ohio State product, which was why the Bears changed course.
Unlike Young, Sweat has been a fairly healthy player throughout his five-year NFL career, playing full campaigns in every season except 2021 when he missed seven games.
Plus, Sweat has been the more consistent player between him and Young.
While Young has really only had one truly productive season since entering the league in 2020, Sweat has regularly been good, registering 35.5 sacks through 67 career games. This season, the 27-year-old has totaled 32 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles and is on pace for the best year of his NFL tenure.
Chase Young was ultimately traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
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