5 Trade Destinations for Former Defensive Rookie of the Year
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Washington Commanders are “open to listening” to potential Chase Young trade offers.
Breer justified his claim by saying that Washington already have a lot of money spent on the defensive line. Big deals for Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen make it difficult for the Commanders to find more money for Young and Montez Sweat. For this reason, Washington may look to move Young for some value before he becomes a free agent.
Despite that, Breer supplemented his claim by saying that Washington are “unlikely” to move Young in a must-win year for the team. He also added that, even if they wanted to, many competitive teams may opt to sign a free agent pass rusher anyway. Despite that, it would not be a major surprise if Young is moved, given the upcoming contract situation.
Washington recently declined Young’s fifth-year option. After an injury-riddled 2021 and 2022 season have severely hampered his career so far. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, enroute to being named Defensive Rookie of the Year. But he has since failed to recapture that form.
Despite having his option declined, Young still brings a lot of promise. He is still a young player that has flashed his ceiling. He also plays a premium position.
What elevates Young’s value even more is the recent narrative about him. Young has said that the difference between now and the end of last year is “night and day” in terms of how he is feeling. He has also been impressive in camp so far, with Ron Rivera saying that Young is “absolutely” back in the starting lineup.
Chase Young has been disruptive today on the edge. He looks good and showing no signs of rust. #httc #NFL — Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) June 6, 2023
Five Chase Young Trade Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be a very fun fit for Young. Of course, Pittsburgh already have T.J. Watt. Alex Highsmith and Markus Golden will also be above-serviceable players. However, Young would truly maintain the Steelers defense’s juggernaut status. Playing opposite Watt, Young could find a lot of production.
The Steelers have never been a team to shy away from splashy moves, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Tomlin is one of the league’s best coaches, and his defense has kept his team afloat many times. As such, keeping with tradition and making a headline trade for Young would be no surprise.
New England Patriots
No coach gets more out of his defensive players than Bill Belichick. For this reason, Young could be an excellent asset. Belichick could revive and unlock Young’s sky-high potential.
As it stands, New England’s pass rushers are Matt Judon and Josh Uche. Behind them, there is little quality depth. If Belichick likes Young, he could be an immediate upgrade on either starting option. Some might question Young’s scheme fit in New England but, when a player has the potential that Young has, coaches usually make it work.
In a competitive AFC East, New England must find a way to stay competitive. The Buffalo Bills are loading up and the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets figure to be quality too. In such an arms race, it is important for the Patriots to keep their playoff hopes alive by acquiring high-end talent like Young.
Arizona Cardinals
Young epitomises everything that the new Arizona Cardinals regime are looking for. High character, valuable position, low risk and young. He is the perfect fit in terms of philosophy.
It is also worth noting that Arizona need edge rushers. Second-round pick B.J. Ojulari is projected as Arizona’s top pass rusher currently. Behind him are 2022 third-round picks Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders. Zaven Collins has also been working out with the pass rushers this off-season. None of those players have any proven NFL experience, however.
Young fits the Cardinals’ timeline too. Arizona look to be rebuilding currently, meaning young, hungry talent is key. Young would join with only one year of commitment and would likely not cost too much. If they like him, they would also have the choice to give him a long-term extension. This makes sense from Young’s perspective too.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans recently drafted Will Anderson Jr. in the 2023 NFL Draft. They gave up a king’s ransom in order to trade up for him. As such, Anderson will be Houston’s crown jewel on defense.
Opposite Anderson, Houston have Jerry Hughes. While Hughes is serviceable, he is now 35 and has just one year left on his deal. Given that Houston have no first-round pick next year, the team could look to acquire Chase Young via trade. He would be a good long-term replacement for Hughes and would thrive in a team where he would be the ‘number two option’.
Chicago Bears
Last month, Young waxed lyrical about Justin Fields. Could the Ohio State pair be reunited on the Chicago Bears? Perhaps.
Chicago have very little quality on the edge at the moment. Trevis Gipson and DeMarcus Walker are currently the starting edge rushers. Young would be an immediate upgrade on both and would likely be able to parlay his one-year stint into a long-term deal in Chicago.
Other Chase Young Trade Destinations
The Baltimore Ravens might be a dark horse team to watch. Despite Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo getting a lot of off-season hype, the fact remains that there is little depth behind the pair. Tyus Bowser is first backup and fourth-round rookie Tavius Robinson figures to play a role, but the team could use some more rotational pieces. If anyone goes down, Baltimore could well make the trade for Young. Of course, however, the likelier scenario is that the team bring back Justin Houston.
The Minnesota Vikings are another team that could make a move for Young. While the Vikings have Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport as their starting edge rushers, the team has little quality depth. As such, if either Hunter or Davenport miss extended time, the team could make a call for Young’s services.
The final team here? The New Orleans Saints. New Orleans have plenty of depth but little starting quality on the edge. While Isaiah Foskey may carve out a starting role, relying on a rookie in such a way is risky. Given the weakness of the NFC South, the Saints have a legitimate chance to contend. To do that, quality pass rush is needed. Young would be an immediate upgrade over Carl Granderson and would form a dangerous partnership with Cameron Jordan.
I miss rookie Chase Young pic.twitter.com/EOKUERTyPp — Nico (@elitetakes_) June 4, 2023
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Source: Last Word on Pro Football
