It’s incredible that the Washington Commanders are possibly entertaining trading defensive end Chase Young at next week’s NFL trade deadline.
The DMV native was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft and was named the NFL defensive rookie of the year. What followed were two years wiped out due to inconsistent play, followed by a devastating knee injury. The knee injury cost Young almost half of the 2021 season and all but three games in 2022.
He’s back this season and playing well.
Young’s pass-rush numbers are excellent, and he has five sacks in six games. It certainly looks like Young is rounding into form, and at 24, the best is still ahead.
Young and Montez Sweat’s names have been popular on the rumor mills. Of course, they remain rumors — for now — but Washington is listening. The Commanders should be listening. They have been mediocre for far too long, and almost every player, with the possible exception of Terry McLaurin, should be available.
Of course, listening is much different than making a trade just to make a trade.
What does Young think of the trade rumors?
“I don’t think about it at all. Just focused on the Eagles,” Young said. “You know, my name has been popping up since I’ve been here, regardless of a trade. So, I ain’t trippin’ on nothing.”
Full video of Chase Young, Montez Sweat reacting to trade deadline rumors. Both said their focus is Philly but gotta be hard to block all the noise pic.twitter.com/Zx0wqL2zNj
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 26, 2023
Would the Commanders trade Young just as it appears he’s healthy and enjoying a breakout season? We believe that decision should be up to Washington’s next GM — not the current regime.