The NFL trade deadline is only days away, and the Washington Commanders could be active sellers. Of course, that depends on who you talk to, but multiple sources from around the NFL believe Washington is at least listening to offers for defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that there is an offer on the table for Sweat but not for Young. Sweat leads the Commanders with 5.5 sacks, with Young right behind him five. The difference between the two is Sweat has been a much more consistent player since entering the league in 2019.
On Thursday, reporters caught up to Sweat in the locker room and was asked if he thinks about the upcoming trade deadline:
“I mean, s–t, with everything going on, it definitely comes across your mind,” he said, per Jhabvala. “But you try to keep your head focused on what’s ahead, and that’s Philly. So, yeah, I’m focused on that right now.”
Montez Sweat says he knows his name is out there in trade talks but just wants to play good football. Everything else is out of his control. pic.twitter.com/f0Fnu29wkA
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 26, 2023
As we’ve seen over and over throughout the years, a high-profile Washington player was asked if he wanted to remain with the franchise that drafted him. While some offer the politically correct, “Of course, I love it here” talk, Sweat offered the most realistic answer yet.
“I mean, I can only control what I can control,” Sweat said. “I definitely enjoyed my time here with the guys on the D-line, the people on the team. But I understand it’s a business. So, I can only control what I can.”
Did you notice Sweat used the word “enjoyed?” Does Sweat think his time in Washington is up?
If it were up to head coach Ron Rivera and his regime, Sweat would have likely been re-signed already. But with the ownership change and Rivera’s status in doubt, new owner Josh Harris is wisely listening to offers for almost anyone.
Will Sweat and/or Young remain in Washington? We’ll know soon.