Every year the NFL trade deadline comes and every fan in the world is hoping that their team makes a move big enough to make a difference, but that rarely ever happens. Most midseason NFL trades have very minimal impact and 2023 was no different, but one trade should make an impact to not just one, but two former Ohio State football stars.
The Washington Commanders appear to be in rebuild mode and unloaded two young defensive difference makers in Montez Sweat and everyone’s favorite Predator, Chase Young.
Every Buckeye fan remembers how great Young was during his time at Ohio State, where he took home a trophy case full of awards as well as earned All-American status and finished as All-Big Ten twice. Young was drafted by Washington with the second overall selection in 2020 and immediately looked like a star earning NFL Defensive Rookie of they Year honors as well as a Pro Bowl nomination.
Unfortunately, Young has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL time, which actually resulted in the Commanders declining his fifth-year option. He has looked great this season though, and it looks like Washington decided to sell high with the San Francisco 49ers willing to buy.
The coolest thing about this trade is that Young will reunite with another former Buckeye legend, in Nick Bosa. The two dominant pass rushers were teammates in 2017 and 2018, but Young was just a rotational piece in 2017 and then Bosa was injured for the majority of 2018. Perhaps we will get to see what could have been.
Sources: Former No. 2 overall pick #Commanders DE Chase Young is being traded to the #49ers. Incredible. Likely a mid-round pick in 2024.
After dealing Montez Sweat to the #Bears, Washington now trades Young to one of the NFL’s best. pic.twitter.com/pKuCkIw39U
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
Getting these two on opposite sides with a chance at being book ends could be something the NFL isn’t ready for.