The Washington Commanders traded defensive end Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears Tuesday ahead of the NFL trade deadline. In return, the Commanders received Chicago’s 2024 second-round pick.
That should mean the Commanders are keeping Chase Young, right?
Not necessarily.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Commanders are still fielding calls for Young.
Sources: The #Commanders may not be done… They are now taking calls on former No. 2 pick Chase Young. Could they trade both Montez Sweat and Young?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
It’s long been believed Washington would never sign all four former first-round picks to long-term contracts. The Commanders already have re-signed defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne to new deals, so the logical conclusion was that Washington would choose between Young and Sweat.
Young returned this season after missing 21 games over the previous two seasons with a knee injury. In six games this season, Young has five sacks. His career-high is 7.5 sacks, set in his 2020 rookie season.
The Commanders declined Young’s fifth-year option in the spring, meaning he would be an unrestricted free agent in 2024. If Washington keeps Young and he continues to play well, the team could use the franchise tag on him and work out a new long-term deal.
Stay tuned.