The Washington Commanders shocked the NFL world Tuesday, trading both of their starting defensive ends, Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Sweat was traded to the Bears for a 2024 second-round pick. That’s an excellent value for Washington, as the Bears will likely pick somewhere inside the top 40, perhaps even higher.
Washington sent Young to San Francisco for a 2024 third-round compensatory selection. While that sounds low for a player with Young’s talent, the long-term concerns around his knee lessened any chance of a greater return.
Now, the Commanders have picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL draft. Depending on how they finish, the Commanders could have three choices in the top 40-50 range. That gives new owner Josh Harris some flexibility to move up — if needed — or to sit still and add talent throughout the roster.
Most everyone agreed it was a good day for the future of the Commanders despite losing a pair of former first-round picks. It was the first time Washington made favorable deals with an eye toward the future.
How did everyone else view Washington’s trade deadline? We’ve compiled some of the Commanders’ trade deadline grades.