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The Washington Commanders are “open to listening” to trade offers from other teams for star pass-rusher Chase Young, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Young’s presence at the Commanders’ minicamp has once again drawn attention to Washington’s situation with their edge rushers. The team has already committed significant resources to interior defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, which could make it challenging to afford big contracts for two more pass rushers in Young and Montez Sweat.
Breer suggests that teams who feel they need additional help in their pass rush may make trade inquiries about Young. While it appears unlikely that Washington would move Young, especially in a crucial year, but Breer does note that he “knows the team is open to listen” to trade offers.
Interestingly, there are a number of accomplished pass rushers still available on the market, including Frank Clark, Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Houston and Yannick Ngakoue.
This news comes after the Commanders decided not to exercise Young’s fifth-year option back in April. Consequently, Young is set to become a free agent next March unless he reaches a long-term agreement with the team this summer or during the upcoming season.
Such an agreement seems unlikely unless Young can maintain good health throughout 2023. He has struggled with injuries, appearing in only 11 games over the past two seasons due to an ACL tear.
Young, the 2nd overall pick in the 2020 Draft by Washington, burst onto the scene with a remarkable rookie season. He recorded 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year along the way.
However, Since the start of the 2021 season, however, Young has only managed 1.5 sacks, raising concerns about his recent performance.
With trade discussions potentially looming, the football world will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding Chase Young and the Washington Commanders.