Which teams could potentially trade for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?
While the primary focus is on which college prospects will join the Washington Commanders via the 2023 NFL Draft, there remains plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Chase Young. The defensive end is set to find out shortly whether his fifth-year option will be picked up, which is hanging in the balance after two years of indifferent protection caused by frustrating injuries.
Young arrived at the Commanders with generational upside as the No. 2 overall selection in 2020. Things started well enough for the player, but there are now some serious questions about his long-term aspirations after so much was anticipated.
Nothing has emerged from the Commanders, but some within the widespread media have touted the possibility of Young being traded during the draft. This would ensure they got some capital back in return and saved some cash for Montez Sweat’s upcoming extension.
Although it would be hugely surprising, here are three teams that could swoop for Young if the Commanders made him available.
Team No. 1
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks might want to take advantage of their extra draft capital by bringing Chase Young into the fold. One article from Michael Fish of Sports Illustrated even touted the idea of Pete Carroll trading for the Ohio State product and Montez Sweat in one fell swoop.
While that is an absolutely asinine suggestion, if the Washington Commanders got what they felt was a decent offer, then a discussion needs to be had between influential figures within the organization. However, it would need to be astronomical considering the bounce-back potential involved in 2023.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Chiefs
This seems the sort of thing that the Kansas City Chiefs might do. Pick up a once highly-touted player down on his luck and turn him into a dominant force.
Kansas City has got some substantial returns on risks such as these in the past. Something that contributed significantly to the team clinching yet another Super Bowl triumph under Andy Reid last season.
Chase Young could emerge as a potential Chiefs target if the Washington Commanders make him available. They have a need for another edge rusher after a contract restructure couldn’t be worked out with Frank Clark, who remains a free agent despite his proven credentials.
Landing on the Chiefs would be the best possible outcome for Young if the Commanders made him surplus to requirements. It places the defensive end on a winning organization with a true franchise quarterback and a defense that came on encouragingly last time around.
Again, it would be jaw-dropping if the Commanders gave up on Young when he’s well on the road to recovery. But as we saw with cornerback Jeff Okudah, teams rarely consider how high a player is drafted when looking at his full body of work at the next level.
The Chiefs are always in win-now mode these days, so an opportunity to acquire someone like Young and get him back to the player everyone thought he would become is a tempting proposition. Even if it could all go horribly wrong.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have made one big trade splash already this offseason after striking a bombshell deal with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Could they examine the possibility of bringing Chase Young into the fold, too?
It might sound a little out of left field. However, the Panthers are desperate for another productive edge rusher opposite Brian Burns, have a need to start the Frank Reich era positively with the NFC South there for the taking, and general manager Scott Fitterer has been aggressive almost from start to finish throughout the offseason after getting the final say on personnel matters.
Carolina has six selections in the top 150 and the salary cap space to absorb Young’s contract with minimal fuss. Ron Rivera also has ties to the team, which might ensure negotiations go smoothly in this hypothetical scenario.
The Washington Commanders would take calls, one suspects. But it needs to be a jaw-dropping offer considering what they invested in Young, to begin with.
Regardless of whether Young stays or goes, one cannot put into words how vital the upcoming campaign is for the player. One that could see the ex-Buckeye go from a dominant force to a huge draft bust depending on how things play out.
The Commanders are unlikely to trade Young. Even if it might be tempting based on his current career trajectory.