Ludicrious trade for Commanders DE duo makes no sense whatsoever

A ludicrous trade idea proposed by Mark Fisher of Sports Illustrated makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for the Washington Commanders.

This time of year is littered with speculation and rumors as free agency heads into the rearview mirror and the NFL Draft takes center stage. That is typically viewed as par for the course and something which has become especially prevalent where the Washington Commanders are concerned in recent weeks.

The new ownership saga has taken up most column inches despite Ron Rivera’s keenness to focus more on the football side. But aside from the upcoming selection process, there are many other important decisions upcoming for those in power before preparations for the 2023 campaign ramp-up.

Perhaps the biggest centers on Washington’s stud defensive end duo of Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The Commanders have spent some hefty draft capital on their front in recent years, which is now bringing about the odd contractual complication or two.

Commanders trade Chase Young and Montez Sweat in hypothetical scenario

Rivera and his staff must decide whether or not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option before the May deadline. After two years of inconsistent performances and luckless injuries, it’s a conclusion that could really go either way for the No. 2 overall selection in 2020.

Sweat is also heading into a contract year. No new deal has arrived just yet, but few would argue he isn’t worthy of a longer-term commitment based on the player’s career output so far.

Keeping both happy might be difficult considering the money allocated to defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. However, a recent trade scenario from Michael Fish of Sports Illustrated sent both Young and Sweat to the Seattle Seahawks for first, second, and third-round picks.

"“Give a first (No. 20), second and third-round pick for both Sweat and Young. Too pricy? OK, take a cheaper stab at it. Argue that if Washington isn’t sure about Young’s health, then his new team cannot be sure, either … and offer a deal contingent on him performing at a healthy level.”"

While the compensation is decent enough, it makes no sense whatsoever. The Commanders have preached the importance of drafting and developing their talent, so to let two established figures walk leaves a gaping hole in their pass rush ahead of Rivera’s crucial fourth season at the helm.

This also sends out the wrong message. Rivera is trying to convince people – new ownership included – that the Commanders are right on the cusp of something special. So trading away their top-two edge rushers is the clearest sign of rebuilding there could be all things considered.

It was a speculative piece and one that caused significant uproar across social media. It’s unlikely the Commanders would seriously consider the notion, although Young was also listed as a potential trade candidate during the draft by Pro Football Focus recently given his current predicament.

It’ll be interesting to see what they end up doing with Young, who has all the talent in the world but just cannot seem to catch a break. Whichever way it goes, the defensive end will have all the motivation needed for a bounce-back campaign to hopefully silence some increasing doubts about his long-term aspirations.

The situation appears clearer with Sweat, who is dependable, productive, and capable of performing in the biggest moments. So the notion of trading him away is asinine.