4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft

Commanders trade Chase Young

The NFL world was rife with rumors after the Washington Commanders decided not to pick up Chase Young‘s fifth-year option. It wasn’t the conclusion itself that was surprising – which could have gone either way – but rather the timing that was the subject of fierce debate among the fanbase.

Leaking this to The Washington Post one day before the draft is telling. Perhaps it could indicate that the Commanders are looking to remove Young entirely from the equation via trade if the price is right during the big weekend.

Young and Montez Sweat are both out of contract in 2024. There’s almost no chance Washington can keep both given the money already allocated to Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line, so something has to give.

If it was a choice between Young or Sweat, it’s a pretty easy one to make despite the former Ohio State star’s potential to bounce back. His teammate is more dependable and has put up decent numbers over a consistent period of time, staying relatively clear of injuries along the way.

Calls will be made by teams looking for pass-rushing assistance in the hope Young can stay healthy. If the Commanders get what they feel is a sufficient offer, they’d be foolish not to seriously consider shipping the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 somewhere else.

It might sound a little harsh. But the NFL is a business above all else.