Which teams around the league could still potentially tempt the Washington Commanders into dealing defensive end Chase Young before the 2023 season?
Before we get started, the is not a demand for the Washington Commanders to trade Chase Young. The defensive end looked explosive sporting a knee brace upon his return to team activities this week, which was another positive step ahead of a potential bounce-back campaign in the final year of his deal.
Young has a lot to prove. He must first stay healthy for a full 17-game schedule and also put up the sort of numbers needed in pursuit of getting a lucrative payday from the Commanders or elsewhere in 2024.
This is a precarious situation with Montez Sweat also looking for a fair chunk of change on his next contract. It seems unlikely that the Commanders will pay both the going rate, so perhaps those in power might be tempted to trade Young if another organization comes in with an offer they cannot refuse.
Given Young's injury history, this appears unlikely But here are four teams that might see the Ohio State product as a risk worth taking before the 2023 campaign.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Bengals
Sam Hubbard is serviceable enough and gained 6.5 sacks last season. But the Cincinnati Bengals could benefit enormously from having Chase Young line up opposite Trey Hendrickson on their defensive line.
The Bengals don't appear that far away from winning it all. Had it not been for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, that feat might have been accomplished in 2022.
One potential stumbling block is the need to pay Young after this season. Cincinnati needs to provide Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase with potentially record-breaking deals in the near future, which obviously restricts what they'll be able to do elsewhere.
Still, this makes a ton of sense for a team right on the cusp.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Texans
Many wondered what the Houston Texans would do from No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. While the need to find a franchise quarterback was evident, DeMeco Ryans came from an organization that prided itself on pass-rushing prowess providing the building blocks for on-field success.
As it turned out, they managed to secure both. After taking C.J. Stroud with the second selection, Nick Caserio worked out a bombshell trade with the Arizona Cardinals, which saw them surge up to No. 3 and select Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama.
This gives the Texans two franchise cornerstones on either side of the football. It's also proof that those in power will be aggressive in pursuit of getting the team back to prominence.
Could this lead the Texans into a potential trade for Chase Young? It's risky, but the benefits are there for all to see.
Imagine the havoc an edge-rushing tandem of Young and Anderson could do for Houston's AFC South hopes. They also have plenty of disposable draft income despite sacrificing a significant amount to secure the No. 3 overall selection.
It all comes down to what targets the Texans set in their first season under Ryans with a rookie quarterback leading the charge. If they think a potential divisional title push is feasible. then calling the Washington Commanders with an offer for Young is something to contemplate.
If it's anything less in terms of goals, then building through the draft remains the preferred course of action.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Chiefs
This would almost seem unfair if Chase Young's injury problems became a thing of the past. Landing on the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs would also be a best-case scenario from the player's perspective if the Washington Commanders did decide to cut their losses at any stage.
The Chiefs hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy once again in 2022 despite many writing off their hopes after trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. Proof, if any were needed, that elite quarterback play and a progressive offensive head coach remain the blueprint until further notice.
Kansas City has been up against it from a salary-cap standpoint and has less than $1 million available to spend currently. That would make taking on Young's cap hit unrealistic, but contending teams always find a way to manipulate finances to their benefit if the right opportunities come along.
Whether the Chiefs would be willing to part ways with substantial draft capital for Young is debatable. It might also be a short-term arrangement depending on the money his representatives demand when it's time to begin contract negotiations.
After cutting Frank Clark in free agency, adding another experienced pass-rusher would be wise. Although those within the building remain hopeful that former first-round selection George Karlaftis can thrive with additional responsibilities next season.
It's a long shot. But nothing can be ruled out where the Chiefs are concerned.
Commanders could trade Chase Young to the Bears
It's been an offseason of frenzied activity for the Chicago Bears as they look to go from the NFL's worst team to NFC North title glory in one campaign. General manager Ryan Poles has been incredibly active, spending big in free agency and also getting significant assets after trading the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers.
This also included wide receiver D.J. Moore, so there are no more excuses for quarterback Justin Fields entering Year 3 of his professional career. On the other side of the football, Chicago looks a little light of capable edge rushing options, which might be a problem when push comes to shove.
The Bears have enough draft capital and spare financial resources to make an enticing offer to the Washington Commanders for Chase Young. It also represents the sort of aggressive move that's becoming synonymous with Poles since taking the front office role.
In all honesty, it would be a shock of epic proportions if the Commanders traded Young before the campaign got underway. Ron Rivera seems excited to have him back and there's every chance the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 silences his doubters with a big chip on his shoulder.
However, if the player gets hurt or doesn't improve his production, then Washington might cut their losses and get what they can for Young before the deadline.