Which teams should be showing interest in Washington Commanders defensive end duo Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 trade deadline?
Speculation continues to gather pace about the Washington Commanders potentially moving either Chase Young or Montez Sweat before the trade deadline. This would be a huge call considering how productive both players have been this season, but there is far more than just on-field performance levels to consider when examining this complex riddle.
The Commanders haven't extended Sweat for some unknown reason and declined Young's fifth-year option before the campaign. While this is in keeping with Ron Rivera's usual approach for good or bad, it's backed the franchise into a corner from a financial point of view with substantial resources already committed to the defensive tackle tandem of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post revealed there had been one offer for Sweat and nothing on the Young front as yet. But there are still a few days for teams to come calling before the all-important October 31 deadline arrives.
On this topic, we picked out four teams that might strike a trade for Young or Sweat in the very near future.
Bears could call Commanders about Chase Young or Montez Sweat
The Chicago Bears might be going nowhere fast in 2023, but they are rich in draft assets and have the necessary salary-cap space to immediately tie Montez Sweat or Chase Young down to a long-term extension. They are also crying out for additional assistance from a pass-rushing perspective with Yannick Ngakoue sitting on just two sacks through seven games.
If the Washington Commanders are intent on moving either one, the Bears would be able to provide high picks in whatever round they demand. Especially if quarterback Justin Fields needs extra time to heal from a thumb complication that kept him out last weekend.
This wouldn't immediately make the Bears a force. But it would improve their chances of attaining long-term success.
Texans could call Commanders about Chase Young or Montez Sweat
Hiring DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach already looks like a masterstroke by the Houston Texans. Going against the grain with a defensive-minded figurehead was a contentious issue among fans despite his blossoming reputation, but it's already reaped some hefty rewards through the opening seven weeks of the campaign.
C.J. Stroud - the No. 2 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft - looks like a franchise quarterback. They also made a big investment in defensive end Will Anderson Jr., surging up to No. 3 overall to secure the Alabama product's services.
This means they might have to find alternative methods of bolstering the opposite side of their edge with no first-rounder to call upon next spring. Jonathan Greenard is serviceable but no more than that - so trading for either Montez Sweat or Chase Young would be an immediate upgrade.
Houston also has $86.22 million in available salary-cap space in 2024, so they could easily work out a long-term deal with either stud pass-rusher in this scenario. Something the Washington Commanders might not be able to afford unless a compromise can be reached.
According to Jordan Schultz from The Bleacher Report, the Commanders are supposedly seeking a second or third-round pick in return. For a team that appears to be on the cusp of something special, it's a small price to pay if Young or Sweat have an immediate impact.
Ravens could call Commanders about Chase Young or Montez Sweat
The Baltimore Ravens have already made some decent investments in defense over recent years. Roquan Smith is a star at the linebacker position, free-agent signing Jadeveon Clowney is putting up solid numbers, and first-round safety Kyle Hamilton looks like an absolute stud in the making.
John Harbaugh's men are looking like a strong frontrunner in the AFC. To reach the next step, they might decide to go bold and call the Washington Commanders to see what it might take to get either Montez Sweat or Chase Young into the fold.
At some stage, the Ravens need to see the Kansas City Chiefs if they want to reach the Super Bowl. While their defensive unit has some outstanding playmakers, adding an upgrade to their front three/seven is something that could get them over the hump.
Baltimore is also known for making trades if they feel like value could be had. Teams around the league know Washington's predicament with their two starting defensive ends, so it might be something that works in the Ravens' favor during any potential negotiations.
The Commanders won't be giving them away despite facing the prospect of losing one for nothing next spring. This is all about risk versus reward for any interested party, but the benefits from the Ravens' perspective are there for all to see.
Chiefs could call Commanders about Chase Young or Montez Sweat
Wouldn't this be something?
The Kansas City Chiefs look primed for another strong defense of their Super Bowl crown. They currently sit at 6-1 despite not being at their best offensively, with Andy Reid's men relying more on the defensive side of things to accumulate wins this time around.
Their defensive end duo of George Karlaftis and Mike Danna have 7.5 sacks between them. This is solid if not spectacular production, so there's little doubt either Montez Sweat or Chase Young would upgrade this area of the field considerably.
One potential stumbling block is the need to extend the two former first-round picks - depending on which one is deemed surplus to requirements by the Washington Commanders if they pull the trigger on a trade. The Chiefs have $51.65 million in available funds next spring, but they also have 24 free agents including stud defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Obviously, the cap can be manipulated to a level where Kansas City might be able to accommodate everybody. But much will also depend on the money Sweat and Young are going to demand when it's time for his representatives to begin contract negotiations.
This almost wouldn't be fair. Placing Young or Sweat next to Jones would give opposing offensive lines nightmares, only enhancing their hopes of lifting yet another Super Bowl under Andy Reid.