Should the Detroit Lions Trade For Chase Young
The Detroit Lions have been one of the most active teams during this offseason, however, they could end up having one more blockbuster move up their sleeve before the 2023 regular season kicks off.
Already in the offseason, the Lions have made big moves to bulk up their secondary, signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cameron Sutton. These were much-needed signings as Detroit’s defense greatly struggled against the pass last season and ended up losing them some games.
Gardner-Johnson was an integral part of the Philadelphia Eagles defense last season, however, after testing his value as a free agent, the Eagles would quickly replace him. Despite this the veteran corner is still in a very good spot to potentially go on a deep playoff run with the Lions this season. Along with Gardner-Johnson, Detroit would also sign Cameron Sutton. While Sutton does not quite have the name recognition as Gardner-Johnson, he is still a relatively young corner that has already shown immense talent.
However, the Lions could also bring in a star to their defensive line as well. Allegedly, the Washington Commanders have turned down giving Chase Young a contract extension and are actively shopping him on the trade market rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency after the 2023 season.
Despite Young having the potential to be one of the top edge rushers in the league, he comes with a big red flag that gives the Commanders the grounds to not want to commit to him long-term. In the past two seasons, Young has greatly struggled to remain healthy and able to suit up for games. Combined he has only played 11 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
While he is set to make his return to action in week one of 2023, if he continues to show signs of being unable to stay on the field, there is a strong chance there will not be much of a market for him. As a result of this, the Commanders may try to move him before the season begins. This would be a perfect player for the Lions to add to their roster.
With the defense being the only thing that held the team back from making an incredible comeback in the second half of the season to sneak into the playoffs, it was clear that some upgrades needed to be made. While they have already accomplished bulking up their secondary, the same can not be said about their defensive line. If Young was able to stay healthy through the 2023 season, he and Aidan Hutchenson lining up at both defensive end positions would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
With the NFC North wide open with the departure of Aaron Rodgers, and the Minnesota Vikings shedding a fair amount of their veteran talent, this is the perfect time for the Lions to go all in for Young. While it would be risky bringing him to the team with his injury history, they likely would not have to give up much to get the deal done. There is a chance that the Lions would only have to give up a mid-round or a couple of late-round picks to add the former second-overall selection to their roster.
Trading for Chase Young would be a very low-risk high-reward move for the Lions. If things do not play out the way that they hope, they would have the option to let him walk in free agency and they would only be out a couple of relatively meaningless picks. However, if Young can remain healthy, the sky is the limit on what he and Hutchinson can do as a duo and Detroit would be able to toss Young an extension in the offseason.
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