The Three Best Trade Destinations For Chase Young
Recently, the Washington Commanders have begun shopping Chase Young on the trade market. Young is nearing the end of his rookie contract and it is clear that the Commanders are not interested in giving his an extension. Young is only three years removed from being the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he has made one Pro Bowl appearance and was named as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
While Young has the potential to be one of the top edge rushers in the entire NFL, it makes sense as to why the Commanders have begun the process of moving on from him. In the past two seasons, young has only played in twelve games. With injuries taking such a toll on his still early career, it would be very risky for Washington to give him a long term extension and shell out the money to do so.
Despite this, there are three teams that should take a chance and trade for Young. With his injury history, there is a strong chance that it will not take a great amount of draft capital to acquire Young, making him a very low risk high reward option for any team that does choose to trade for him.
1. Detroit Lions
The first team that should take a chance on trading for Young is the Detroit Lions. The Lions were one of the most active teams in free agency and made two big signings to add some talent to their secondary.
Last season, Detroit’s defense would end up costing them a handful of games and the front office made it their top priority to improve their defensive unit. With the secondary taken care of with hte signings of C.J. Garner-Johnson and Cameron Sutton, Young would be an incredible addition to their defensive line. A duo of Young and Aidan Hutchenson would be a nightmare for opposing backfields.
If the former second overall pick could get through the 2023 season healthy, there is a strong chance the Lions would have the most improved defense in the league. With the Lions still having a fair amount of cap space, if Young proves that he can stay healthy and perform at a Pro Bowl level, they would be able to give him a sizable extension.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers already have arguably the top defensive unit in the NFL, however, they could add ever more elite talent in a deal for Young. Over the offseason, San Francisco brought in Javon Hargrave at the defensive tackle position. Adding Young as well would take the 49ers defensive line over the top.
The 49ers would also get the chance to reunite Young and Nick Bosa. During their short time together in college at Ohio State, the two would be one of the most dominant duos in school history. While the 49ers are a bit hard pressed on cap space, this could only end up being a one year rental. However, if the 49ers see a fair amount of team success in 2023, there is a chance that they could convince Young to take a team friendly extension.
3. Chicago Bears
The final team that should take a look at trading for Young ish the Chicago Bears. Last season, the Bears were the worst team in football, however, they are looking to make a big jump this season.
With this potentially being a breakout year for Justin Fields, the front office has made an effort to put an adequate roster around him. Young would be an incredible low-risk high-reward option for them. With the Bears needing a fair amount of help on the defensive side of the ball and Chicago having the most cap space in the NFL, there is not much of a reason for them to not attempt to negotiate a deal.
