By the time the NFL‘s trade deadline passes on Halloween, the Washington Commanders could be among the teams with a new-look defensive line.
That’s because, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic on Saturday, Chase Young and Montez Sweat could be on the move.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
Why Are the Commanders Considering Shipping Chase Young and Montez Sweat?
Russini outlined the reasons why the veteran pass rushers with 55.5 sacks between them in their careers could become trade bait.
“Washington Commanders defensive linemen Chase Young and Montez Sweat both have contracts expiring after the season and could be on the trade block,” Russini began. “I was told Washington has made calls to take the temperature of the market but is staying patient now and that the next two weeks of play will shape the decision on their futures.”
MORE: Washington Commanders Depth Chart
Does Russini believe that both will be moved, though?
“The sense I get out of Washington is one of them will be on the move…if Washington can get the proper compensation,” Russini said.
That means there’s a chance that either Sweat or Young could remain in Washington, D.C. But who faces the longest odds of remaining on the roster?
Determining Who Could Stay With Washington
While both are facing a nebulous future in the nation’s capital, the former No. 2 overall pick has been a longstanding subject of trade rumors.
Young, taken behind former Ohio State teammate before his transfer to LSU Joe Burrow, has had his name plastered in trade circles since before the season.
MORE: Week 7 NFL Power Rankings
Among the reasons include what many fans and analysts believe is a needed change of scenery. Young hasn’t been able to recapture his rookie form when he delivered 7.5 sacks in his lone Pro Bowl campaign.
Since then, Young has struggled to stay on the field. He hasn’t started in more than nine games since that first season, and he dealt with an ACL tear in November 2021.
Production-wise, Young has only generated 4.5 sacks across three seasons. And after delivering 10 tackles for a loss in 2020, Young has had a combined six since then.
Lastly, Young’s base salary is $5.3 million, making him a less costly move compared to Sweat and his $11.5 million base salary. Sweat, however, would end up saving Washington more money by moving him.
By producing 33.5 sacks in his career, along with 114 solo stops and 63 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Sweat has produced the healthier and more productive career compared to Young, positioning him as the one Commander fans likely hope to see stay on board. But with that production, he could be in high demand between now and Halloween.
Regardless, the Commanders could be down one or two edge rushers in the next 10 days.
