NFL Trade Rumors: Chase Young, Montez Sweat ‘Available’ Before Deadline
According to reports, the Washington Commanders are making defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat “available” before the trade deadline.
“They won’t say it publicly, but they will sell,” one official told The Athletic’s Ben Standig. “They’re searching for a good deal. “Everything is on the table.”
According to reports, the Commanders have not discussed contract extensions with Young or Sweat, who will both be free agents following this season. Due to injury concerns, Washington denied Young’s fifth-year option, and Sweat is now in the fifth year of his rookie contract.
Both players will be eligible for the franchise tag if Washington decides to use it. Last season, the front office played a similar game with defensive tackle Daron Payne, eventually franchising him in February and signing him to a new contract a month later.
Young has made a spectacular comeback, amassing 14 tackles and five sacks in his first six games of 2023. Young has a PFF rating of 78.7 for the season; if he avoids injury and maintains his current performance level, he should and will get rewarded this offseason.
Sweat is on track for his finest season yet, with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His PFF rating of 76.5 is comparable to Young’s.
Despite the great play of their defensive line, the Commanders are 3-4, with practically every other facet of the roster slipping behind. Their corners have been repeatedly beaten, their linebackers have struggled to cover the run, and their offense has been a disaster for weeks.
With a new ownership group in place and presumably eager to make big changes this offseason, it would not be surprising if Washington dealt Sweat and Young for a premium.
