As the trade deadline approaches, an AFC official thinks the Washington Commanders “would at least listen to offers” on two of its best players.
The Commanders have a 3-3 record going into Week 7. Although they still have a chance to make the playoffs, they also own two of the best trade assets in the game in the form of elite pass-rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
Both players are now viewed by Washington as being “in its future,” according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. However, one AFC executive believed they would consider bids for both pending free agents and stars:
“Young and Sweat, whose contracts expire in March, are popular names this year. Here’s what I’ve been told: Washington, as of now, very much sees both in its future. The Commanders’ team strength is the defensive line. Daron Payne produced in his contract year to earn a four-year, $90-million deal in March, and Sweat (4.5 sacks) and Young (3.0 sacks) are the next in line. As one source told me, betting odds on one or both being dealt should not be great. So, my sense is they don’t plan to trade them.
But one AFC exec believes Washington would at least listen to offers and potentially consider them, which the source didn’t completely shoot down…
The sense after talking to several people is, if one were to be dealt — again, huge if — it’s likely Young, in part because he’s more inclined to play out the year and entertain free agency. Plus, he needs to play a healthy season. Sweat is considered a stronger franchise-tag or extension candidate at this stage.”
When the Commanders decided not to pick up Young’s rookie contract’s fifth year option, it took the entire team by surprise. Through his first five games, the No. 2 pick of 2020 has amassed three sacks, one pass defensed, and 11 total tackles.
YES or NO: Chase Young to the #Texans 👀 pic.twitter.com/PQRKz5gDhN
— Clutch City Entertainment (@ClutchCityENTX) October 18, 2023
With 4.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and two forced fumbles to his credit, the 27-year-old Sweat has also been outstanding to begin the season. Since his rookie year in 2019, he has earned at least five sacks annually, including a career-high nine in the 2020 campaign.
NFL Week 7 – Advanced Stats Preview
Washington Commanders @ New York Giants pic.twitter.com/9bCm0P18ET
— SumerSports (@SumerSports) October 20, 2023
Sweat and Young are two players who Washington will probably want to maintain if they hope to make the playoffs. But it only makes sense if they are eliminated from contention before the trade deadline on October 31.