Chase Young, the outstanding defensive end for the Washington Commanders, is reportedly linked to an unexpected NFC team.
There are now fewer than 48 hours until the NFL trade deadline in 2023. In the last year of his rookie contract, Washington’s outstanding edge rusher has received a lot of attention as a potential trade target.
As per a report by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there are discussions within the league that associate the Chicago Bears with the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year:
“Per a league source, there are rumors in league circles linking the Bears to Commanders pass rusher Chase Young.
It seems odd on the surface, since the two-win Bears hardly fit the profile of buyers. But this would be a long-term play for the Bears, if it happens. The Bears, who have significant cap space in 2024, would want to acquire Young and keep him, with a new contract.”
As crazy as it sounds, there's a rumor making the rounds of DE Chase Young being traded to the Bears. https://t.co/UO5lj8V0U4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 29, 2023
The Carolina Panthers, who paid a king’s ransom for the first selection in 2023 to take Bryce Young, have gifted the Bears with a ton of draft money. The Bears has the necessary resources to pursue the Commander if they see him as a key player.
This past offseason, the Commanders shocked everyone by declining Young’s rookie deal’s fifth-year option. They run the risk of losing the 2020 No. 2 overall pick for nothing in free agency if he is not dealt.
In deciding to extend Young after the season and keeping him, the Commanders will have mismanaged their position by having to give him top salary rather than holding Young for 2024 at a deep discount. Young had five sacks in six games going into the Philadelphia Eagles game on Sunday. In 33 career games, he has 14 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.