Exciting NFL Trade Deadline Buzz: Chase Young and Brian Burns Garnering Major Interest

As we approach the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, there are several notable names that could potentially be on the block. However, it seems that the anticipation for major trades might have to wait a little longer.

According to team sources at the executive level, asking prices from both buyers and sellers have been lopsided, resulting in a slow negotiating process. This is a common practice during negotiations, and it is expected that things will pick up on Monday and Tuesday.

Here are some of the trade topics that have been discussed this week:

The attention on pass rushers

Teams have been contacting the Washington Commanders regarding their defensive ends, Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The Commanders, who currently have a 3-4 record, have lost three of their last four games and both players will become free agents soon.

It is uncertain what the Commanders would ask for in return for either player, but the Bradley Chubb trade from last year could serve as a reference point. In that trade, the Miami Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos, but they were comfortable with the price because they were planning to extend Chubb’s contract.

One source in the industry believes that Sweat would have more trade value than Young because he has been healthier. Sweat, a 2019 first-round pick, has recorded 34.5 career sacks, including 5.5 this season. Young, the second pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has five sacks in six games this season. However, concerns about Young’s durability have made teams hesitant, leading to complications in determining his value.

Brian Burns not up for trade

Speaking of pass rushers, the Carolina Panthers are not interested in trading Brian Burns, despite the interest from other teams.

Burns, a 2019 first-round pick, has recorded four sacks for the winless Panthers. Although the team has been trying to secure a long-term extension with Burns for the past couple of years, he is currently playing on his fifth-year option with the potential for the franchise tag in 2024.

While the Panthers have no intention of trading Burns, it is worth noting that unexpected trades can happen, as was the case with Christian McCaffrey last year. Additionally, the Panthers lack a first-round pick in 2024 due to a trade made to select quarterback Bryce Young, which could potentially impact their decision-making.

Burns, who is only 25 years old, has 42 career sacks and is considered an integral part of the franchise. However, a pass-rush-needy team like the Jacksonville Jaguars could make an enticing offer.

Tennessee Titans making waves

The recent Kevin Byard trade has put the rest of the league on alert for more potential moves by the Tennessee Titans.

With quarterback Ryan Tannehill likely to miss more time due to an ankle injury and the Titans losing 11 of their last 13 games, it seems the team is sending a message by trading Byard, who is a five-time captain and a leader in the locker room.

Other teams expect the Titans to receive calls about impending free agent Derrick Henry, as well as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive end Denico Autry. The Titans have the opportunity to accumulate future draft picks if they choose to do so.

The enigma of the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots, currently with a 2-5 record, are a wildcard leading up to the trade deadline. Executives from other teams are unsure whether the Patriots are leaning towards being buyers or sellers. However, it appears that the Patriots are preparing for some kind of move.

After their surprising victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots will face the Miami Dolphins this week. If they manage to win again, it could change the perception of their second-half schedule and potentially impact their trade deadline decisions.

The Patriots have some players with impending free agency who could be attractive to other teams. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne drew interest in August, but the Patriots were not willing to trade him at that time. Players like outside linebacker Josh Uche, safety Kyle Dugger, and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu are nearing the end of their rookie contracts. Additionally, veterans such as tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, defensive back Jalen Mills, and tackle Trent Brown could provide valuable assistance to playoff contenders.

While there is no guarantee that the Patriots will trade any of these players, other teams see them as desirable assets.

Technological advancements in scouting

Last week, we explored the reasons behind the increase in trade activity during the deadline in recent years.

Another perspective suggests that scouting technology has significantly improved, making it easier for front offices to evaluate players in the NFL.

Teams can now use computer software to search for specific parameters when looking for players to fill specific needs. For example, they can find a versatile cornerback’s snaps in the slot during a dime package, or a defensive end who specializes in rushing from the inside on third down, or a punt coverage specialist who lines up on the right side of the formation, or a safety who moves down into the box against the run.

With just a few clicks, teams can access a player’s snaps from the current season or even previous seasons in a matter of seconds. This allows teams to assess how a player fits into their scheme, determine a suitable trade price, and make offers to the player’s team.

As pro personnel scouting becomes more advanced, teams are becoming more willing to trade future draft picks for players who fill specific roles. This is something to keep in mind as we approach the trade deadline.

(Photos of Brian Burns, Chase Young, and Derrick Henry: Jared C. Tilton, G Fiume, and Wesley Hitt / Getty Images)

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