ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders are facing a tumultuous time with their new ownership, coach Ron Rivera’s job on the line, a list of free agents in 2024, and a 3-4 record. Defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat are frequently mentioned in trade rumors leading up to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but they are keeping their focus on the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Young, the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft, made it clear that he is not concerned about the trade talks. “I don’t think about it at all. Focused on the Eagles… I ain’t tripping about nothing,” he said after Thursday’s practice. Sweat echoed the sentiment, saying, “with everything going on, it definitely comes across your mind, but you try to keep your head focused on what’s ahead — and that’s Philly.”
The Commanders have a surplus of defensive linemen, which means it would be unlikely and arguably unwise to pay both Young and Sweat big contracts. Trading one of them before the deadline for a third-round pick would guarantee a solid return for 2024. However, waiting could result in a potential third-round compensatory pick in 2025.
Sweat, who leads the team with 5.5 sacks, is safer based on his historical production and lower injury risk. Young, on the other hand, offers more potential and is a bigger draw at the box office. The fact that they are both represented by Klutch Sports Group and likely vying for a similar payout north of $20 million annually adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
While the Young/Sweat dynamic generates buzz regarding the Commanders’ options, there are other players who could be interesting acquisitions if Washington is willing to make a move. However, the team remains focused on the present and is not letting trade rumors distract them from their goal of winning games.
Despite the chatter surrounding Washington, players like cornerback Kendall Fuller and Jonathan Allen are keeping a low profile on social media to avoid the trade deadline noise. Allen, who is already nonplussed by the rumors, said, “One thing I know about the league is nothing surprises me anymore.”
There is a belief around the league that Washington is open to making deals at the deadline, and multiple sources have confirmed that Young and Sweat are available. With the team underachieving on defense overall, trading one of their star defensive ends could potentially address other areas of need. However, it remains to be seen what decision Rivera and the front office will make.
In the end, the focus for the Commanders is on the upcoming game against the Eagles and taking it one game at a time. While the trade rumors add an element of uncertainty, the team remains committed to their goal of turning their season around and finding success on the field.
