The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, which has put all 32 NFL teams in a frenzy trying to determine whether they should buy or sell before Oct. 31 passes. That includes the Washington Commanders, who have several young pieces on expiring contracts, including Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
Both players are former first-round picks, but for various reasons, the Commanders haven’t been able to agree on new contract value for the talented edge rushers. The uncertainty surrounding both players has led to rampant trade speculation for teams looking to boost their pass rush.
Yet, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Commanders have even fueled some of these rumors by picking up the phone and gauging trade interest on both Young and Sweat, trying to see what offers may be available.
Russini’s report indicates the Commanders are taking a wait-and-see approach over the next two weeks, knowing the outcome of their next two matchups will directly impact whether they sell off spare parts or make a push for the playoffs.
While there’s no way of knowing what the Commanders’ intentions are, Russini gets the feeling that one of Young or Sweat will be traded before Oct. 31. But only if Washington can find an offer to their liking. So far, that has yet to materialize.
Sweat leads the Commanders with 4.5 sacks this season, and Young is right behind him with three. The two have 7.5 of the team’s 19 sacks for a Washington team that ranks eighth in sacks per game entering Week 7.
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