Not So Fast on Chase Young Talk

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer dumps water on rumors about Washington's willingness to trade its edge rusher.

USA Today

Strike at least one potential edge rusher from the Bears shopping list for the start of OTAs and/or training camp.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports the Washington Commanders are not shopping defensive end Chase Young.

It was widely reported Young would be someone who could be acquired through trade by teams pursuing edge rushers because his fifth-year option was recently declined, but during an appearance on ESPN AM-1000's Kap and J Hood Show Breer doesn't see this unless something changes.

"So they're not shopping him," Breer said.  But he added, "... if you dangle the right sort of package of picks then I certainly think you could get the Commanders to listen."

Young had 7 1/2 sacks as a rookie in 2020, then had 1 1/2 sacks during 2021 but tore the ACL in his right knee and also ruptured the patellar tendon. It took him well into 2022 before he got into shape to play like his old self. He played in only three games with two starts. So with Montez Sweat also up for a new contract, the Commanders decided against picking up the option on Young. 

"But it doesn't sound like he's available right now," Breer concluded.

Young still has this year to play and Breer speculated Washington would be less inclined to accept any trade packages involving draft picks because of the tentative nature of its GM-head coach with new ownership.

Breer also doused any talk about the Jets trading defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who is an end in a 3-4 but would be a tackle in the Bears 4-3.

Williams isn't happy and his contract will be up next year.

"This the time of year where you wipe your social media, when you dont show up to the voluntary stuff, all of that," Breer said, then suggested everyone ignore trade talk regarding Williams as well.

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