NFL Trade Rumors: Commanders' Chase Young For All-Pro Safety?

The Washington Commanders could improve their defense by trading defensive end Chase Young for a three-time All-Pro safety.

Washington Commanders' defensive end Chase Young has been in numerous trade rumors throughout the offseason. 

After the Commanders declined Young's fifth-year option, his future with the franchise is in flux as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. One proposed trade involving the former No. 2 pick could make a strong Commanders' defense even better. 

Bleacher Report put together multiple trade packages for Young, one of which had him going to the Arizona Cardinals for safety Budda Baker and a 2024 fourth-round pick. 

"The Cardinals can send Baker elsewhere and make an attempt to strengthen their defensive line following the loss of Zach Allen in free agency and J.J. Watt's retirement," Bleacher Report writes. "Last year, the Commanders fielded a top-eight defense in scoring and yards allowed without Young for all but three games. If they acquire Baker, the club could take a lot of pressure off of an offense with an underwhelming quarterback battle between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett."

The best way to supplement a shaky offense is with a stout defense. The addition of Baker could make Washington's one of the best in football. 

The six-year safety has made the All-Pro First Team twice (2017, 2020), All-Pro Second Team once (2021) and the Pro Bowl five times (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Baker has also had at least 102 tackles in four of his six seasons. The All-Pro safety has also had at least two interceptions in three straight seasons. 

Another decisive edge in Baker's favor over Young is his ability to stay on the field. Since 2021, Baker has played in 32 games compared to just 12 for Young. 

There's no telling what Young's ceiling is going to be as he'll be a full offseason removed from a torn ACL. While Young may eventually live up to the expectations of a former No. 2 pick, Baker is much more of a sure thing. 

If Arizona is willing to trade Baker for Young, Washington shouldn't hesitate to add a difference-maker to its defense.  

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