A blockbuster trade proposal has the Washington Commanders sending star pass rusher Chase Young to a rebuilding AFC team.
Young, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been limited to 12 total games over the last two seasons due to a torn ACL injury he suffered in the midst of the 2021 campaign. The Commanders have until May 1 to decide if they want to pick up the fifth-year option on Young’s deal, or if they would like him to enter 2023 in a contract year.
At NFL Analysis Network, Kenneth Teape proposed a blockbuster trade idea in which the Commanders send Chase Young to the and a 2023 sixth-round selection to the Indianapolis Colts for 2023 fifth and 2024 second-rounders plus star center Ryan Kelly:
“Indianapolis should see if they can take advantage and pick up a premier EDGE defender in Young. Young has lost essentially the last two seasons because of a knee injury, but when healthy and on the field, he has played at an elite level. His performance as a rookie lived up to all expectations of being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft…
Washington addresses its need for interior offensive lineman help with Kelly, a former Pro Bowl center. Free agent signing Nick Gates could then play guard, making the Commanders strong in the trenches.
Because of his injury, the 2024 conditional second-round pick protects the Colts in case Young cannot return to form. If he reaches certain plateaus or the team finds a specific level of success, it will turn into a first-round pick. The Colts get a big upgrade on the defensive side of the ball with Young, who has immense potential. If healthy, he can be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.”
There’s no indication that the Commanders are actually looking to trade their star defensive end. But if he were to hit the trade block, the Colts should definitely be among the clubs to inquire about a potential deal.
Indianapolis already has one of the game’s top interior defensive linemen in DeForest Buckner, who has 24.5 sacks over three seasons with the organization. 2021 first-rounder Kwity Paye had a productive sophomore season, recording six total sacks.
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But adding Young in a trade would give the Colts one of the top pass rushing units in the entire AFC. And Teape’s idea of Washington receiving Kelly as part of the return would address a roster weakness there in the middle of the offensive line.
