The Chicago Bears are rebuilding. Normally, a GM shies away from making aggressive trades in such a situation. However, Ryan Poles proved last year that he isn’t afraid to be aggressive if he believes it can help his roster. Of course, Chase Claypool ended up being an unmitigated disaster. Still, that isn’t likely to make the young GM gun-shy. He has the necessary resources to get something done if there is a move worth making at the upcoming trade deadline of October 31st. The likeliest scenario is a talented, younger player who fits a big need.
Enter the Washington Commanders. They’ve backed themselves into a corner on the defensive line. Extending Da’Ron Payne has left them in a bind as defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young stand to become free agents next off-season. That means they have a decision to make. Either they franchise tag one and hope to extend the other before the market opens, or trade one and extend the other. According to insider Diana Russini of The Athletic, it sounds like they’re leaning towards the latter.
“Washington Commanders defensive linemen Chase Young and Montez Sweat both have contracts expiring after the season and could be on the trade block. I was told Washington has made calls to take the temperature of the market but is staying patient now, and that the next two weeks of play will shape the decision on their futures. The sense I get out of Washington is one of them will be on the move … if Washington can get the proper compensation.”
The Chicago Bears need to consider making a move.
Either player would immediately boost the Bears’ fledgling pass rush. Sweat leads Washington with 4.5 sacks in six games. He has 12.5 in his last 23 games and 37 QB hits. Young seems to have rebounded from the knee injury that sidelined him all last season, regaining the dynamic form that made him the #2 overall pick. He has three sacks in five games and seven QB hits. While Sweat has a more stable health history, Young is three years younger. The sticking point is what it will cost to get them.
Washington probably hopes to get a 1st round pick for one of them. The Chicago Bears have two next year. However, both are currently projected to be top-5 selections. That would be an unwise move. However, they will also have a high 2nd round pick. Considering both players will likely cost huge contract extensions before any deal is finalized, that feels like a fair price, given the Commanders’ lack of leverage. Money won’t be an issue. Chicago has more cap space than any team going into 2024. It comes down to which pass rusher they should make a run at. It might finally give their defensive line the juice it’s been lacking.
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