The NFL trade deadline is almost here, so it’s speculation season. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the Washington Commanders have an offer in hand for pass rusher Montez Sweat.
“Per a league source, the Falcons have offered a third-round pick for Sweat.”
Whether or not the Commanders will trade Sweat will likely be decided today. Washington is 3-4 this morning, but a loss to the Eagles would drop them to 3-5 and make it a whole lot easier to part with Sweat and/or Chase Young ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s trade deadline.
But even if the Commanders lose to the Eagles today and decide that it’s time to cash in on some expiring deals for draft capital, a third-round pick probably isn’t going to move the needle enough to get that deal done.
Still, a loss today for Washington could mean that one of their two young pass rushers will be dealt. Adam Schefter said this week that what the Commanders do at the deadline would be heavily influenced by today’s game. It’s unlikely that Washington will be able to extend both Sweat and Young this offseason, so they might as well get something in return.
Commanders likely need a second-rounder for Montez Sweat
This is strictly a guess, but a second-round pick would be needed to truly start the conversation with another team regarding either Sweat or Young. On Saturday it was reported by Florio that the Bears were going to trade for Chase Young.
Luis wrote about that, and I agree with him that landing Young and extending him would be a smart move even though the Bears aren’t competing for the playoffs this season and might not be next season, especially if they have to start over under center.
“Should the Bears trade for Chase Young? Maybe. The team is in the market for a game-wrecking defensive lineman and Young has flashed the potential to do that when healthy. And for what it’s worth, GM Ryan Poles and the rest of the Bears just saw Young put up 0.5 sacks and 3 QB Hits against Chicago on Thursday Night Football in Week 5. I always wonder if getting an eyes-on look at a guy changes how a team values a player. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t on my mind right now.”
If today’s game against the Eagles does prompt Washington to go into seller mode this week, Young and Sweat are just two of a few names to monitor.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett could provide a contender with a serviceable backup down the stretch. Running back Antonio Gibson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, linebacker Cody Barton, and cornerback Kendall Fuller are also names to watch.
