Chase Young, Washington Commanders. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in trading for Washington Commanders pass-rusher Chase Young, but what will it cost?
The Commanders decided against picking up Chase Young’s fifth-year option, which will make him a free agent after the 2023 season. With that in mind, Washington could receive some trade interest in the former No. 2 overall pick, who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy.
Young made his only Pro Bowl and won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, but since has dealt with major injury issues.
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as an interested suitor in Young. As a team defined by their defensive pass rush and with numerous stars on that side of the ball, the former Buckeye could thrive in the right environment. Playing on the other side of T.J. Watt, Young would provide the Steelers with a 1-2 punch, and make it far tougher for teams to double-team Watt in blitzing downs.
What a Steelers trade for Chase Young would look like
Steelers Get
DE, Chase Young
Commanders Get
2024 second-round pick
2025 sixth-round pick
Getting two draft picks for Young — a player on the final year of his contract and who has a significant injury history — should be considered a win for Washington. From the Steelers perspective, this is how much it costs these days to obtain a defensive playmaker like Young. He can change the game on one snap, and makes the Pittsburgh defense even better.
After trading for Young, the Steelers would have to maneuver the salary cap some, which Omar Khan excels at. An Alex Highsmith contract extension is on the horizon. Highsmith had 14.5 sacks last season opposite of Watt. Young would also need an extension, as his option was declined by Washington.
Considering the Steelers have just over $15 million in cap space, much of that is easier said than done. The draft capital shouldn’t hurt much if Pittsburgh can keep Young under contract. He’s the former No. 2 overall pick for a reason.