With Lamar Jackson still in the mix for 2023, the Baltimore Ravens’ offense is going to cause a lot of problems in the NFL this coming season. However, there’s also no denying that this team could use an upgrade on the defensive side of the game.
Baltimore has a good pass rush, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another edge rusher into the mix. According to Seth Walder of ESPN, this is where a guy like Chase Young could come in.
Ravens Strike Deal With Commanders for Chase Young
Walder proposes that the Ravens negotiate a trade deal with the Washington Commanders that will allow them to acquire former Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young.
Here are the details of the proposed trade:
Baltimore Ravens receive: DE Chase Young
Washington Commanders receive: 2024 third-round pick, 2024 fifth-round pick
Walder points out that Young’s “ability to beat blocks and get pressure is why I could see Baltimore taking a swing.” At the moment, Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh, and David Obajo currently occupy the Ravens’ edge rusher depth chart. Young would be a considerable upgrade for the squad.
“Young’s underlying numbers are solid. He had a 22.5% pass rush win rate at edge in 2020, seventh best in the league — as a rookie. He then had an above-average 19% rate in 2021 despite limited sack production, though he had an awful 5% rate last season in a tiny sample following his return from injury,” Walder wrote.
The big risk for the Ravens here is that the former No. 2 overall pick has a lot of questions surrounding his health. After a stellar rookie campaign, Young has only played a combined 12 games over the past two seasons. However, if he is able to stay healthy, then he could be a potential game-changer for Baltimore.
As for the Commanders, cashing in on Young now could be a wise move for them. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne already got their money, which means that Young could be on the outside looking in in terms of his long-term future in Washington. The former Ohio State standout is already in the final year of his rookie deal, and he could choose to walk away as a free agent next summer, leaving the Commanders with nothing to show for. Young’s value in the trade market is far from sky-high at the moment but now could be the opportune time for Washington to try and get some value out of him.
