One of the exciting aspects of the NFL is when players get a second chance with a team where their first stint didn’t unfold as expected.
The Washington Commanders now have a rare opportunity to create that type of narrative while addressing a key roster need by potentially trading for New Orleans Saints’ edge rusher Chase Young before the November 5 NFL trade deadline.
Young, the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by Washington, had a stellar start, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, but injuries derailed his career. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2023 season.
In March 2024, Young signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Saints. Now, as the Saints struggle with a 2-5 record after losing their fifth consecutive game, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox lists Young as a top trade target. Knox pointed out that, while trading Young wouldn’t impact the Saints’ 2025 cap, it could yield valuable draft picks. So far in 2024, Young has recorded 1.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures over seven games.
There’s speculation that Young could return to Washington via a trade, despite NFL rules preventing a player from being traded back to their original team within two years. However, there might be a loophole in the rule. The restriction only applies to the “assignor club” — in this case, the Commanders. Since Young became an unrestricted free agent after 2023, the argument could be made that Washington no longer holds that status, as all ties were severed when Young hit free agency and chose his new team independently.
This potential trade would reunite Young with the Commanders, who, despite leading the NFC East with a 5-2 record, have been identified as needing help at the edge rusher position. Young was previously part of Washington’s last playoff appearance in 2020 but struggled with injuries over the following seasons. However, after reviving his career with 7.5 sacks in 2023, including a notable Super Bowl LVIII performance with the 49ers, a return to Washington could offer both a fresh start for Young and a valuable boost to the Commanders’ defense.
