A Steelers Compensation Package For Commanders Once Elite Star Chase Young Likely Lower Than Would Be Expected

It is already known that the Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL and this year's offseason helped make it even better. From the big addition of Patrick Peterson, to completely revamping the linebacker room, the team looks even better than what it did last year, but they may not even be done yet adding to this elite defense in 2023.

Recently, reports came out that the Washington Commanders were potentially listening to trade offers for defensive end, Chase Young. Young was the second pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and would go on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 as well. 2021 and 2022 would not go his way as injuries would only allow him to play in 12 games in both seasons combined. Now with his contract being up next year, the Commanders could look to ship him off to a new city.

So, could we see Young in Pittsburgh? If we are being realistic, he probably will end up staying with the Commanders or go to some other team, but say he does come to the Steelers for some reason. This would be such a huge pick-up for them. Although he has been injury prone in the past, when healthy, he is a beast on the field. Not only would he be a huge addition for this season, but for the future of the organization as well. 

Let's not forget the flirting by Mike Tomlin back in 2020 when the Commanders visited Pittsburgh. 

You have to face the facts with Cameron Heyward. He is no spring chicken anymore, even if he is still producing at an elite level. Getting Young in there at only 24 could bring a whole new weapon to this defense. Having him there now also gives him time to learn from Heyward. Like I said earlier, this pairing probably won't happen, but if the Steelers can work some Omar Khan magic, this could be the perfect addition for the future of this defense. 

Steelers Compensation To Washington

If the Steelers were to trade for Young, I feel that they wouldn't have to give up too much. Most likely if they were to trade for him it would be something like a second-round pick or a third-round pick and a depth player. The trade would be less than what the Steelers had to give up when they acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick. At the time, Fitzpatrick was traded only due to a broken relationship that he had with the Miami Dolphins which was why the Steelers had to give up a first-round pick.

The team over at ProFootballNetwork.com also believe the compensation wouldn't be too staggering. 

"It seems unfathomable that a team would be willing to part with a first-round selection for a player with next to no production over three years and who is coming off of a devastating knee injury. If Young were to be traded before the completion of his fourth year, it’s likely Washington would receive a pick in the second-third-round range. At least, it should be once you get past the name recognition."

The Commanders are looking to part ways with Young because of salary issues with his contract being up next year. Although it is not mentioned, the injury issues that he has had would almost have to be a part of the reason why the team could want to get rid of him. This would make trading for him a lot easier than people would think.

The big thing if you trade for Young would be the question, can he get back to what he once was? When he was at Ohio State, he was one of the scariest players on the field. He recorded over 30 sacks and 9 forced fumbles during his time with the Buckeyes. This was what led him to receive many awards and become a unanimous All-American.

Now, if he can produce at this level on the Steelers, I feel that their defense would be unstoppable. Especially the inside of that defense, it could bring a new generation of the "Steel Curtain."

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Would Young be a good fit in Pittsburgh? Let me know in the comments below!

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