Welcome to the Josh Harris era.
While Harris and his partners officially took over as owners of Washington Commanders in July, Harris put his stamp on the franchise Tuesday ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
The Commanders, in separate trades, shipped off former first-round defensive ends Montez Sweat (Chicago Bears) and Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers), receiving second and third-round 2024 NFL draft selections, respectively.
Both defensive ends will be unrestricted free agents after the 2023 NFL season.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Washington’s moves ahead of the trade deadline was who would make these decisions. While head coach Ron Rivera is the head of football operations, and Martin Mayhew is, by title, the general manager, the job status of both are in question under new ownership.
So, Dianna Russini of The Athletic provided some context to the situation, saying, “Washington ownership had a strong hand in deciding to deal both Chase Young and Montez Sweat.”
I was told Washington ownership had a strong hand in deciding to deal both Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Many in the building wanted to keep them because they believe in this team but in the end, its about the future for the Commanders.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 31, 2023
Russini saying “many in the building” wanted to retain the pair makes sense. These are coaches coaching for their jobs, including Rivera, so keeping Sweat and Young helps the team in 2023.
But this move is much more about 2024 — and beyond.
Washington fans have long wanted ownership decisions to be made about the franchise’s future, not the short-term. Tuesday’s trade was all about the future.
One more from Russini.
The Washington Commanders are building.
They now have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds.
3 in the top 50.
Plus they have Payne and Allen locked in at DT.
The building seems thrilled right now.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 31, 2023
