The Washington Commanders kicked off a new era on Tuesday. Ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, Washington traded defensive ends Montez Sweat (Chicago Bears) and Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers) for second and third-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft, respectively.
Commanders’ fans appreciated Sweat, but many felt the value was too good to pass up. As for Young, feelings were mixed. While Sweat has been the better player, Young was the more hyped player, and sometimes, that hype far exceeded his on-field production.
Young, who had missed the better part of the past two seasons, was playing reasonably well this year with five sacks. But fans, remembering the promise of his rookie season, were left wanting more.
As for the compensation, Washington will receive one of San Francisco’s compensatory selections in the 2024 NFL draft. That upset some, but, as NFL insiders will tell you, was the market for Young due to his injury history and contract expiring.
Here are some of the top reactions to the Chase Young trade.
Al Galdi
Washington – in the current offense-oriented NFL – spending a 1st-round pick on a defensive player in 6 of the last 7 NFL Drafts has been a failure.
Josh Harris gets this.
The pretending that mediocrity is progress is over. And the big-picture thinking has begun.#Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) October 31, 2023
Fan reactions
Well, Commanders fans & local sports media who wanted Chase Young gone, you got your wish.. congratulations!! #HTTC pic.twitter.com/PUScBQ0ILA
— Strictly 4 My X’ers (@Lizzs_Lockeroom) October 31, 2023
The average fan truly can’t comprehend just how bad James smith Williams is at playing football 😂💯 but y’all finally about to noticeeee lol
— Marcus (@HailGangHTTR) October 31, 2023
I'm tired of the "Ashburn Syndrome" where we think our players are better than they actually are. I want a winning football team. You can't set a new culture by doing the same things. New day.
— Manny Benton (@manny_benton) October 31, 2023
Let me help. Pretend they got that 2nd for Young, and the 3rd for Sweat. Carry on.
— BGObsession (@BGObsession) October 31, 2023
Trust the process......NFL version?
The Trust the Process era in Washington has officially started.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 31, 2023
Jay Gruden
From Sweat and Young to Toohill and Smith-Williams. That’s quite a change…..
— Jay Gruden (@Coach_JayGruden) October 31, 2023
Very realistic views of the situation
One thing I won’t understand is the attachment fans had for Chase, his draft status gave him immunity for a lot in this fanbase because folks will kill anybody else on this team but with Chase folks wanted everyone to be just be nice & excuse the lack of return on investment
— Dre (@DCSportsDre) October 31, 2023
Here's the reality: In his career in DC, Chase Young hasn't shown enough to warrant committing $22M+ to him. He hasn't performed at a Watt, Bosa, Crosby, Garrett, Mack level.
The only way to keep him for next year would be to pay him for production he hasn't shown.#HTTC
— Tae & Todd Commanders Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) October 31, 2023
Rivera's reaction to the trade deadline?
https://t.co/MD6Kn7IGjk pic.twitter.com/4uaHi2mv3N
— Hi, I’m Brian 👋🏾♊️ (@ItsMr_BQC) October 31, 2023
JP Finlay
I get the Chase compensation seems low, but there are questions with that knee. The 49ers are looking for a title run right now, not a long term deal, so will approach this differently.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 31, 2023
Chase Young's last time leaving FedEx Field as a Commander
Chase Young leaves the field for the last time as a Commander: pic.twitter.com/YnbzRCESb4
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 31, 2023
Love for Chase Young
Commanders Nation appreciates you, Chase Young.
Wow, man.
It's sad to see you go after wreaking so much havoc.
May you have continued success. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/XrvMh3GY6R
— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) October 31, 2023
