There are some notable names on the trade block ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but the excitement may need to subside for a few more days.
This week, team sources at the executive level cited lopsided asking prices from both sides of the table — buyers and sellers — implying that all parties involved have been stuck in a feeling-out process. According to the sources, this is standard negotiating procedure, with activity expected to pick up on Monday and Tuesday.
Here are a few trade-related topics that have come up this week:
Pass rushers command a lot of attention.
The Washington Commanders have been contacted by teams interested in defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The Commanders (3-4) have lost three of their last four games, and both players face free agency.
It’s unclear what the Commanders would ask for in exchange for either player, but the Bradley Chubb trade from a year ago could serve as a model. The Miami Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos as part of the deal, but they were willing to pay that price because they knew Chubb would sign a massive contract extension soon after.
According to one industry source, Sweat has more trade value than Young because he has been the healthier of the two. The 2019 first-round pick has 34.5 sacks in his career, including 5.5 this year.
This season, Young, the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has five sacks in six games. He had 1.5 sacks in 12 games the previous two seasons due to injuries. While Young’s potential remains high, teams have expressed concerns about his durability, which may complicate his price tag.
Burns is not on the market.
Speaking of pass rushers, the Panthers are still unwilling to trade Brian Burns, who is a popular name among opposing front offices.
Burns, a first-round pick in 2019, has four sacks for the Carolina Panthers. For several years, the two sides have attempted to reach a long-term agreement, but Burns is currently playing on his fifth-year option, with the franchise tag in play for 2024.
But keep in mind that the Panthers had no intention of trading running back Christian McCaffrey last season until the San Francisco 49ers made an aggressive offer. In addition, because of the trade to move up to select quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers do not have a first-round pick in 2024.
Nonetheless, Burns is only 25 years old, has 42 career sacks, and is regarded as a franchise cornerstone. It could get interesting if a team in need of a pass rush, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, offers a premium package.
