There have been a few reports circling that the Raiders are interested in adding a bookend via trade for Maxx Crosby. Tyree Wilson’s development continues to be slow and the Raiders want to add someone who can help the defense right now.
The good news is that there could be several intriguing options at the trade deadline available for the Raiders. One of the biggest names is former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young, who will be a free agent after the 2023 season.
Here is why The Athletic believes Young could be on his way out in the next few weeks:
The Commanders are 2-3 amid a three-game skid that included the recent 20-point home loss to the Bears. If the slide continues and there’s a decision to prep for the future by the deadline, choose whether Sweat (4.5 sacks) or Young (tied for third in the NFL with 27 quarterback pressures) gets the contract extension offer and let the other one know there are no hard feelings upon trading him. Washington is also deep enough on the line to maintain a strong level while adding long-term help
The Raiders have over $68 million in cap space heading into the 2024 offseason and could give Young a market deal after acquiring him. Now, that would be a lot of cap space and draft picks tied into one position, but you can never have too many pass rushers.
If Young proves to be too expensive for the Raiders, there are other stop-gap options that could make sense. That list includes Preston Smith, Julian Okwara, and Carl Lawson. But if the Raiders want to add a bookend pass rusher with elite upside, Young makes a ton of sense, as long as it doesn’t cost a first-round pick.
