The Green Bay Packers are in need of some depth at their Edge position, but one NFC North rival seems in a position to grab help there this offseason.
The Green Bay Packers need a pass rush
The Packers’ defense struggled to get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks for much of last season. Losing Rashan Gary to an ACL injury didn’t help. Preston Smith did well last year, but the Packers can’t expect one player to make that big of a difference throughout the season. The Packers added Lukas Van Ness in the first round this year, but they still could use help.
There are options for them to sign for a one-year deal in free agency. But the type of elite pass rusher other teams in the division are craving right now seems to be out of their reach. According to John Maakaron with Sports Illustrated, the Lions have the best odds (+400) to trade with the Washington Commanders for Chase Young. The Bears have the third-best odds at +400 to land Young.
Will the Detroit Lions trade for defensive end Chase Young?
The Lions’ defensive line is becoming one of the better units in the NFL. This will be Aidan Hutchinson’s second season in the league, and he should look even more the part of the player the Lions chose with the second overall pick in last year’s draft. The Lions could use Young but might not want to give up draft capital in next year’s class. The Lions would be better suited to a long-term solution for the interior defensive line next season.
Edge isn’t a glaring issue for the Lions. Young would help, but the Commanders’ asking price is probably too high for what the Lions would want to give up for another defensive end with a history of injuries.
Will the Chicago Bears trade for defensive end Chase Young?
The Bears need a pass rusher more than any part of their roster before training camp. The Bears heavily upgraded their offensive line and wide receiver room via trades last season and this offseason, free agency, and the draft. The Bears lack a lockdown corner and not just one, but two starting defensive ends to fill out their starting roster. The Bears have two 2024 first-round picks and have more cap room than the Lions to trade for Young.
While the Bears could roll the dice and try and get an elite pass rusher for this season, general manager Ryan Poles seems willing to wait for the best value for the team’s long-term interest. It would be a surprise, but not improbable, that the Bears would trade for Young if the Commanders were willing to part with him for a second-round pick. The Commanders, whose head coach is on the hot seat, won’t part with Young for cheap with a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season.
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