3 players the Detroit Lions could trade for to bolster lagging pass rush

1. Chase Young, Washington Commanders

Full credit to Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports for recent attention on this one, but there has been plenty of other speculation tying the Lions to Young in recent months.

Since a torn ACL and patella tendon shortened his 2021 season, Young has played in four games (one this year, as a neck stinger cost him Week 1). The Commanders declined his fifth-year option, so he will be a free agent after the season. In Week 2, he registered his first sack (1.5 sacks actually) since since the injury.

In 2020, Young delivered on the hype around him as the No, 2 overall pick in that year's draft with 7.5 sacks on his way to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is still just 24, so with the caveat of "if he's healthy" he could be a long-term piece somewhere.

With what Washington has invested elsewhere on their defensive line, Young does not seem to have a long-term future there. If he flashes his Rookie of the Year form, like he did in Week 2, the idea of trading him becomes firmly legit. And there will be suitors willing to take on someone who can get after the quarterback.

Trading for Young probably wouldn't be as costly as it seems--a mid-round pick? Even if it comes with the inherent idea you have to give him a contract, that doesn't have to be costly (or lengthy) either if you go that route. The Lions should at least see what it might take to get Young.