As the Chicago Bears look to bolster their roster in the offseason, they could revisit their interest in a player that they looked at before making a trade for Montez Sweat.
To recall, ahead of the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline, the Bears expressed interest in trading for then Washington Commanders pass-rusher Chase Young. However, it was Sweat who ended up going to Chicago while Young was sent to the San Francisco 49ers.
With Young set to be an unrestricted free agent as his four-year, $34.6 million contract ends, the Bears could make a run for him.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN predicted as much after talking to several executives in the NFL, sharing that he sees Young and Sweat reuniting in
Washington traded its star defensive line bookends at the 2023 trade deadline, with Sweat then thriving as the Chicago Bears’ lead rusher and Young now competing for a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.
Chicago, in its efforts to bolster its pass rush, evaluated both Young and Sweat in the months leading up to the deadline. Sweat landed a four-year, $98 million extension with the Bears, who could spend more money in free agency to sign a pass-rusher such as Young.
The Chicago Bears could use another pass-rusher, and Chase Young is definitely an interesting choice since he has experience playing alongside Montez Sweat. Not to mention that he’s still young and fits well in their timeline.
It’s unknown if the Bears will really make a run for Young, but it makes sense especially if they can afford him.
How Much Will It Cost the Chicago Bears To Sign Chase Young?
If the Chicago Bears want Chase Young, they might need to pay him roughly $14 million annually on a short-term, prove it deal that would allow him to enter free agency again in 2026.
According to Spotrac, Young has an average market value of $13.6 million. Furthermore, he could command a two-year deal worth $27.3 million. Of course that could change depending on how the playoffs go, especially with Young and the San Francisco 49ers gearing up for the NFC Championship.
Young finished the 2023 season with 7.5 sacks, 25 combined tackles and 15 QB hits. With an increased and more prominent role, he could further increase those numbers.
For now, it remains to be seen if the Bears will be interested in him with his projected asking price.
