Mike Valenti Endorses Lions Trading for DE Chase Young
On the defensive side of the football, the Detroit Lions are building a core group of defensive linemen that are young, talented and have started to demonstrate an ability to rack up sacks.
Rumors continue to swirl that Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young will be on the move, especially after his fifth-year option was declined.
The Commanders have allocated significant dollars already to their defensive line, leaving Young's future in Washington in doubt.
Sports radio host Mike Valenti opined on 97.1 The Ticket this week that adding Young to Detroit's defense would be a low-risk decision, even if it cost two second-round picks to acquire the former No. 2 overall pick.
Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young
© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
"The other name that you are constantly being tied to is Washington Commanders/ Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young. Now, the team in my world, it's a puzzle. Why would they decline the fifth-year option? He was a Pro Bowler. He had a great year," said Valenti. "He blew his knee out midway through year two, and he only came back for three games last year.
"He has spent a good amount of time hurt. Now, he enters his fourth season. I happen to love Chase Young. I do. The knee clearly comes down to your doctors, but we've all talked about the Lions' need to continue to bolster the front seven. I wonder what Chase Young would cost you as a rental player?"
While Valenti and co-host Rico Beard would not give up first-round picks, they would both want Young on the Lions' roster, if he could stay healthy.
Beard brought up more concerns, and was very hesitant to trade for a player with Young's injury history.
Valenti explained further, "Here's how I view this. DeAndre Hopkins, I'm never paying. Arizona would have to pay some of that contract. I'm not redoing his deal. I'm not extending him. He's old. He got popped for PEDs. Do you know what the downside of Chase Young is? It doesn't work. And, he's gone. Do you know what the upside is? I pay him, and I have the No. 2 pick from four years ago and I have the No. 2 pick from last year. And I have Aidan Hutchinson, Chase Young, James Houston, Jack Campbell. We're building a front seven here, people."
