NFL Trade Idea Presents Bold Swap Between Commanders and Jets: A Franchise-Altering Proposal Gains Momentum
By Marcus R. Davis | June 7, 2025 | NFL Insider Newsroom
As the NFL offseason buzzes with speculation and high-stakes maneuvering, a bold trade idea has surfaced, potentially linking two teams in transition: the Washington Commanders and the New York Jets. The proposed deal—though unofficial and still in its hypothetical stages—has set NFL analysts, fans, and front office executives abuzz, with many believing it could dramatically reshape the trajectory of both franchises.
The Proposed Trade
According to multiple league sources and analysts, the trade idea—originally floated on NFL Network’s Total Access and further dissected by ESPN and The Athletic—suggests the following:
Proposed Trade Package:
Washington Commanders receive: QB Zach Wilson, 2025 2nd-round pick
New York Jets receive: EDGE Chase Young, 2025 4th-round pick
While nothing has been formally agreed upon or initiated between the two teams, sources say this is not merely “talk radio bait.” Executives from both camps have reportedly shown interest in exploring scenarios involving key young players whose value has fluctuated in recent years.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Washington
For the Washington Commanders, 2025 represents a pivotal rebuilding year. After finishing a disappointing 6–11 in 2024 and parting ways with former head coach Ron Rivera, the team has brought in new head coach Ben Johnson and GM Adam Peters to reboot the franchise’s identity.
The Commanders have been testing the waters with Jayden Daniels, the 2024 first-round pick from LSU, but internal sources suggest uncertainty remains about whether Daniels is ready to lead the team long-term. Adding a young veteran quarterback like Zach Wilson, who has endured a rocky but occasionally promising stint in New York, could give Washington another option while also creating a true QB competition heading into the season.
“This is the perfect type of low-risk, high-upside move for a team like Washington,” said former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum on ESPN. “You get a guy like Zach Wilson—still only 25 years old—who was the No. 2 overall pick just a few years ago, and you give up a player in Chase Young who hasn’t consistently produced since his rookie year.”
Indeed, Chase Young—while undeniably talented—has been a question mark for the Commanders due to injuries and inconsistency. After tearing his ACL in 2021 and missing significant time, his return in 2023 and 2024 showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the week-to-week dominance that Washington expected from the former No. 2 overall pick.
Moreover, Washington declined Young’s fifth-year option in 2024, signaling long-term doubts. Trading him now, before a potential departure in free agency, could be viewed as asset preservation.
Why the Jets Would Pull the Trigger
From the New York Jets’ perspective, the motivations are just as clear. After another season of underachievement (finishing 8–9 in 2024), the Jets are looking for ways to bolster their already elite defense under head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Acquiring Chase Young would give the Jets a dynamic pass-rusher to pair with Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson II, creating one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the NFL. With Aaron Rodgers entering what is almost certainly the final season of his storied career, the Jets are in “win-now” mode. Bolstering the defense could be the key to keeping games tight and giving Rodgers the best chance to succeed.
“If you’re going all-in for one more Rodgers run, you have to make moves like this,” said CBS Sports analyst Charles Davis. “Zach Wilson has served his time, and it’s clear he won’t be the future in New York. Trading him for a player like Chase Young makes perfect sense.”
The Jets’ quarterback room already includes veterans Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, and developmental QB Jordan Travis, selected in the 5th round of the 2024 Draft. Wilson’s opportunities in New York have dwindled, and insiders suggest a change of scenery is mutually beneficial.
Contract Situations & Cap Ramifications
The financial implications of the trade are relatively manageable for both teams.
- Chase Young is set to play on the final year of his rookie deal, with a cap hit of approximately $12 million. The Jets would likely look to extend him if they feel confident in his medicals and performance.
- Zach Wilson is in the fourth year of his rookie deal, with a modest cap hit around $5.5 million. If the Commanders acquire him and he excels, they can explore an extension or let him walk with a compensatory pick in return.
“From a cap standpoint, it’s a balanced trade,” said OverTheCap analyst Jason Fitzgerald. “Both teams give up young, talented players who may not be in their long-term plans. It’s a gamble, yes, but a fairly well-structured one.”
Fan Reaction: Mixed, But Intrigued
Unsurprisingly, fans of both franchises have had strong opinions on the trade proposal.
On the Washington Commanders subreddit, one fan wrote:
“I love Chase, but if we’re not going to extend him and there’s a real QB option on the table, I say go for it. We’ve been through too many ‘maybe’ QBs—we need as many darts as possible to throw.”
Meanwhile, Jets fans on X (formerly Twitter) responded with a mix of enthusiasm and caution:
“Chase Young on this D-Line?? Yes, please. Just pray he stays healthy.”
“Zach Wilson has shown flashes, but he was never going to be the guy. Might as well get a former DROY in return.”
NFL Experts Weigh In
ESPN’s Mina Kimes called the trade “sensible and creative,” noting that both teams are leveraging risk to address uncertain futures.
“This isn’t a blockbuster in name, but it could be huge in impact,” Kimes said. “Both Wilson and Young were top-2 picks, and both have a chance to resurrect their careers in new environments.”
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager added:
“There’s a precedent for this. We’ve seen high picks who didn’t work out in their first home find a second life elsewhere. Look at Jared Goff. Sometimes, it’s about fit.”
The Bottom Line
This trade proposal may still live in the realm of speculation, but it’s the kind of deal that makes too much sense not to at least explore. Two once-hyped top draft picks, both looking to recapture their promise. Two franchises in transition. Two front offices trying to find answers to long-standing questions.
Whether this bold swap becomes reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if it happens, it will be one of the most fascinating moves of the 2025 offseason—and a potential game-changer for both teams.
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