Chase Young trade proposal would give Packers a bargain pass-rush fix

The Green Bay Packers need pass-rush help, and the NFL trade deadline may give them their only opportunity to address the problem before the offseason.

Jeff Hafley has made significant improvements to the Packers' defense from last season, but it's hard to understand the underwhelming pass-rush numbers based on the talent on the field. Per PFF, Rashan Gary leads Green Bay with 20 pressures, but that number is good for just 56th in the NFL.

For perspective, Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson, who has only played five games due to a season-ending knee injury, has only one fewer pressure (45) than Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare combined (46). How is that possible?

A player to watch at the NFL trade deadline? Chase Young, whose 30 pressures are more than any Packers defender this season. With the New Orleans Saints falling to 2-7 after an embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers, many wonder whether they will consider selling at the deadline.

While All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore would be the dream deadline-day acquisition, Young would likely be a more affordable target.

Chas Young trade proposal would be a home run for Packers

Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team put together five potential deals that would make sense for playoff contenders at the NFL trade deadline, and his idea for the Packers is perfect. Brooke has the Packers sending a fifth-round pick to New Orleans for Young, which would be a low-risk, high-upside move that could change their season.

Why would the Saints consider trading Young for a fifth?

For starters, he isn't an elite pass-rusher. Young is unlikely to land a premium draft pick, especially considering his extensive injury history. He is also a free agent in the offseason, and the Saints could potentially lose him for nothing. Having already lost seven games with no shot at making the playoffs, why not get what they can now?

RELATED: Last-minute deals Packers must make at NFL trade deadline after ugly loss to Lions

The Packers can absolutely afford to part ways with a fifth-round pick. What's the worst-case scenario? If it doesn't work out, they can let him walk in free agency and only lose a Day 3 selection. But the upside? Young could become a starter in Hafley's defense and help provide the pass rush the Packers are crying out for.

As Brooke points out in the article, Young played in Hafley's Ohio State defense in 2019, making 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss on his way to becoming the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Young is generating consistent pressure despite only making two sacks this season. Along with his 30 total pressures, the former first-rounder has eight quarterback hits and 22 hurries, ranking 10th and 16th in the NFL, respectively.

Landing Young for a fifth-rounder would be an absolute bargain, and it's the type of move that could help fix an increasing concern and give the Packers a much better chance of winning a rematch with the Detroit Lions.

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