Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young was born and raised in the DMV. Outside of his three-year stint at Ohio State, Young has always resided in the DMV. When Washington selected Young No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL draft, he was immediately crowned as a face of the franchise.
Young won the NFL defensive rookie of the year award in 2020. The sky was the limit. Unfortunately, Young struggled in 2021 before a devasting knee injury that November. That injury kept Young on the sideline until Week 16 in the 2022 season.
So, in the offseason, the Commanders had a decision to make: Exercise the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie contract or not. They chose not to pick up the option, meaning Young would be an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Essentially, the Commanders would decide between Young and Montez Sweat long term. With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, Washington has taken calls on the availability of both players. The pair have combined for 11.5 sacks and are both playing well.
After Washington’s latest loss on Sunday to the Philadelphia Eagles, with trade rumors swirling around, he and Sweat — his close friend — Young was asked if he wanted to remain with the Commanders.
“For sure,” Young said when asked if he was still happy in Washington. “I love Washington.”
Chase Young and Montez Sweat are best friends.
This could have been their final game together as teammates.
I asked Chase about that, he told me “that’s my brother, you know twin towers, we rocking for life. That’s not going to change if we’re not on the same team.” pic.twitter.com/128686mJpa
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 29, 2023
No one is happy with the current 3-5 record. And every player on the team knew this entire season was about evaluating the future under new owner Josh Harris.
Young is about to get new coaching, whether it is via a trade or when Washington makes a coaching change after the season.