The Washington Commanders faced a difficult decision regarding defensive end Chase Young this offseason. Should they — or should they not — pick up Young’s fifth-year option for 2024?
Since Young won the NFL defensive rookie of the year award in 2020, he has just 1.5 sacks. Of course, a devastating knee injury is much to blame for that lack of production, but Young only had 1.5 sacks before his Week 10 knee injury in 2021.
Washington ultimately decided to decline Young’s fifth-year option, with head coach Ron Rivera using defensive tackle Daron Payne’s career year in 2022, coming in a “prove-it” year as a template for Young in 2023.
Young attended the beginning of Washington’s offseason program in April and the team’s minicamp last month. He looked completely healthy and appeared in the right frame of mind heading into a pivotal year.
On Monday, an Instagram video emerged of Young working out. It wasn’t just Young working out in the weight room. Young was on the field doing drills in a helmet and looked ready for Week 1.
Sure, we are a long way from Young dominating on the field. But there are many reasons to believe Young is in store for a big comeback. He’s healthy and one year away from unrestricted free agency; he’s hungry.
If Young bounces back in 2023, Washington’s defense could go from very good to elite. And Young will get paid.