3 pros and cons to the Commanders picking up Chase Young’s option
By Dean Jones
Commanders can’t guarantee Chase Young’s health
There is no denying the physical and athletic attributes Chase Young brings when firing on all cylinders. His outstanding ability to set the edge against the run is matched by exceptional pass-rushing prowess that makes him a difficult proposition to overcome.
If that was the be-all and end-all where Young was concerned, picking up his fifth-year option is a no-brainer. However, it’s not that simple for the Washington Commanders based on his current career trajectory.
With just 12 games and 1.5 sacks to his name since gaining 7.5 quarterback takedowns in 2020, the doubts are surfacing. Something that can only be quashed by Young staying healthy for a full campaign and putting up the numbers expected of a top-five selection.
Year 3 is normally the time when we see what NFL defensive linemen can truly become after fully adjusting from the college level. The trouble is, Young spent most of it on the sidelines.
That means the jury is still out, in all honesty. If Young cannot remain on the field in 2023 and become a difference-maker for the Commanders, a situation would emerge where both parties go their separate ways.
This would be disastrous considering where Young was drafted and the lofty expectations following a standout college career at Ohio State. In this scenario, owing the pass-rusher more than $17 million would be even worse.