3 difficult decisions remaining for Commanders during 2023 offseason

Commanders must decide on Chase Young’s option

The Washington Commanders have a dilemma on their hands with defensive end Chase Young. Once considered a generational talent coming out of Ohio State, things have trended downwards over the last two years thanks in no small part to a series of troubling injuries that caused endless complications.

Young is looking to prove some serious doubters wrong in 2023. The talent is there, but 1.5 sacks since his rookie campaign mean the jury is still out in no uncertain terms.

Washington must also determine whether to pick up Young’s fifth-year option before the campaign. It’s been noncommital from the Commanders so far, with Ron Rivera stating that everything – including the player’s health – will be taken into account before anything becomes concrete.

"“That’s the thing that will drive a big part of the conversation. As we continue to work through this and talk about it, it will be about seeing him and watching him. Again, we get started April 17, so we’ll continue to work through these things — talk to the doctors, talk to the trainers, strength and medical — and just kind of get a feel for where he is. Then we’ll be able to make a decision and we’ll go from there.”"

If Young bounces back and starts fulfilling his promise, then not picking up the option could cost Washington more in the long run. However, they have every right to err on the side of caution based on the edge rusher’s current career trajectory.