4 key roster decisions Commanders new owners could influence in 2023

Commanders’ fifth-year option on Chase Young

While there was a lot to like about Chase Young‘s first season with the Washington Commanders, it hasn’t gone according to plan since. The defensive end has featured just 12 times over the last two seasons, accumulating 1.5 sacks to leave his long-term aspirations hanging in the balance.

All signs point to Young being 100 percent for training camp. Although it would be wise for Washington’s coaching staff to err on the side of extreme caution to prevent unnecessary complications when the regular season commences.

Those in power – which is set to include a new ownership group – have a big decision to make before then where the former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State is concerned. Specifically, whether to pick up the player’s fifth-year option at more than $17 million.

There are obvious pros and cons to triggering the option. If the Commanders hold firm and Young dominates in 2023, then his contract demands will go through the roof with Montez Sweat also looking for a hefty new deal.

However, if Washington opts to activate the clause and Young suffers further health complications or perhaps performs poorly even when healthy, they’ll have an expensive flop on their hands.

Ron Rivera will have a leading voice and could make the final call. But a fresh set of eyes and influence from new ownership mean this could literally go either way.