Commanders News: OTAs, investigations, Jeremy Reaves, sale and Chase Young

Chase Young shows up as Commanders decision looms

Another notable attendee with potential contract complications upcoming is Chase Young. The defensive end is looking for a bounce-back campaign in 2023 after an indifferent two years where he’s featured 12 times and gained just 1.5 sacks, so everything must go right this offseason for this mission to become reality.

Of course, the Commanders have a big decision to make surrounding Young way before their Week 1 opener. Those in power have until May 2 to pick up his fifth-year option, which currently stands at more than $17 million and represents a large financial commitment considering his lack of production or availability of late.

Showing up to OTAs was the least Young could do to state his intent to hit the ground running. But this doesn’t change the fact that picking up his fifth-year option represents a major gamble given the player’s current career trajectory.

Washington opted not to activate Daron Payne’s contract clause and paid a hefty price after his breakout campaign. Therefore, adopting the same approach could result in a similar leap in production from Young in 2023.

However, this would come with its own risk attached. Montez Sweat is also heading into a contract year, so it’s highly unlikely the Commanders have enough spare cash to pay both given the money tied up in Payne and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line interior.