Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell

What next for Commanders DE Chase Young?

The Washington Commanders made their decision on defensive end Chase Young‘s fifth-year option and announced it one day before the 2023 NFL Draft. Those in power opted to let things play out with the former No. 2 overall selection, which means they now face the prospect of their starting edge-rushing tandem looking for megabucks deals once the upcoming campaign concludes.

This decision came with speculation about what the immediate future might hold for Young. The timing dictates the Commanders might be open for business regarding a potential trade for the one-time Ohio State star at some stage during the draft, which would send shockwaves through the NFL.

The topic was recently discussed by Alex Kay of The Bleacher Report, who hypothetically sent Young to the Chicago Bears for two second-round picks this year and next. Something that does look tempting when one factors everything into the equation.

"“Rather than take the risk on Young returning to full strength, the club should accept a second-rounder from a team with more financial flexibility—such as the Chicago Bears, who desperately need help on the edge after finishing dead-last in sacks this past season—to both recoup some value on the investment and clear cap space.”"

This would be a sad end to Young’s time in Washington. He was touted as a guaranteed All-Pro and potential generational talent coming out of college, so for the Commanders to give up after just three seasons is a damning indictment of the player’s current career trajectory.

Watch this space, I guess.