Which Washington Commanders players have the most to prove during a 2023 campaign that could come with franchise-changing ramifications?
There are high stakes aplenty for the Washington Commanders in 2023. As if the pressure on Ron Rivera's shoulders wasn't big enough after a modest three years, the presence of Josh Harris' ownership group going over things with a fine-tooth comb makes things even more precarious for the head coach.
It's not just Rivera with his future at stake. Several influential figures within the organization are also looking over their shoulder, which also puts the players on notice in pursuit of avoiding any widespread alterations.
The Commanders have talent - especially at the skill positions and on defense. However, there are a few key individuals who come into the campaign with more questions than answers.
With that in mind, here are three Commanders players with the most to prove in 2023.
Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
Nobody knows how good Sam Cosmi could become as he enters Year 3 of his professional career. The former second-round selection didn't look comfortable protecting the edge when tasked over the last two years, so this season represents a make-or-break one as the Washington Commanders switch him to the offensive line interior.
Cosmi will have two highly experienced figures alongside him in the form of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie - two free-agent signings made earlier this spring. This should help, but there's just no telling for sure if this transition can help the one-time Texas standout reach his potential.
If the Commanders don't like what they see from Cosmi, there are others who could fill the void. Something that would cast his long-term future with the franchise in serious doubt.
Chase Young - Commanders DE
There are few players around the NFL under more scrutiny than Chase Young entering the 2023 season. One could even argue that aside from the quarterbacks, he's No. 1 on the list of those with the biggest point to prove.
The Washington Commandes drafted Young at No. 2 overall during the 2020 NFL Draft in the hope he could become the dynamic game-wrecking defensive end many analysts projected. It looked like that might be the case en route to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first campaign, but it's been a concerning career trend ever since thanks to injury.
With 12 games and 1.5 sacks over the last two seasons, it came as no surprise to see the Commanders decline Young's fifth-year option before the deadline. This could potentially leave them in a predicament next spring with Montez Sweat also looking for a new deal, but Ron Rivera couldn't gamble on the former Ohio State star ridding himself of the bad fortune that's blighted him of late.
This lays down the gauntlet to Young in no uncertain terms. The edge presence must stay healthy and put up the numbers needed to excel, or this could genuinely be his final season in the famous burgundy and gold.
Letting Young walk after four years seemed inconceivable during his pre-draft process given his generational projections. But the reality is often disappointing and unless things change dramatically, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he's still around in 2024.
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
Hitching his wagon to Sam Howell is the biggest gamble Ron Rivera's made since joining the Washington Commanders as head coach. He's made bad decisions at football's most important position before, but this move will cost the respected figure his job if things don't go according to plan.
That's a lot of pressure on someone with one career start under his belt. Howell did catch the eye during his Week 18 triumph against the Dallas Cowboys, but doing this consistently over a 17-game period is a completely different scenario entirely.
Everyone within the Commanders was fully behind Howell throughout early workouts. This is likely to be the same again at training camp as the tempo ramps up further.
Confidence is increasing surrounding the former fifth-round selection out of North Carolina. Even if it represents a voyage into the unknown of sorts with so little experience to go off after the Commanders brought him along gradually as a rookie.
Howell has a significant opportunity in front of him. If it works out, Rivera looks like a genius and the Commanders have one of the cheapest starting quarterback contracts to build around over the next two seasons.
Should complications emerge and Howell cannot meet increased expectations, the ramifications will be severe. And it'll be the excuse needed for Josh Harris' ownership group to make some landmark changes in readiness for the 2024 campaign.