3 critical elements Commanders DE Chase Young must prove in 2023
By Dean Jones
Chase Young must prove worthy of long-term Commanders deal
When the news broke about Chase Young not getting his fifth-year option picked up, it denied him a $17 million payday on the final year of his rookie deal. While the pass-rusher is still getting paid handsomely for his efforts in 2023, what comes after that is far less certain.
Young has an added sense of urgency to silence his doubters next season. The Washington Commanders could end up paying more in the long run, but it's a risk they've been willing to take in recent years as Ron Rivera aims to reward those who prove their worth to the franchise.
This is a similar situation to the one facing Daron Payne in 2022. The defensive tackle rose to the occasion, enjoyed a career year statistically, made the Pro Bowl, and got a four-year, $90 million deal that also came with $60 million guaranteed.
It's the benchmark Young can aspire to. Stay healthy, dominate, and get paid.
Sounds simple, right? But it all comes down to health and consistent performance levels.
According to Spotrac, Young is set to command an annual salary of $18.2 million on a four-year, $72.96 million deal. Even that could look pretty modest if the player finally starts meeting his pre-draft expectations.
The stakes couldn't be much higher for Young. What transpires over the coming months will tell us plenty about the player's character and is sure to have huge ramifications for his future in Washington.
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