4 pending Commanders free agents who probably won't be back in 2024
By Dean Jones
Chase Young - Commanders DE
Before we examine this possibility in further detail, there's every chance Chase Young could bounce back if he puts a consistent run of games together in 2023. But considering how things have unfolded for the defensive end of late, nobody could say this with any strong confidence.
Young's featured just 12 times since his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2020. He also mustered 1.5 sacks during that span, which is deeply concerning considering the former Ohio State star was touted as a generational talent coming out of college.
Unsurprisingly, the Washington Commanders didn't pick up Young's fifth-year option. This makes him a free agent at the same time as Montez Sweat, his teammate on the defensive line that's far more productive and reliable.
Keeping Sweat and Young both happy is going to be almost impossible for the Commanders. They have a substantial amount already committed to the defensive tackle tandem of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, so it's hard to justify shelling out big contracts to both pass-rushers.
Young has phenomenal upside and the Commanders have resisted the temptation to trade him away in the hope he can finally start realizing his potential. But if the edge rusher doesn't begin the campaign well, this is a situation that might change before the 2023 trade deadline.
feed