4 silent assassins on the Washington Commanders in 2023

Montez Sweat - Commanders DE

One could forgive Montez Sweat for being slighted about the lack of national media coverage he receives despite putting up quality numbers in a big market. But sadly, publications across the country are more inclined to focus their attention on Chase Young and his uncertain future.

Again, this doesn't apply to anyone that follows the Washington Commanders closely. Sweat is criminally underrated, notching 29 sacks over his first four seasons and emerging as a true three-down edge presence capable of turning any game on its head.

Sweat is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is looking for decent money, one suspects. While there's a chance the Commanders prioritize his extension once Josh Harris' ownership groups come into the fold, they could also wait and see given Young is also out of contract in 2024 after Washington declined his fifth-year option.

It's a precarious situation and one the Commanders must handle with extreme care. Losing both is simply not an option, so it might be a case of who performs better between Sweat and Young considering how much defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne got to stick around.

Young will continue to generate column inches, leaving Sweat going relatively under the radar. That coupled with potential financial gains should be all the motivation he needs to excel next time around.