Commanders DE Chase Young's point to prove
It's no secret that Chase Young is looking to silence some doubters next season. The defensive end's been an innocent bystander thanks to injury and poor performances over the last two campaigns, which resulted in the Washington Commanders declining his fifth-year option to make this a contract year for the No. 2 overall selection in 2020.
Young's looked determined and healthy this offseason, which is encouraging. It's been nothing more than practicing in shorts to date, so fans should get a broader perspective on his hopes for a bounce-back campaign when the pads start clapping at training camp.
The stakes are higher for Young than most in 2023. Something that was further highlighted by David Latham from Last Word on Sports, who named the former Ohio State as one of five NFL players with the most to prove next time around.
"Remember when Chase Young was one of the best pass rushing prospects to ever enter the NFL? Following an impressive rookie season, injuries and underwhelming play have limited Young to just 1.5 sacks and 12 games over the past two seasons. Washington recently declined his fifth-year option, meaning that Young will be a free agent after the season. If he finally plays up to his potential, he could earn a massive payday and make the Commanders look like fools for letting a player of his talent leave the building."David Latham, Last Word on Sports
This is not exactly breaking news for anyone that follows the Commanders closely. The microscope is on Young in no uncertain terms and anything less than excellence will likely see his time with the franchise conclude.