Commanders News: Jadeveon Clowney, Eric Bieniemy, Hard Knocks and Chase Young
By Dean Jones
Commanders DE Chase Young has an opportunity
It's hard to look at the speculation and news surrounding Chase Young with any legitimate substance until it comes from the player or the Washington Commanders. Almost every team in the league has been linked with a trade for the defensive end since those in power declined his fifth-year option, which puts the franchise in a potential bind next spring with Montez Sweat also looking for a payday.
Young made his triumphant return to practice during Washington's mandatory minicamp and looked explosive. We'll find out more when the pads go on at training camp, but it's a step in the right direction nonetheless.
Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports made an interesting point when discussing what Young has to do in pursuit of a lucrative contract extension. This obviously has a lot to do with talent, but leaning on a stacked defensive front that's loaded with first-round selections is something else the former Ohio State stud should seriously contemplate.
"[Chase] Young needs to prove that he can still be a long-term starter and taking advantage of playing with Pro Bowl-caliber teammates is the first step toward regaining that status as a top defensive player. It’s not like Young has never shown elite talent as a pro; he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and was the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month in December of that season. That’s talent worth waiting for, and if Young can get back to being a productive player, he’ll have talent worth paying for."
- Charls McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Young's proven capable, although whether he can ever reach the generational tag is debatable. But it is imperative that he puts a consistent run of games together and stays clear of the injury bug in 2023.