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Commanders News: Sale confidence, Chase Young, Jahan Dotson and Antonio Gibson

Dean Jones
Dean Jones

Riggo's Rag

Jahan Dotson / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Which Washington Commanders news stories are making the headlines as the ongoing sale distraction looks set to soon become a thing of the past?

As the Washington Commanders reflect on another interesting series of OTAs, attention is turning to a pivotal meeting between Josh Harris and the NFL's finance committee. Something that could be the biggest remaining stumbling block before the franchise's $6.05 billion sale gets sent to other league owners for approval.

This is an exciting time with plenty of news along the way. Among the stories taking up column inches recently include Jahan Dotson's praise for cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, Chase Young working out with a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, confidence increases regarding the sale, and Antonio Gibson heading into the season confidently.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders WR lauds Emmanuel Forbes

It's clear that Emmanuel Forbes has left his mark over early off-season workouts. Big things are expected of the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he's wasted no time in establishing himself as a potentially key contributor right out of the gate.

When asked about Forbes at his football camp on Saturday, wide receiver Jahan Dotson stated via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post that he's been impressed by what he's seen from the Mississippi State product to date.

"Honestly, I watched the tape and I was like, ‘I think he’s good, but I don’t know.’ After seeing him on the field, I know how good he is now. I understand why he was drafted in the first round. I understand what all the hype is about."
Jahan Dotson via Twitter

Dotson and Forbes will be making each other better throughout the summer. Hopefully, this can pay off positively when it's time to take the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Commanders DE Chase Young working out with Von Miller

Much was made about Chase Young skipping OTAs. While the sessions were voluntary, many fans thought the defensive end should have shown up given how much football time he's missed over the last two seasons.

Young knows how much is at stake in 2023 after the Washington Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option. But anyone who thought the former Ohio State phenom was just sitting at home while his teammates honed chemistry on the field should pay closer attention.

A video surfaced on social media recently picturing Young working out with Von Miller at the Dunamis Health & Performance Center in Colorado. This is something he did last season alongside Montez Sweat in readiness for the campaign.

While it didn't help Young stay healthy, getting advice from a future Pro Football Hall of Famer is sure to be of significant use entering Year 4 of his time in the league. One that will be career-defining for the edge rusher one way or another.

Obviously, it would have been nice for Young to make an appearance at OTAs. But fans can relax safe in the knowledge he's doing everything within his power to bounce back in the best possible way next season.

This would be a welcome change of pace following a luckless spell for the player. Even if it would put the Commanders in a financial bind with Sweat also looking for a new deal.

Commanders RB Antonio Gibson's excitement

The Washington Commanders are betting big that some landmark changes on offense could be exactly what the team needs to take that next step in 2023. Sam Howell's performance at the quarterback position will obviously be crucial, but Eric Bieniemy's play-calling is another critical element to this equation that should bear fruit.

Bieniemy is looking for the offense to become high-tempo, creative, and something that strikes fear into defenses around the league. While there are some questions about the offensive line, Washington has plenty of difference-makers at the skill positions that played a leading role in the two-time Super Bowl winner's decision to leave the Kansas City Chiefs.

When discussing Bieneimy's impact on the Commanders so far and what fans should expect, running back Antonio Gibson stated via Yahoo Sports that there is a level of excitement among the offensive players that hasn't been evident previously. Considering they had to work under Scott Turner last season, it's not hard to see why.

"I’m excited, but not just for me. I’m seeing a lot of things for a lot of guys that should open up. He moves us around; we have a lot of things going."
Antonio Gibson via Yahoo Sports

This is a big year for Gibson - the last of his rookie deal. Ron Rivera's already stated a desire to get the football more into his hands, which should see more pass-catching opportunities with J.D. McKissic no longer around.

Confidence increasing for Commanders sale approval

There are obviously some elements of the $6.05 billion deal to buy the Washington Commanders that desire further scrutiny from the NFL's finance committee. But it would be a shock if Josh Harris didn't have all the answers during their upcoming meeting this week.

If all goes well, reports suggest a formal vote of approval to end this drawn-out saga once and for all could arrive in the coming weeks. According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, the NFL could look to arrange the vote as soon as possible. Perhaps even late this month or early July depending on what transpires during Haris' pivotal meeting.

"If all goes well in Josh Harris's meeting w/ the finance committee Wed., the deal would be put to a vote of owners ASAP, potentially as soon as late June or early July, a person with knowledge of the league's workings & owners' views said."
Nicki Jhabvala, The Washington Post

Confidence is increasing regarding the sale documentation and structure. A source claimed that the process was "90 percent complete" and A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports has been quick to point out the combined net worth of Harris' ownership group as another source for optimism in terms of the reported $1 billion being borrowed.

Fans have been waiting on a successful resolution to this deal for a long time. After speculation, drama, and everything in between, their wishes will soon be granted unless something drastic occurs.

Dean Jones

Dean Jones

A lifelong NFL fan who's followed the league for 30 years, Dean is Site Expert at Cat Crave covering the Carolina Panthers and Site Expert at Riggo's Rag, which focuses on the Washington Commanders. Dean is a qualified journalist who's edited and written thousands of articles since joining FanSided. He was a former print journalist and digital editor with news publications in North Wales before becoming an award-winning communications manager at a leading private school in the United Kingdom. When he's not working, Dean enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He's also passionate about NBA, Soccer, Horse Racing and Boxing.