Commanders News: Sale optimism, schedule, Chase Young and Quan Martin
By Dean Jones
Commanders hoping for a Chase Young problem
Much has been made about the Washington Commanders opting to decline Chase Young's fifth-year option. The defensive end's output over the last two seasons made this a justifiable call for those in power all things considered, but they remain hopeful he can start fulfilling his immense promise following a standout college career at Ohio State.
Speculation was rampant about whether Young would be traded during the 2023 NFL Draft. This didn't come to fruition, but the Commanders could have a big problem on their hands next season with Montez Sweat also heading into a contract year.
If both players shine, it'll be difficult to keep both around considering the cash tied up in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the defensive front. But head coach Ron Rivera stated via Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports that it's a complication the team wants to have when the time comes.
"It's one of those things that we want to take care of our own. We want to go out and we want them to play well. And if that's what happens, then we have a really good problem to have. I mean again, we'd love for him to do what we had last year with Daron. We want to take care of our own and if he comes out and plays well and does the things that he's supposed to and that he's capable of then we'll go from there."
-Â Ron Rivera via FOX Sports
That's all well and good, but having each defensive lineman in the $20-25 million per season range is not a recipe for solid roster building. Therefore, it might be a straight fight between Young and Sweat for a bumper new deal in 2024.