Commanders News: Sale optimism, schedule, Chase Young and Quan Martin

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the team's fanbase found out what their 2023 season schedule will look like last night?

With the NFL schedule release and rookie minicamp getting underway yesterday. it's starting to feel more like the 2023 campaign is on the horizon. After an offseason of ongoing drama for the Washington Commanders, this represents a refreshing change of pace and a chance to focus on the most important thing above all else - matters between the lines.

Among the stories causing debate recently include optimism surrounding the Commanders' pending sale agreement despite some concerns, Ron Rivera hoping for a problem with Chase Young, Washington's schedule and their on-point video announcement, and Quan Martin's status.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Story No. 1

Quan Martin excused from Commanders' rookie minicamp

While there was a sense of excitement regarding Quan Martin heading into the Washington Commanders' rookie minicamp, the versatile defensive back won't be in attendance. According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, the team excused their second-round pick from activities as he deals with a family issue, which is far more important in the grand scheme of things.

"Ron Rivera excused second-round rookie Quan Martin from Commanders rookie minicamp. He's dealing with a personal family matter this weekend and will rejoin the team next week for Phase 2."

Nicki Jhabvala via Twitter

Martin will have to pick things up quickly upon joining the Commanders for OTAs. We wish him the very best in dealing with the matter.

Commanders schedule is a mixed bag

The Washington Commanders and its passionate fanbase found out their fate when the 2023 regular-season schedule was officially released on Thursday evening. This was a chance for supporters to buy tickets, start planning trips, and see which games were worthy enough for primetime exposure.

It appears to be a mixed bag for the Commanders looking at the bigger picture. They have to get off to a good start with some winnable games early, but things get far tougher down the stretch as Ron Rivera looks to cement his long-term future as head coach.

For those living under a rock, here is the Commanders' schedule for the 2023 season:

• Week 1: vs. Cardinals
• Week 2: at Broncos
• Week 3: vs. Bills
• Week 4: at Eagles
• Week 5: vs. Bears
• Week 6: at Falcons
• Week 7: at NY Giants
• Week 8: vs. Eagles
• Week 9: at Patriots
• Week 10: at Seahawks
• Week 11: vs. NY Giants
• Week 12: at Cowboys
• Week 13: vs. Dolphins
• Week 14: BYE
• Week 15: at LA Rams
• Week 16: at NY Jets
• Week 17: vs. 49ers
• Week 18: vs. Cowboys

The release also represents an opportunity for social media teams, marketing personnel, and digital producers to shine. In the Commanders' case, their video contribution came with a topical theme and went down extremely well with fans and analysts alike.

Washington has a lot on the line next season. If Josh Harris' ownership group gets the green light to buy the franchise from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion despite some hurdles to overcome, the pressure will increase exponentially as a result.

Nobody is more aware of this than Rivera, one suspects. But he's been all business up to now and this is likely to continue.

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."

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.

Optimism remains for Commanders sale

After concerns arose surrounding the Washington Commanders being sold to an ownership group led by Josh Harris emerged via The Washington Post, fans were nervously awaiting further developments. While there are some significant hurdles remaining, a recent report from A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports should be a reason for optimism.

The reporter - whose been a leading figure in terms of breaking developments when Dan Snyder's reign became untenable - stated via sources that the Harris group is expected to take charge in June, which must be approved by three-quarters of other NFL owners once it clears the finance committee.

"Multiple sources told FOS that Harris is expected to take over control of the team in early June. That would mean a vote would have to occur in Minnesota at the main owners’ meetings that run May 22-24. “Seems like things are moving forward with Harris,” one source with knowledge of negotiations told FOS."

A.J. Perez, Front Office Sports

Among the complications reported earlier this week included the number of partners Harris has assembled and whether he has the equity to become the principal owner. There were only slight problems with the initial documentation sent over to the league, so hopefully this can all work out in a satisfactory manner.

For fans, they cannot wait to begin their new era without Snyder and are getting impatient. But given how things have unfolded to date, expect a few more twists and turns before everything gets confirmed.