Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Chase Young and Nick Gates

Commanders DE Chase Young in a "bad spot"

Speculation continues to gather pace around the league as the 2023 trade deadline draws closer. It's nothing more than that where the Washington Commanders are concerned right now, although those in the national media seem to be centering rumors associated with the franchise on defensive end Chase Young.

The former No. 2 overall selection looks healthy and back to his old self through six weeks. Young is out of contract next spring after the Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option, which is leading many to speculate whether Washington might move him on to get some draft resources back in return.

This was a topic brought up by Garrett Podell from CBS Sports, who stated that Young's high-level production this season could make a huge difference for any contender looking to get over the hump. The writer even went as far as to say the Ohio State product is in a bad spot.

"Chase Young earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 after leading his rookie class in sacks with 7.5, but his career has been rocky since then. Another year removed from the injury, and the 24-year-old Young has returned to form. His 31 quarterback pressures this season are the fifth-most in the NFL and his 6.2 pressures per game rank as the second-most in the league trailing only Raiders Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby (6.3 pressures per game). However, a trade would do him wonders as it would get him out of a bad situation. Prior to the Commanders' 24-16 win at the Atlanta Falcons, Washington had allowed 33 or more points in each of their previous four games. Young is in a bad spot, but he could lift a contender's defense to new heights if given the opportunity."

- Garrett Podell, CBS Sports

This sort of chatter will be unrelenting over the next fortnight. But if the Commanders win their next two games versus divisional opponents, the chances of moving any established star are remote.