Commanders DE Chase Young tipped to enter free agency
After a superb return for Chase Young in Week 2, the defensive end was less effective against the Buffalo Bills last time out. He wasn't alone, with the Washington Commanders' defensive front failing to provide the pressure needed to make like difficult for quarterback Josh Allen, who toasted the home team from start to finish.
Young came through his second straight contest unscathed, which is a positive. But his future beyond the current campaign remains up in the air with the Ohio State product and Montez Sweat both seeking bumper new contract extensions in 2024.
When talking about the player's future, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network stated via Sportsnaut that he expects Sweat to get the money and for Young to enter free agency next spring the way things stand right now.
"As for Chase Young, my guess would be the Commanders sign Montez Sweat to a long-term deal, and the second pick in the 2020 draft becomes a ’24 free agent. That’s not because I think Young can’t play. He has bounced back from the knee injury he suffered two years ago, regained his explosiveness and played really well so far. My reasoning in Young hitting the market? The team already has two big contracts tied to the defensive line (Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen), and will probably have to make a decision between Sweat and Young—and I’d guess Sweat would be easier to sign."Ian Rapoport via Sportsnaut
Much will depend on how much the salary cap goes up and whether quarterback Sam Howell does enough to build around a fifth-round rookie contract. But the general consensus seems to be it'll end up becoming a choice between Young and Sweat considering the money Washington's invested in their defensive tackle tandem.