Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Emmanuel Forbes and Chase Young

Commanders DE Chase Young's point to prove

It's been refreshing to see Chase Young back on the practice field looking sharp and with a smile on his face. The last two seasons have been extremely difficult for the promising defensive end, who didn't get his fifth-year option picked up thanks to injury and a lack of production when available to the Washington Commanders.

Young isn't wearing the huge knee brace that became part of his uniform last time around. Things are trending upward for the former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State, but that didn't stop Bill Barnwell of ESPN from naming the pass-rusher as someone with one of the biggest points to prove in 2023.

"The Commanders declined Young's fifth-year option this spring. The hope might be that the move motivates Young, but the reality is the Commanders thought the level of play Young has shown so far hasn't been worth the risk of guaranteeing him $17.5 million for 2024, even when that's a relatively modest mark for edge rushers. With former college teammate Nick Bosa set to become the highest-paid defensive end in league history on a new extension this offseason, Young needs to turn things around to get back on track, with the $24.5 million franchise tag as a target for 2024."

- Bill Barnwell, ESPN

This won't come as a surprise to anyone, least of all Young. He knows people are doubting his credentials - especially considering how he was perceived coming out of college - but the player appears highly determined to silence his critics and put the entire NFL on notice along the way.

Can Young attain these goals? It'll be difficult, but don't rule it out.