After coming into the NFL with high expectations, it feels like Washington Commanders EDGE Chase Young could be on the verge of quitting the Commanders. In April, the Commander declined to take up a fifth year option for the defensive midfielder, and he will become a free agent later this year. However, we have seen players excel in contract years, incorporating a very high level of play towards new contracts.
On Tuesday, DC Commander Jack Del Rio was asked about Young and playing without a fifth year option, and what he had to say was quite interesting. Through The Commander beats reporter Matthew Paras for the Washington Times:
“This is a production business,” said Del Rio. “For Chase, who’s had a bad injury coming back late last year, not quite himself, so hopefully he can find a mindset where he can really let it go and give his best.”
“Most men get annoyed about it. Have a slight edge over them. And that’s not a bad thing. You know it’s just reality. The team made a big investment and are already doing some stuff, so yeah, go out and get that. As did Daron (Payne). Daron provides a blueprint for how to handle the situation. I think he handled himself beautifully. I think he went there and played great football. And he has a good contract.”
Chase Young’s career in DC was a disappointment, but in some cases you could tell it was due to things that were out of his control. Young hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year when he won Defensive Rookie of the Year, and last season it was clear he was still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in 2021. That’s what makes this discussion of renewals so tricky. Young is often unwell, and because of this, he is not very effective. What Del Rio said about the lack of production stemming from injuries is true, and it’s the main reason why the Commanders chose not to go with the year five option on him.
Plus, the Commanders will still be paying defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne a huge amount going into 2024, and with Young’s fifth-year option approaching $18 million for that year, the Commanders can’t spend that money on a player who hasn’t finished yet. one full season in nearly two years.
It made this season the most important of Young’s career. He needs to fully recover from the ACL injury he has sustained, while also regaining the same form that helped him win the DROTY. If he could do that, he would surely be paid; by the Commander or by another team.