Commanders' Chase Young: Most to Prove in NFL?

Chase Young needs a big year for the Washington Commanders to show that his value is enough for the franchise to keep holding on.

The Washington Commanders offseason has been filled with positive stories surrounding Eric Bieniemy's hiring and the constructive quarterback battle between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett.

But what about the dark cloud surrounding Chase Young and his future with the franchise? 

The controversy may be the biggest Commanders' storyline this offseason (outside of the impending sale of the team), and it landed Young on LWOS's list of five players who have the most to prove in 2023.

"Remember when Chase Young was one of the best pass-rushing prospects to ever enter the NFL? Following an impressive rookie season, injuries and underwhelming play have limited Young to just 1.5 sacks and 12 games over the past two seasons," LWOS writes.

And, look, there's validity to this point: Young has been quite underwhelming for a guy who was drafted 2nd overall in 2020. It's certainly fair to blame his lack of production on injuries, but that doesn't replace that there's still been a lack of production. 

"Washington recently declined his fifth-year option, meaning that Young will be a free agent after the season," LWOS writes. "If he finally plays up to his potential, he could earn a massive payday and make the Commanders look like fools for letting a player of his talent leave the building," 

If Young struggles to the point that Washington officially wants to part ways at the end of the season, he could go down as one of the franchise's biggest draft busts ever. 

That may sound dramatic, but to go from the No. 2 pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year to being disregarded by your organization before the age of 25 is bad. 

The pressure is on. Young needs to prove his worth in 2023, or he'll be looking for a new home.

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