The last two years for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young has been a wash because of injuries. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft suffered a gruesome knee injury during the 2021 season that cost him eight games that season and all but three in 2022.
The uncertainty with his health going forward was a big reason that the Commanders opted to decline the fifth-year option on Chase Young’s contract. He showcased just how dominant he can be as a pass rusher, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and recording elite grades. But, things have been shaky, to say the least, after that.
After recording 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits as a rookie, Chase Young has 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and four quarterback hits in 12 games. It is hard to justify guaranteeing him an expensive contract for the 2024 season and his future in Washington is up in the air.