There’s a rumor going around that two AFC clubs, both in the AFC North, have interest in Washington Commanders’ star defensive end Chase Young.
The Commanders surprised many earlier this offseason when they declined the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie deal. Young suffered a torn ACL in the midst of the 2021 season, and he’s been limited to 12 total games since his superb rookie year.
At USA Today‘s Touchdown Wire, Jarrett Bailey stated there are rumors that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens may have interest in the No. 2 selection of the 2020 NFL Draft:
“There have already been murmurs about the former No. 2 overall pick being dealt. With Washington not picking up Young’s option, several teams have been rumored to be interested, including the Steelers and Ravens. However, with Pittsburgh extending Alex Highsmith, the likelihood of them going after Young is slim to none.
That leaves Baltimore, and it would fit their MO like a glove. We’ve seen the Ravens bring in veteran pass rushers and defensive linemen before — Elvis Dumervil, Yanick Ngakoue, Justin Houston, and Calais Campbell — and they have a need at the position. Of course, other teams like the Colts or even the Bears could be in on the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, but keep your eyes on Baltimore as a potential landing spot should Washington move him during the season.”
The Steelers handed Alex Highsmith a four-year extension worth $68 million last week. That keeps the dynamic pass rush trio of Highsmith, T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward together for the foreseeable future, so there isn’t exactly a need for Young at this point.
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But the Ravens could certainly use a player of Young’s caliber to fix up their pass rush. Baltimore opted not to re-sign veteran Justin Houston, who led the club with 9.5 sacks last season. Calais Campbell, who tied Justin Madubuike for second-most sacks among Ravens last season with 5.5, signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
Young won 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after tallying 7.5 sacks, four pass defenses and as many forced fumbles. His efforts helped Washington to a surprise NFC East division title.
