Intentionally or unintentionally, the Washington Commanders instantly put Chase Young at the forefront of NFL trade rumors when they declined the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Many were surprised by the Commanders’ decision to put the No. 2 selection of the 2020 NFL Draft in a contract year. If Young stays healthy and produces in 2023, the Commanders will surely regret not picking up the fifth-year option.
But what if the Commanders decide to shop Young before Week 1? There certainly wouldn’t be a shortage of interest in the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports proposed seven landing spots for the Ohio State product. One club on Benjamin’s list? The Indianapolis Colts, who are looking to end a three-year playoff drought here in 2023:
“Between DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Kwity Paye, they’re not hurting for talent in the trenches. But their leading pass rusher from a year ago, Yannick Ngakoue, will be gone, leaving a slew of reserves to pick up the slack. Under new coach Shane Steichen, they seem to be taking a longer-term approach, at least according to their QB activity, and Young is early enough in his career that he could still be more of a down-the-road project.”
Indeed, the front seven isn’t exactly an area of weakness for the Colts. But adding Young to a defensive line led by DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye would unquestionably improve this team’s chances of making the playoffs in 2023.
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Young propelled Washington to a surprise NFC East division crown in 2020 by tallying 7.5 sacks, four pass defenses and as many forced fumbles in his rookie year. Unfortunately, a season-ending ACL tear in the midst of his sophomore campaign limited Young to just 12 total games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Whether it’s in Washington or somewhere else in 2023, a healthy Young should make quite the difference. And that of course would set him up for a hefty payday in 2024.
