Chase Young's Resurgence Ignites Trade Rumors Amidst Washington Commanders' Struggles
ICARO Media Group
In a stunning turn of events, Chase Young, the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has regained his dominant form following a tumultuous period of injuries and uncertainty. With his outstanding performance this season, trade rumors have begun to swirl, as Young looks to find a new home and revitalize his career.
Young's journey has been anything but smooth since his standout rookie season in 2020. A torn ACL cut short his 2021 campaign, and it wasn't until the final three games of the 2022 season that he made his much-awaited return. The Washington Commanders ultimately decided to decline the fifth-year option on their former second overall draft pick, setting the stage for Young to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
However, the 24-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. With 31 quarterback pressures thus far, Young ranks fifth in the NFL and is second only to Raiders Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby in pressures per game, with an impressive average of 6.2. This resurgence has sparked interest from several teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.
The Commanders' struggles have only added fuel to the trade rumors surrounding Young. Prior to their recent 24-16 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, Washington endured a stretch during which they allowed 33 or more points in each of their previous four games. Their leaky secondary is a major concern, as they rank sixth in the league for passing yards allowed per game, surrendering an average of 248.2 yards through the air. Emmanuel Forbes, the Commanders' 2023 first-round pick and cornerback, has particularly struggled to adapt to the demands of the NFL, further exacerbating their defensive woes.
On the offensive side, quarterback Sam Howell has faced immense pressure, having already taken a staggering 34 sacks in just six games. This places him third in terms of most sacks absorbed by a team's quarterback in the Super Bowl era since 1966. Despite facing one of the lowest blitz rates in the league at 24.2%, Howell has struggled to stay upright, highlighting the need for a stronger defensive presence to support the struggling offense.
As the rumors intensify, it is clear that Chase Young possesses the potential to transform the defense of any contenders in the league. His return to peak performance has caught the attention of teams looking to enhance their chances of success. With Young's ability to generate consistent pressure and disrupt opposing offenses, he could be the missing piece in a team's pursuit of championships.
The future remains uncertain for Chase Young and the Washington Commanders. Will they explore potential trade opportunities to maximize the value of their asset, or will they hold onto the talented pass rusher in hope of returning to their former glory? Only time will tell as Young's resurgence continues to captivate the NFL community and ignite trade discussions across the league.