We’ve already seen a surprising decision when it comes to the fifth-year option for players drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft class. Some of the NFL‘s biggest stars came from that class, and the most talented players rarely see their options declined.
The Washington Commanders declined Chase Young’s 2024 option almost one week prior to the deadline. Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, missed almost the entire 2022 season after suffering a torn ACL in the previous season.
With Washington set to decide who to pay between Young and Montez Sweat next offseason, the team may trade either and recoup some value sooner than later. We dive into Young’s landing spots below.
Chase Young’s Landing Spots
The Commanders’ decision to decline Young’s option wasn’t only about talent. Head coach Ron Rivera has often referred to the pending decision as a health-related one, saying the front office would consider what to do after talking “to the doctors, talk to the trainers, strength and medical” team. With Young playing in only 12 games over the last two seasons, it’s fair to say the team is concerned about his long-term outlook.
MORE: FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
However, these teams should still be willing to bet on the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year bouncing back before cashing in on a new deal. Young was a freak athlete with excellent pass-rush skill and instinct before injuries zapped his availability. We can venture to guess that the price would be at least a second-round pick.
New York Giants
It took until Week 14 for the New York Giants to have their full array of pass rushers, as each of their starting linemen missed between one and 10 games in 2022. The unit was struggling so much to finish sacks that when Azeez Ojulari came back from a calf strain, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale called his return a “Hallmark” moment. Entering December, New York had only 1.8 sacks per game.
The Commanders may not want to help their divisional rival by giving them a potential franchise pass rusher, but the Giants are positioned to make such a deal. New York has the fourth-most cap space in the NFL next offseason and are several years away from paying Kayvon Thibodeaux and Ojulari.
Martindale’s experience using varied fronts can take advantage of the depth they’d boast with Young added. Ojulari, who is more of a complementary piece than a star, would likely benefit from a smaller workload in a rotation.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans check all of the boxes to go make a deal for Young. They have a low-pressure situation with a rebuilding roster and a relatively calm fanbase. They’re tied for the most draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and are slated to have the most cap space next year.
MORE: Houston Texans Top Needs and Targets
Giving up some draft capital to roll the dice on Young could pay off massively. Along with anyone added in the 2023 class, Young can be part of DeMeco Ryans’ new defense. Considering the unit is in line to feature cast-offs like Chase Winovich, Derek Rivers, and veteran Jerry Hughes (who is good but turning 35 this summer), Young would be a massive addition.
Tennessee Titans
We’ve seen the Titans try to beef up their pass rush throughout the last few years, hitting on Harold Landry III and signing Bud Dupree in 2021. Dupree couldn’t stay healthy and was a bust, and this past offseason, the team inked former 49ers rusher Arden Key. However, Key’s presence isn’t enough to stop the Titans from further pursuing an upgrade.
Armed with the fifth-most cap space in 2024 and a desperate need to improve a roster that’s weirdly built to compete but also lacking high-end talent, Tennessee can afford to move a significant asset for a cornerstone talent. Young’s health is a risk but banking on Key, who ranked 64th in QB pressures and 106th in run stuffs last year, isn’t a viable answer for a team wanting to reach the playoffs.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have thrown a significant amount of assets into their defensive line, hitting a home run with Aidan Hutchinson last year. However, veterans Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara were mediocre, and 2022 second-rounder Josh Paschal hasn’t found his stride yet. For a team that ranked 28th in points allowed last year, taking a flier on Young is a no-brainer.
Young perfectly fits Detroit’s 4-3 front and would have a player’s friendly staff that might appeal to him more. Considering Young ranked seventh in the NFL in 2020 in run stuffs and 17th in 2021, Young can be more than just a sack artist for Detroit’s 29th-ranked run defense. If it works out, Detroit has over $87 million in cap space to use on retaining Young next offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s scary to think, but the Super Bowl champions can get even better. The Chiefs are slated to have over $70 million in cap space next offseason and have a need for a pass rusher after releasing Frank Clark. Adding Charles Omenihu was a sharp move, but Young can be a star across from George Karlaftis.
Considering the strength of the Chiefs’ roster, it makes more sense for Kansas City to consolidate picks and add a veteran over adding a depth player who is unlikely to ever contribute in a meaningful way. Especially as the AFC is loaded with quarterbacks, Young can be a foundational piece for the Chiefs.