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Earlier today, the Commanders traded their former 2020 2nd overall pick, defensive end Chase Young, to the 49ers just before the deadline.
Now, as sometimes occurs in such situations, we hear from “team sources” about all the wrong things the player did. The former team wants to save face regarding why things didn’t work out with him there, in an attempt to explain why they got traded for a 3rd round pick after they used such a high pick on him a few years ago.
It’s a familiar pattern; once a trade happens, suddenly there are whispers about what the player is like behind the scenes.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver, Young’s time in Washington was plagued by issues. Despite his impressive start in 2020, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year with 7.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits, he struggled with injuries in 2021 and 2022. However, this season seemed to be a rebound for him, boasting 5 sacks in 7 games before the trade.
The story shares the following: “Young, according to several Washington coaches and other organizational sources, was viewed as an undisciplined player who developed bad habits such as deviating from assignments in an effort to make splash plays. His off-the-field priorities and commitment to his craft were often questioned, and he was viewed internally as a player who plateaued as a rookie.”
Looking ahead, Young’s financial future hangs on how he plays the rest of the season. With his pending free agency at the end of the season, he now finds himself under some pressure in San Francisco in order to land lucrative contract in free agency.
#Commanders DE Chase Young has 2 sacks in the first half! 😤
Can Washington’s offense wake up? #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Cq6gNgqblE
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 22, 2023
The good news for Young is that the 49ers already boast an elite pass-rusher in Nick Bosa, which should make it easier for Young to succeed.