Chase Young Reports as Commanders Begin Offseason Program
The Washington Commanders are one of 26 NFL teams beginning Phase One of their offseason training programs today, and defensive end Chase Young is one of the players in Ashburn to join in on the voluntary sessions.
That's because the Commanders have a big decision to make before the closing of business on May 2 about whether or not they'll be exercising Young's fifth-year option.
Earlier this offseason coach Ron Rivera emphasized the ability to see Young in person, get a check-up regarding his health and continued recovery from a torn ACL and two subsequent knee surgeries, and get a feel for where he is in that process.
Last year, the team waited until the day prior to Round 1 of the NFL Draft to officially announce it was picking up defensive end Montez Sweat's fifth-year option, so Young's arrival today isn't necessarily a sign the decision could be made in the same 24-hour window necessarily.
Beyond Young, however, this period will be a critical launching point for Washington as it moves into a third-straight season with a new starting quarterback under Rivera.
Either Sam Howell, who is in his second NFL season, or Jacoby Brissett in his eighth will be the next starting quarterback for the Commanders.
Regardless of who wins that job, they'll help usher in a new offensive identity under assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy departed the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs to join Washington's staff under Rivera.
After spending 10 years under Chiefs coach Andy Reid, going to three Super Bowls while winning two, and coordinating one of the most prolific offenses in modern NFL times, many are expecting Bieniemy to turn the Commanders' 24th-ranked scoring offense into a more formidable unit.
That process begins today and marks the beginning of forming what will become Washington football in 2023.
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