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The Washington Commanders reported to Ashburn for the next phase of the offseason program Tuesday: Offseason training activity, aka OTAs.
All but three players were present for Washington: Defensive ends Chase Young, Montez Sweat and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. all missed Tuesday.
It’s important to know; these are all voluntary, and some of the absences may have been cleared with head coach Ron Rivera beforehand. Rivera will speak to the media this week.
First day of voluntary OTA workouts for the Commanders. All but 3 attended: Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno, Jr. Per source. Again: voluntary.
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 23, 2023
This is news because Young missed OTAs in 2021 and went on to struggle that season before a devastating knee injury ended his season in Week 10. The 2020 NFL defensive rookie of the year has just 1.5 sacks over the past two seasons in a combined 12 games played. Young returned from the knee injury in Week 16. While he looked like his explosive former self, Young did not record a sack.
Young and Sweat are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. Sweat has 29 career sacks in 59 games and is playing on his rookie fifth-year option in 2023. Sweat had a solid season in 2022, recording eight sacks.
Young had his fifth-year option for 2024 declined ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. With a new owner coming, Young and Sweat are likely competing for a new contract with Washington. The Commanders have already extended defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne and will likely choose one of either Young and Sweat after the 2023 season.
The Commanders drafted two EDGE players on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft.