An enormous NFL contract extension is sought by a former Ohio State standout.

In the world of professional sports, contract negotiations and extensions are often as much a part of the game as the play itself. For players, especially those with elite talent, securing a lucrative contract extension can significantly impact their career, finances, and legacy. One former Ohio State standout, whose remarkable skills have propelled him to the upper echelons of the National Football League (NFL), is currently seeking an enormous contract extension that could change the trajectory of his career and further solidify his place among the NFL’s elite.

The player in question is none other than Chase Young, a defensive force and one of the most highly anticipated young talents to emerge from Ohio State in recent years. Having shown incredible promise and talent since his days with the Buckeyes, Young has already made a name for himself in the NFL as a dominant edge rusher. His quest for a massive contract extension comes at a pivotal point in his career, with the young star looking to cash in on his potential after proving himself as one of the league’s most formidable defensive players.

In this article, we will explore the factors driving Chase Young’s pursuit of an enormous NFL contract extension, examining his career, impact on the NFL, and the intricacies of the contract negotiations that could make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

Chase Young’s Journey to the NFL

Before delving into his contract situation, it’s important to understand the journey that led Chase Young to this point in his career.

Born in 1999, Chase Young was a standout athlete from a young age. His talent in football was undeniable, and he quickly gained attention as one of the top high school recruits in the country. Choosing to attend Ohio State University, Young was immediately thrust into the spotlight, playing for a program that had produced some of the most dominant defensive players in college football history.

At Ohio State, Young’s career took off in spectacular fashion. Playing under legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Young developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. In his sophomore season (2018), Young posted 10.5 sacks, and by his junior season, he had elevated his game to a whole new level. In 2019, he recorded a remarkable 16.5 sacks, which helped earn him the prestigious title of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Young’s dominance on the field earned him widespread recognition, and after three seasons at Ohio State, he declared for the NFL Draft. His immense potential was clear to NFL scouts, and in the 2020 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders) with the second overall pick. Young’s combination of speed, power, and technique made him an immediate threat in the NFL.

Immediate Impact in the NFL

From the moment Chase Young stepped onto the field in the NFL, it was clear that he was a player destined for greatness. In his rookie season with Washington, Young quickly established himself as one of the most impactful defensive players in the league. He finished the season with 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles, earning the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Young’s impact went beyond just the numbers; his presence on the field was felt in every game. As a pass rusher, he was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to disrupt the offensive line made him a key player in Washington’s defensive scheme. In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Young showed an impressive ability to read offenses, defend the run, and contribute in every aspect of the game.

Even as a rookie, Young proved that he was capable of making an immediate difference on a team. His leadership qualities, work ethic, and talent stood out, and his impact helped Washington reach the playoffs, making him one of the key building blocks of the team’s future.

Injury Setback and Return to Form

Unfortunately, like many players in the NFL, Chase Young’s career was not without its challenges. During the 2021 season, Young suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, which required surgery and forced him to miss the majority of the season. The injury was a significant setback for Young, both personally and professionally, as he was on the cusp of becoming a perennial Pro Bowl talent.

Despite this injury, Young’s work ethic and determination shone through. He dedicated himself to his recovery, working tirelessly to get back on the field. His rehabilitation was closely monitored, and Young made significant progress, returning to the field in time for the 2022 season. While he didn’t quite return to his full 2020 form immediately, Young showed glimpses of his old self, posting 9.5 sacks and contributing significantly to Washington’s defense.

The 2022 season was a key turning point in Young’s career. It demonstrated his ability to recover from a serious injury and still perform at a high level. With his health restored, Young is now poised to enter the next phase of his NFL journey—and this includes negotiating a massive contract extension that will secure his future in the league for years to come.

Chase Young’s Contract Situation

As one of the NFL’s most promising and explosive defensive players, Chase Young is in a position to command a record-breaking contract extension. His rookie contract, which was signed in 2020, is set to expire after the 2023 season. As a first-round pick, Young’s deal included a four-year contract worth approximately $34.56 million, including a signing bonus of $22.69 million.

With his rookie deal nearing its conclusion, Young and his representatives are looking to negotiate an extension that reflects his value as one of the best young defensive players in the NFL. Given his elite talent, ability to change the game, and the impact he has had on Washington’s defense, Young is expected to demand a deal that could make him one of the highest-paid players at his position.

The negotiations surrounding Young’s extension are expected to be influenced by a number of factors, including the current market for pass rushers, Young’s performance on the field, and Washington’s salary cap situation.

Market Trends for Elite Pass Rushers

Pass rushers are among the highest-paid players in the NFL, and the market for elite edge rushers continues to grow. In recent years, players like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Aaron Donald have signed massive contract extensions, setting a high bar for players like Young.

T.J. Watt, for example, signed a four-year, $112 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, making him the highest-paid defensive player at the time. His deal included $80 million in guaranteed money, which set a new precedent for top-tier edge rushers. Similarly, Myles Garrett, who signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, became one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

With these deals as a benchmark, Young’s contract extension is likely to land somewhere in the range of $100 million or more, with a substantial portion of that total coming in the form of guaranteed money. His representatives will likely seek a deal that reflects not only his potential but also his immediate impact on Washington’s defense. Given that Young is still relatively young and has the potential to improve further, Washington will likely need to offer him a long-term deal that secures his place as a franchise cornerstone.

Chase Young’s Value to the Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders understand the value that Chase Young brings to their team. As the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young was expected to be the face of the franchise’s defense for years to come. His combination of athleticism, explosiveness, and football IQ has made him a key player in Washington’s defensive scheme.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Young has also emerged as a leader in the locker room. His work ethic, commitment to improving, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset to the Commanders’ future. If Washington hopes to build a Super Bowl-contending defense in the coming years, securing Young with a long-term contract extension is crucial.

Given the importance of the edge rusher position and Young’s proven ability to change games, it’s clear that retaining him is a top priority for Washington’s front office. While the negotiations may be complex and could involve significant discussions regarding salary cap management, Washington will likely do whatever it takes to keep Young on the roster for the foreseeable future.

Chase Young’s Legacy and Future in the NFL

Chase Young is already viewed as one of the most talented and disruptive defensive players in the NFL, and his future looks incredibly bright. Despite the setback of his ACL injury, Young has demonstrated resilience, determination, and the ability to return to elite form. His combination of physical tools and football intelligence gives him the potential to become one of the most dominant edge rushers in NFL history.

As Young seeks an enormous contract extension, the upcoming deal will not only reflect his value to the Washington Commanders but also cement his legacy as one of the most influential defensive players of his generation. With his drive, talent, and leadership qualities, Young is primed for continued success, and his next contract will be a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and undeniable impact on the game.