Ohio State’s Former Superstar Pass Rusher Has Signed with the Buffalo Bills
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, one of the more significant moves for a former Ohio State player has been the signing of pass rusher Chase Young by the Buffalo Bills. After a standout career at Ohio State, Young had already made a name for himself in the NFL, but the move to Buffalo represents a new chapter in his professional career. For Ohio State fans and football enthusiasts alike, Young’s arrival in Buffalo is a major story that could have lasting implications for both the Bills’ defense and Young’s legacy in the NFL.
This article delves into the background of Chase Young, his career at Ohio State, the circumstances leading to his move to the Buffalo Bills, and what the future holds for him in his new role. Additionally, we’ll explore the impact Young could have on the Bills’ defense and how this signing fits into Buffalo’s plans as they aim to compete for a Super Bowl.
Chase Young: From Ohio State Superstar to NFL Phenomenon
Chase Young’s rise to prominence as a pass rusher can be traced back to his time at Ohio State, where he was a dominant force on the defensive line. Born in 1999 in Washington, D.C., Young showed an early affinity for football and quickly became one of the top defensive prospects in the country. By the time he enrolled at Ohio State, it was clear that Young had all the physical tools and the work ethic to be one of the best in the game.
Young played for the Buckeyes from 2017 to 2019, becoming one of the most disruptive and feared defenders in college football. During his time in Columbus, Young accumulated 40.5 sacks, 43.5 tackles for loss, and earned a variety of accolades, including being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Bednarik Award winner for the best defensive player in college football in 2019.
One of the defining moments of Young’s college career came during the 2019 season when he set a school record with 16.5 sacks, making him the most dominant pass rusher in the nation. He was a key contributor to the Ohio State defense, helping the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) and earning a spot in the 2020 NFL Draft as a consensus top-five pick. His blend of size (6’5″, 264 pounds), speed, and explosive first step made him an instant star and a prime candidate for the top overall pick in the draft.
The NFL Journey: Washington Commanders and the Injury Struggles
Young was selected by the Washington Commanders with the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and his rookie season was highly anticipated. He lived up to the hype early on, impressing with his ability to rush the passer, disrupt the pocket, and create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. In his rookie season, Young recorded 7.5 sacks and showed that he could be a game-changer at the NFL level.
However, his sophomore campaign in 2021 was marred by injury. In Week 10 of that season, Young suffered a torn ACL, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year and put a significant dent in his progress as an emerging star in the league. After undergoing surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Young returned to the field in 2022, but he struggled to regain the same level of dominance that had made him such a standout in his rookie year. While he showed flashes of his former self, it was clear that the injury had affected his consistency and explosiveness.
By the time the 2023 offseason rolled around, Young was a player with a lot to prove. He had shown glimpses of his elite talent, but injuries and inconsistency had raised questions about whether he could ever fully return to his pre-injury form. The Commanders were in a rebuilding phase, and with Young entering the final year of his rookie contract, the team decided to make the difficult decision to let him go.
The Buffalo Bills: A Perfect Fit for Chase Young
When Chase Young became available, several NFL teams expressed interest in acquiring the former Ohio State standout. The Buffalo Bills, in particular, were an ideal landing spot for Young, as they had already built one of the most talented rosters in the league but were looking to add more firepower to their defense. The Bills had a top-tier offense led by quarterback Josh Allen, but they had struggled to maintain consistency on the defensive side of the ball in recent seasons. The addition of a player like Young, who could provide an immediate pass-rushing presence and complement the other pieces on Buffalo’s defense, was a move that made a lot of sense.
The Bills’ defense had some strong foundational pieces in place, such as Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker and Matt Milano in the secondary, but their pass rush needed a boost. While they had solid performers in Von Miller and Greg Rousseau, adding another dynamic edge rusher in Young was viewed as the missing piece that could elevate the team’s defense to a championship-caliber level. With Young, Buffalo now had one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the league.
From Young’s perspective, the Bills’ defense offered a perfect environment for him to rediscover his elite form. The team’s aggressive defensive scheme, combined with the talent around him, gave him the opportunity to focus on his strengths—getting after the quarterback—while also benefiting from playing alongside established veterans like Miller, who could mentor him and help him maximize his potential.
What Chase Young Brings to the Buffalo Bills
Chase Young’s move to the Buffalo Bills comes with high expectations, but the team is confident that he can return to being one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. Here are a few key aspects of what Young can bring to the Bills’ defense:
1. Explosive Pass-Rushing Ability
First and foremost, Young is an elite pass rusher. His blend of speed, strength, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. When fully healthy, Young has the ability to take over games and change the course of a drive with his ability to disrupt the quarterback. The Bills were already one of the top defensive units in terms of total sacks, but Young’s addition to the defensive line gives them another high-caliber rusher who can complement Von Miller and Greg Rousseau. With Young’s natural ability to bend around the edge and his relentless motor, he will immediately elevate the Bills’ pass rush.
2. Run Defense and Versatility
While Young is best known for his pass-rushing prowess, he is also a capable run defender. His size and strength make him effective at setting the edge, and he can shed blocks to make plays in the backfield. In a division that features powerful running backs like Damien Harris of the New England Patriots and Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins, Young’s ability to contribute in the run game will be crucial. His versatility in both pass rush and run defense gives the Bills a player who can contribute on all three downs, making him a well-rounded addition to their defensive line.
3. Mentorship and Leadership
Chase Young’s arrival in Buffalo will not only impact the field but also provide a boost in terms of leadership and mentorship. While Young is still relatively young, he has experienced both success and setbacks in his career and will bring valuable insights to the team. Playing alongside a seasoned veteran like Von Miller will allow Young to learn from one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. The combination of Miller’s experience and Young’s natural talent has the potential to be a dynamic duo that can cause havoc on opposing offenses.
4. High Motor and Effort
One of the defining traits of Young’s game is his relentless motor. Even in seasons where his body wasn’t fully healthy, Young’s effort and work ethic never wavered. His high-energy style of play and his ability to chase down quarterbacks and ball carriers will make him a fan favorite in Buffalo. His tenacity and passion for the game will also rub off on his teammates, contributing to the overall culture of hard work and accountability within the defense.
Impact on the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl Hopes
The signing of Chase Young is a clear signal that the Buffalo Bills are serious about making a Super Bowl run. While the Bills have had one of the most talented teams in the NFL for several years, they’ve often fallen short in the postseason due to various factors—often defensive inconsistency or a lack of pass rush. The addition of Young addresses one of the team’s key needs and bolsters an already formidable defense.
With the AFC continuing to be one of the most competitive conferences, the Bills will need all the firepower they can get to compete against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens. Young’s ability to contribute immediately and be a difference-maker in big games will be key to the Bills’ success in the postseason. If he can return to his pre-injury form, he could be the missing piece that propels Buffalo to a Super Bowl title.
Chase Young’s Legacy and Future
For Young, joining the Buffalo Bills represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove that he is still one of the most elite pass rushers in the NFL. The next chapter in his career will be crucial in determining his legacy. While his time with Washington was filled with ups and downs, he now has the chance to play on a Super Bowl-contending team with one of the best defensive minds in the league, Sean McDermott.
If Young can stay healthy and tap into his full potential, he could help the Bills secure their first Super Bowl title, and in doing so, solidify his place as one of the premier defenders of his generation.