The Washington Commanders made a surprising decision to decline a fifth-year option on defensive end Chase Young’s rookie contract. By making this move, the Commanders are setting up Young to hit free agency after the 2023 NFL season.
Young was the Commanders’ second overall pick in 2020 and a Pro Bowler in his rookie year. Since then, however, the Ohio State product only played 12 games while struggling with injuries and inconsistency.
By declining Young’s fifth-year option, the Commanders will avoid paying him the $17.4 million guaranteed salary he is due in the final year of his rookie deal. It also gives the team more flexibility in the future.
If Young bounces back in 2023, Washington can always attempt to sign him on a new extension or use a franchise tag to keep him on the team. In case he underwhelms again, they can move one without any costs.
Chase Young was considered the best player in the 2020 class, and it sure seemed that way in his first year as a pro. Young finished the season with 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks while also adding four passes deflections, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and received Pro Bowl honors in the process.
Young struggled to keep playing on a high level in his sophomore year, recording just 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the first 10 games before going down with an ACL injury. He only returned to action in Week 16 of the 2022 season, having five tackles in three games.
