Following back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, the Commanders will not exercise the fifth-year option on the rookie contract of former No. 2 pick Chase Young, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
The result of the move is that Young’s rookie deal will expire following the 2023 season, which would make him a free agent unless Washington agrees to a long-term deal to keep the defensive end.
Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, stood out tremendously in his first NFL season, racking up 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles after landing in the nation’s capital following an illustrious stint at Ohio State. However, since his rookie season, the 24-year-old has experienced a few setbacks that have seemingly changed the trajectory of his budding professional career.
