As it turns out, the Washington Commanders will not wait until May 2 to pick up or decline defensive end Chase Young’s fifth-year option.
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, the Commanders will not exercise the fifth-year option, meaning Young will be a free agent after the upcoming 2023 season.
The Commanders are not going to exercise DE Chase Young’s fifth-year option, per sources.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 26, 2023
Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, was believed to be a “generational” or can’t-miss prospect, but things haven’t gone as anticipated.
After winning the 2020 NFL defensive rookie of the year award, Young had only 1.5 sacks through nine games in 2021 before injuring his knee, ending his season.
Young’s knee injury was more serious than just an ACL injury. Therefore, he would miss the majority of the 2022 season, not returning until Week 16 at San Francisco.
In three NFL seasons, Young has nine sacks and six forced fumbles in 27 career games.
Young’s fifth-year option would’ve counted over $17 million against the 2024 salary cap and was fully guaranteed even if Young was injured.
