NFL teams have until May 2 to decide whether or not they will pick up the fifth-year option on rookie first-round picks from the 2020 NFL draft. Even those some decisions are obvious one way or another, most teams wait until close to the deadline to officially announce their decision.
The Washington Commanders have an interesting decision on their hands. Defensive end Chase Young was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2020. However, since 2020, Young has only 1.5 sacks. Part of Young’s lack of production is due to the severe knee injury he suffered in Nov. 2021. It cost Young eight games in 2021 and 14 games in 2022.
But, before Young’s knee was injured against Tampa Bay, he had only 1.5 sacks through nine games. This came the same year that Young upset some Washington brass by choosing to skip part of the team’s voluntary offseason program. Remember, Young had been named a captain during his rookie season.
What will the Commanders do?
Head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew met with the media for their pre-draft press conference and Rivera was asked about Young’s fifth-year option:
“No, we will wait until May 2,” Rivera answered.
Ben Standig of The Athletic followed up: “To make a decision or to announce something?”
“Well, that’s what we got,” Rivera responded. “We have until May 2.”
Asked if the team has a decision on Chase Young’s 5th year option Ron Rivera says “we will wait until May 2nd.” pic.twitter.com/7Is7IuMDZX
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 20, 2023
With the 2023 NFL draft taking place next week, a defensive end or edge rusher early in the draft can’t be ruled out. That’s not necessarily to replace Young, but whether or not Washington picks up his fifth-year option, Montez Sweat is scheduled to be a free agent next offseason.
In addition, Washington’s reserve defensive ends [James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill & Efe Obada] are all free agents after the 2023 season.
Young reported to Ashburn with his teammates earlier this week for the start of the voluntary offseason program.
