Report: Commanders won't exercise Chase Young's 5th-year option
The Washington Commanders won't exercise defensive end Chase Young's fifth-year option for the 2024 season, reports Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Young, the second overall pick in 2020, will now play the last year of his rookie contract in 2023 and earn a base salary of $5.32 million, according to Spotrac. His 2024 option would be worth a guaranteed $17.45 million.
The Ohio State product took the NFL by storm, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2020. He racked up 44 tackles (10 for loss), 12 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 15 games as a rookie.
However, Young hasn't replicated that production in recent years, with injuries limiting him to 12 appearances over the last two seasons, including only three games in 2022.
The 24-year-old amassed 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles before suffering a torn ACL in Week 10 in 2021. Young didn't return from the injury until Week 16 of the 2022 campaign.
The Commanders selected defensive linemen in the first round for four straight drafts between 2017-20 - Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, and Young. Washington recently signed Allen and Payne to four-year extensions worth $72 million and $90 million, respectively.
The Commanders exercised Sweat's fifth-year option last year but have yet to agree to terms on a long-term deal with him.