According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Michael Phillips, the Washington Commanders are considering not picking up Chase Young’s 5th-year option on his rookie contract as a way to motivate him to perform in 2023.
Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters on Wednesday that the organization has not yet come to a consensus on whether or not to exercise Young’s fifth-year option.
The Commanders selected Chase Young as the number 2 overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft. He had 7.5 sacks and earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season.
The following year, Young only had 1.5 sacks through the first 9 games of the season before he tore is ACL. This year, he only played 3 games after recovering from the injury.
By not picking up the option, the Commanders are giving up the chance to have Young at a reasonable price for the extra year and would be forcing themselves into either a long-term extension a year early or using the franchise tag on him if he plays well.
This is a very risky move that could prove to be more expensive than exercising the option and hoping he gets back on track next season.
Commanders DE Chase Young. Photo courtsey of Forbes
