The clock is ticking on Chase Young's time in the nation's capital.
According to a report from Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, the Washington Commanders have declined Young's fifth-year contract option, a deal that started in 2020 when the franchise selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. Barring a new deal with the Commanders this fall, Young will become a free agent in March.
The Commanders are not going to exercise DE Chase Youngs fifth-year option, per sources.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 26, 2023
The Commanders' decision to decline Young's option does not foreshadow a future split between him and the team, Jhabvala reported. However, the move indicates Washington's front office and coaching staff expect more consistent availability and better performances from the former Ohio State defensive end.
In 2020, Young was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after collecting 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a touchdown. However, his production took a hit in 2021, magnifying offseason choices – such as missing the team's voluntary spring workouts and working out with his uncle, Bernard Joseph, ahead of training camp – for their potential adverse impact on his play.
After nine games in which he had only two sacks, Young tore his ACL and ruptured his patellar tendon in Week 10 in 2021, causing him to miss the rest of the year and most of 2022. Young made three appearances for the Commanders this past season, recording five tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass deflection.
Since his professional career started, Young has made 27 appearances with 26 starts, but he has also missed 22 contests. With his health and development in question, the 6-foot-5, 246-pound edge rusher will have one guaranteed season to prove himself worthy of another contract with Washington.
