Commanders BREAKING: Chase Young Fifth-Year Option Declined
The Washington Commanders are making a big decision in regards to the future of Chase Young.
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, the Commanders will not exercise Young's fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the season.
While there were reasons to keep Young under contract for another year, there were equally as many as to why they shouldn't.
Sure, keeping Young under contract through the 2024 season would have given the team flexibility when deciding his future, but making him test free agency next offseason gives the rest of the roster flexibility.
Young's fifth-year option would have been worth just over $17 million, a pricey figure that made the decision difficult.
Given Young's injury history over the past two seasons, the money is certainly a risk for the Commanders. However, declining the fifth-year option gives Young an opportunity to prove himself and make money as one of next year's potential key free agents.
If he plays more like the rookie version of himself, Young will make similar money in free agency next spring. The Commanders could even use the franchise tag on him, which is worth around $19 million this season, as they work towards a long-term deal with him similar to how Washington handled Daron Payne's contract.
Declining his option also benefits the Commanders if Young isn't able to return to his 2020 form.
If Young disappoints in 2023, the Commanders can let him walk and move on.
However, Washington hopes that Young can be a big part of its pass rush in 2023, and declining his option for 2024 doesn't prevent that from happening.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.
Follow Commander Country on Twitter.
Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the Si.com team page here.
