Commanders' Ron Rivera Hopes Chase Young Will Have Daron Payne-Type Season
The Washington Commanders are rolling the dice by declining defensive end Chase Young's fifth-year option.
The decision came shortly before the NFL Draft and will make Young a free agent following the 2023 season. Head coach Ron Rivera explained the team's rationale behind the decision.
“Well, just for the most part it was the football decision that we made," Rivera said. "And for the most part, it's one of those things that we want to take care of our own. We want to go out and we want 'em to play well. And if that's what happens, then we have a really good problem to have and it's something that we'll have to work through once we know where everything is.”
It marks the second time in three years that the Commanders neglected to sign their big defensive lineman to an extension when the team could have. Washington could have signed Daron Payne to a long-term deal shortly after exercising his fifth-year option for the 2022 season.
However, Payne played on an expiring deal and had his best season in the NFL to date. He recorded 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks, both career-highs in 2022. The team chose to place the franchise tag on Payne before signing him to a four-year, $90 million extension.
By declining Young's option, there's a chance the same could happen for Washington. If Young plays well this season, he could receive the Commanders' franchise tag, which could then open the door for the former No. 2 overall pick to sign his second big NFL contract.
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