Commanders Decline Chase Young’s Fifth-Year Option

Former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young received some negative news Wednesday when the Washington Commanders declined his fifth-year option ahead of the 2023 season, per reports.

Following a selection as the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young posted a dominant rookie campaign, gathering 44 tackles with 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, forcing four fumbles and breaking up four passes en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and making the pro bowl.

The past two seasons, however, Young has had significant injury struggles. He tore the ACL in his right knee during the Commanders’ Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, ending his year after nine games. He played just three contests in 2022, not coming off the injured list until late December.

Young remains under contract for one more season in Washington, but will have to seek an extension or test the waters of free agency to further his career in the NFL. A re-emergence in 2023 could still see him ink a large second contract.

Prior to his NFL career Young posted arguably the best season from a defensive end in Ohio State history, collecting a school-record 16.5 sacks and earning an invitation to New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy due to his dominant play. 

He is the only defensive end in the history of college football to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Young is expected to return fully healthy in 2023, so if he can find his rookie year production once again and maintain that health, he’ll have a good shot at setting his career back on track.