Commanders Decline Former Buckeyes DE Chase Young's Fifth-Year Option

Chase Young could be one of the top free agents of the 2024 offseason.

Potentially four Ohio State prospects could hear their name called on Thursday night during the NFL draft, but they're not the only Buckeyes making headlines heading into the weekend. 

The Washington Commanders declined to pick up the fifth-year option of former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young. Young will play on the final year of his rookie contract in 2023 and become eligible for free agency next offseason. 

The decision to move off the former No. 2 pick comes as little surprise given the recent comments made by Commanders coach Ron Rivera. Young's injury history has hampered his overall production the previous two seasons, and Rivera has been noncommittal about Young's option all offseason.

Young, a breakout player in 2020, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year after registering 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 15 games. He also recorded 12 quarterback hits and was a driving force in helping Washington clinch a wild-card spot in the NFC Playoffs. 

Injuries and lack of production, however, have soured his overall status among the group of up-and-coming pass rushers. Young suffered a torn right ACL in November 2021, causing him to miss the final seven games. He also ruptured his patellar tendon, leading to further setbacks in his recovery time. 

Young returned to action in Week 15 and played the final three games of the 2022 regular season, recording five tackles, a quarterback hit and no sacks. Washington finished 8-8-1, failing to make the postseason for a second consecutive year. 

The move doesn't mean that Washington will part ways with Young following the impending season. A breakout year could lead to discussions of a contract extension heading into the offseason. If the two sides can't reach an agreement on a long-term deal, the Commanders could also place the franchise tag on Young, keeping him in the D.C. area through the 2024 campaign. 

Young is one of two defensive ends heading into a contract year. Fellow pass rusher Montez Sweat is also poised to hit free agency next offseason and could command a starting asking price of nearly $20 million annually. 

Sweat is one of four defensive linemen Washington has used a first-round pick on since 2017. Both Jonathan Allen (2017) and Da'Ron Payne (2018) have been staples of the Commanders' interior pass rush since arriving from Alabama. Payne, who was placed on the franchise tag earlier this offseason, recently inked a four-year, $90 million extension last month after leading the franchise in sacks with 11.5. 

While trade talks have swirled surrounding Young's name heading into draft weekend, the early indication is that Washington would only part ways with him for an early selection. A trade would likely have to occur between now and May 2 so another team could decide if it wants to pick up Young's fifth-year option. 

One of the premier pass-rushers in recent Ohio State memory, Young became a staple of the Buckeyes' defense during his time in Columbus. A two-year starter for Urban Meyer and later Ryan Day, Young registered 98 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss in three seasons. 

He was named a unanimous All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist after his 16.5 sack season in 2019. Young also took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, often given to the nation's top defensive player. 

The draft begins at 8 p.m. E.T. at Union Station in Kansas City. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. are projected to be first-round locks, while fellow offensive tackle Dawand Jones could also hear his name called toward the end of the round. 

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