Chase Young addresses his health, emotions on Commanders not picking up fifth-year option

The Washington Commanders made the tough decision this offseason not to take up the option on former first-round draft pick Chase Young‘s fifth year. The 2020 No. 2 overall draft pick could become a free agent for the first time in his NFL career next season, but a lot could happen between now and then.

Coming off of an ACL tear, Young played in three games for the Commanders last season. He totaled five tackles. His rookie season was his most productive – and healthiest – as he racked up 44 tackles with 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Young opened up about his return from injury and the fact that the Commanders did not exercise his fifth-year option at practice this week.

“Not disappointing at all,” Young said Tuesday, via ESPN. “I’m ready to go.”

The former Ohio State star told reporters he’s feeling “pretty explosive” and the coaches have noticed.

“Night and day,” Young said of his health compared to last year. “Night and day. … My confidence, my strength. Everything.”

Young originally signed a four-year deal with Washington worth $34.5 million. After making one Pro Bowl in his first three seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye was eligible for the second-highest level of benefits on his fifth-year option.

Defensive ends have the fourth-highest fifth-year option salary, behind quarterbacks, linebackers and wide receivers. The Commanders would have owed him $17.452 million for 2023. That number would have also been fully-guaranteed.

Ron Rivera motivating Young with hopes of long-term contract

The coaches clearly want to see Young reach his full potential once again before re-committing to him long-term. Head coach Ron Rivera is starting to see him loosen up and play with the new-found confidence he mentioned.

“We just want to see him pick up where he left off,” Rivera said. “He was starting to play faster and faster and just love to see him get out there and really run around and kind of cut a loose and not be tentative. And that’s probably the biggest thing for him.”

Early this offseason, Ron Rivera compared Young’s situation to that of Daron Payne‘s last offseason. The former Alabama standout had a career year for the Commanders, totaling 11.5 sacks ahead of contract discussions.

“If you look at what Daron did, why wouldn’t you think of it that way?” Rivera said. “Believe me, that would be my approach, especially looking at what Daron did and the situation he put himself in.”

Payne’s performance only increased his future price tag. The Commanders landed on a four-year deal worth $90 million for the defensive line star.