The Washington Commanders head into training camp in somewhat of a financial quandary after signing defensive lineman Daron Payne to a four-year, $90 million extension back in March.
Washington had already committed $72 million over four years to fellow defensive lineman Jonathan Allen in July of 2021. Meanwhile, defensive end Montez Sweat is slated to play out the final year of his rookie contract at $11.5 million after Washington picked up his fifth-year option.
Where does this leave injury-plagued former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young? After a spring of speculation surrounding his future with the Commanders, we’re hearing a bit more on this.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Commanders are open to listening to trade offers for the former Ohio State star. While a deal seems unlikely ahead of Week 1, any type of dialogue could lead to things changing in this regard.
A lot of this will depend on how general manager Martin Mayhew and the Washington Commanders view their salary cap health moving forward. Having to dole out a combined $162 million to Payne and Allen complicates things.
This seems to indicate that Washington will likely have to choose between Sweat and Chase Young over the long-term. Remember, the Commanders already declined the fifth-year option on Young rookie contract. This means that he’ll hit free agency after the 2023 season.
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Washington Commanders salary cap and Chase Young
First off, it must be noted that Sweat has outperformed Young over the past couple seasons. The former has recorded 41 quarterback hits and 13 sacks since the start of the 2021 campaign.
As for Young, he suffered a torn ACL midway through the 2021 campaign and has played in just three games since. After earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors back 2020, things have gone downhill for the talented young pass rusher.
- Chase Young stats (2021-22): 31 tackles, 3 for loss, 5 QB hits, 1.5 sacks (12 games)
It makes sense that Washington did not pick up the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie deal. Said decision would have cost the team a whopping $17.45 million in 2024.
There’s a chance that the Washington Commanders could simply let Young play out the final year of his rookie deal. At that point, they could make a decision between Young and Sweat — both of whom are set to hit free agency next March.
Washington’s salary cap situation aside, a lot of this will depend on what teams would offer for Young in trade talks. With the surplus of proven veteran edge rushers on the market, offers might not come in at the Commanders’ liking.