Commanders expected to pick up option on DE Montez Sweat

The Washington Commanders will ensure defensive end Montez Sweat remains with the team for the next few seasons. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Commanders expected to pick up fifth-year option on DE Montez Sweat

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/27/22

After suiting up for 40 consecutive regular-season contests to begin his NFL career , Montez Sweat missed nearly half of the 2021 campaign with a fractured jaw. The Richmond, Ky., native has shown flashes of stardom on the gridiron though and his current employer is reportedly opting to ensure that the youngster sticks around for at least two more years.

The Washington Commanders are today expected to pick up the fifth-year option for DE Montez Sweat, per source.

Not a surprise but teams have until Monday to pick up options for the 2019 first-round players.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 27, 2022

The 26th overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft will join a host of other defenders who have recently been reported to have their fifth-year options picked up, including Devin White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, Ed Oliver of the Buffalo Bills and Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets.

Sweat made a career-high 50 tackles in 2019 and added 13 quarterback hits, 7.0 sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles, but 2020 was his best year thus far. That season, the Mississippi St. product racked up 48 tackles, as well as career-best marks in quarterback hits (20), sacks (9.0) and passes defended (six), while contributing two forced fumbles and one interception (a pick-six) as well.

The 25-year-old Sweat led all Washington players in quarterback hits and sacks that season and was third in passes defensed. Despite missing time in 2021, Sweat still finished the year with 24 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, 5.0 sacks and a career-high three forced fumbles.

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