Ron Rivera reveals Chase Young's reaction to Commanders declining fifth-year option

When a team doesn't pick up a young player's fifth-year option, that generally means said team is looking for more. The organization is not ready to commit to a long-term deal, but it's not ready to back away from the table and say "see ya later" just yet.

It's certainly not the kiss of death for a player, but it's also not the greatest sign because the player is still a "question mark" in the eyes of the franchise. 

That's the case with former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young, who has shown flashes of greatness for Washington since 2020 but has also had a hard time staying on the field due to injuries.

Washington refused to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract a few weeks ago, which means that the Commanders are wanting to see a "prove it" year out of the former Ohio State star in his fourth NFL season. Rather than take offense to that notion, though, head coach Ron Rivera thinks the young player will view this as an opportunity.

"He gets it, he understands," Rivera said, per ESPN's John Keim. "He'll come in and give everything he's got."

Rivera mentioned the contract situation of defensive lineman Daron Payne, who was not offered a contract extension but instead played on his fifth-year option in 2022 with no guarantees for 2023. All he did was go out and notch 11.5 sacks in 2022, which ultimately earned him a massive four year, $90 million extension this offseason.

"Guys that produce for us we want to keep them around. That's been the message," Rivera said. "I believe [Young] has adapted to it nicely. He's working hard. I'll be excited to see him when he has to be here."

Young played in only three games last season as he worked his way back from a torn right ACL and ruptured patellar tendon. He suffered the ACL injury in November 2021.

The fifth-year option would have netted him $17.452 million for 2024. He'll instead earn just $5.3 million in 2023 with no guarantees of a future contract from Washington.