NFL Chopping Block: Why This Elite 2020 Draft Pick Stays On The Roster
Continuing our NFL chopping block series, we have the Washington Commanders next up. They are in a sticky situation where three defensive linemen are due for new contracts. Of course, the most important is Chase Young, but they also must decide if they want to pay Montez Sweat and Daron Payne.
The Commander’s defense has been a staple of their success when they have it. Moving on from any of those three players will be tough. So where should their money go? Let’s discuss who the Commanders should pay and who should hit the chopping block.
Chase Young Belongs On An NFL Roster
The most crucial name here has to be Chase Young. While he has not met expectations quite yet, he is worth the wait. The only problem is when Washington decided to pay him. After that, the Commanders and any NFL team have until May 1 to pick up the fifth-year option on the 2020 draft class.
If Washington chooses to exercise Young’s fifth-year option, they will owe him $17.45 million in 2024. He has only nine career sacks, and 7.5 of those came in his 2020 season, where he won NFL defensive rookie of the year. Young might not have the NFL experience Washington hoped for, but he is worth the price.
Realistically, Young will not hit the chopping block. Washington views him as a centerpiece for their defense, and they definitely do not want him landing anywhere else in the NFL. Young will likely only receive his fifth-year option and then negotiate a deal next summer. Either way, he should be staying in Washington.
Montez Sweat Out, Daron Payne In
Washington has some decisions to make regarding the other two defensive players due for new deals. Daron Payne is a bonafide superstar and is clearly their top priority after receiving an $18 million franchise tag. Therefore, the difference between Sweat and Payne is that Sweat is playing in a final contract year, and Payne is playing on a franchise tag for $18 million.
If you didn’t read the subtitle, then the direction the Commanders should take is crystal clear. Daron Payne is worth every penny, while Montez Sweat might have to go to be able to keep Payne in Washington. Sweat carries a cap hit of $11.5 million in 2023, and Washington needs every bit of that.
Sweat could easily be franchise tagged, but if Washington cannot negotiate a deal with Daron Payne next offseason, the franchise tag now gives them some security, at least for 2023. I see this as a situation where Sweat is a productive player but will be too expensive for a team trying to pay other pro bowlers. Daron Payne getting the franchise tag grants the Commanders another year to move around the funds to keep Payne long-term.
Final Thoughts
The reality here is that Chase Young and the Commanders must agree to something long-term. Young will be around for this season because of his fifth-year option. Deciding between Montez Sweat and Daron Payne will come down to whether they want to pay big money or let someone walk.
The Commanders could always rely on the NFL draft if they lose Payne and Sweat after 2023, but that is a worst-case scenario. Fellow Stadium Rant writer Emmanuel King compiled five draft picks that could work well for the Commanders. But again, relying on the draft should not be the first option for Washington when it comes to their defensive line.
In the big picture, Chase Young will lead this team alongside Jonathan Allen for the foreseeable future. The Commanders have to decide who they want to complement that duo. My money is on Daron Payne joining Young and Allen as the three superstars on the Washington defensive line, especially since he received the franchise tag.