NFL teams have until Monday to make a decision whether or not to pick up or decline fifth-year options on first-round picks from the 2019 NFL Draft for the 2023 season. For Washington that means defensive end Montez Sweat.
According to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, Washington is expected to exercise the fifth-year option on Sweat.
UPDATE… Apr. 27 at 1:35 PM
The Commanders made the decision official.
Montez Sweat, 25, had a down year by his standards last season. In 10 games, he had 5.0 sacks and 24 pressures. His season was marred by a broken jaw, a bout with COVID and the death of his older brother.
Still, he has been a solid investment for the Commanders. He’s one piece of Washington’s loaded quartet of first-round picks on their defensive line.
Through three seasons, Sweat has 21.0 sacks in 42 games. He also has seven forced fumbles, and averages 27.3 pressures per season.
Sweat is due just under $2.1 million in base salary for next season, his fourth in Washington. Now, he’s in line for a guaranteed 10.9 million for the 2023 season with his fifth-year option.
