The Washington Commanders have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Montez Sweat's rookie contract to ensure he's part of their plans through the 2023 season.
The Commanders, 9/2 to finish atop the NFC East this season, have seen Sweat and 2020 No.2 overall selection Chase Young form one of the best young pass rushing duos in the NFL over the past two seasons.
Terms boosed for rising star
Young, however, is rehabilitating from a torn ACL in his right knee in November and may not be fully up to game speed by the time the Commanders veterans report for training camp.
Sweat, who has totalled 21 sacks and 119 tackles in 42 NFL games with Washington, is set to earn a base salary of just over $2 million this season, but the decision to take up the contract option will see those terms boosted more than five-fold to $11.5 million in 2023.
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Draft picks paying off
The Mississippi State product has become a key part of Washington's defensive - which has been carefully assembled using high-value draft picks over the last few years.
And speculation is rife that the Commanders plan to do so again if Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, touted as a superb prospect for the pro game, falls as far as pick number 11 where Washington are currently due to make their first-round selection on Thursday night.
The Commanders addressed their issues at quarterback during free agency by striking a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to bring former Philadelphia Eagles starter Carson Wentz back to the NFC East.
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