One year ago, the Washington Commanders had a massive decision: Whether or not to pick up defensive end Chase Young’s fifth-year option for 2024.
That notion seemed silly at one time, but injuries and a lack of production made Washington’s decision a relatively easy one. The Commanders declined Young’s fifth-year option and traded him during the season to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
This year, new general manager Adam Peters has another decision to make. This time, it’s regarding 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis. It’s safe to say Peters likely will not struggle with that decision.
Through three seasons, Davis has played in 45 games with 36 starts and recorded 269 tackles, including 20 for loss, 10 QB hits, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. Davis struggled as a rookie when Washington selected him to play Mike linebacker. However, it didn’t take long for the Commanders to move him back outside, and he showed improvement.
Davis had his best season in 2023 before a shoulder injury ended his campaign after 13 games.
NFL.com recently examined all 32 first-round picks from the 2021 NFL draft and predicted whether their fifth-year option would be exercised.
Here’s what was said about Davis:
Exercise the option? No.
I loved Davis coming out of Kentucky and thought he’d be a huge contributor behind a once-stacked Commanders defensive line. But that never came to fruition, and he is currently recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery. Plus, with Washington bringing in a new regime this offseason, the team is most likely to let Davis play out his fourth season before re-evaluating whether it wants to keep the former first-rounder for 2025 and beyond.
We agree. While Davis has shown flashes and improved each season, the bar has been lowered. Peters has drafted some good linebackers in his previous stops, so Davis can play himself into Washington’s future plans with a strong 2024 season.
It will be interesting to see Davis play for a new defensive staff.