Ranking the Commanders next in line for contract extensions after Terry McLaurin

3. Montez Sweat

The only reason Sweat ranks higher than Young is because he’s due for an extension earlier than the former No. 2 overall pick. Drafted a year ahead of Young, Sweat had his fifth-year option exercised this offseason, putting him in pole position to earn a second contract with the club if he performs up to snuff in 2022.

Of course, Sweat is trending down after 2021, when he was limited to 10 appearances due to a fractured jaw and the death of his brother.

That might seem unfair, but Sweat could play himself out of an extension if he struggles to stay on the field next season. The last thing the former first-round pick wants is to enter 2023 in limbo as far as his long-term future.

Based on his output over his first two seasons, though, the idea of Sweat receiving an extension from Washington is mouthwatering, as he didn’t miss a game and recorded 16 sacks, 33 QB hits, 20 tackles for loss, eight passes and four forced fumbles while being a force to be reckoned with defending the run.

That production is part of what made 2021 so disappointing. Had he stayed on the field, we could be talking about him ranking as high as No. 2 on this list. With that said, ranking fourth in our pecking order is nothing to sneeze at. Sweat is a Pro Bowl-caliber player and has as much upside as any player on the defense.