The Fifth-Year Option: What It Means for 2021 First-Round Picks
As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, teams are starting to turn their attention to the fifth-year options for their first-round picks. This year, the window to pick up these options closes on May 2nd, making it a crucial decision for teams to make.
But with the changes to the fifth-year option in the 2020 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, the decision is more complicated than ever. In the past, the fifth year was guaranteed for injury upon exercise of the option. Now, the fifth-year salary is fully guaranteed when the option is exercised, and a player’s fourth-year base salary also becomes fully guaranteed.
This change means that performance now dictates the option-year salaries, rather than just where a player was drafted. This puts more pressure on teams to make the right decision, as they could be committing to a significant salary for a player who may not live up to expectations.
But with the right performance, players can also earn a higher salary. For example, if a player has two or more Pro Bowl selections in their first three seasons, their fifth-year salary will be the franchise tender, which is an average of the five highest salaries for their position. This creates an incentive for players to perform at a high level and earn a higher salary.
So, what does this mean for the 2021 first-round picks? Let’s take a look at each eligible player’s situation and the potential impact of the fifth-year option.
Trevor Lawrence: A Foregone Conclusion
As the first overall pick, Trevor Lawrence’s fifth-year option is a foregone conclusion. Despite a disappointing 2023 season, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke has already stated that Lawrence is the team’s long-term quarterback, and preliminary discussions for a new deal have already taken place. It’s safe to say that Lawrence will be in the $50 million-per-year quarterback club when he signs his extension.
Zach Wilson: On the Trading Block
Things are not looking as promising for the second overall pick, Zach Wilson. With the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, Wilson’s days in New York are numbered, and he is currently on the trading block. It’s unlikely that the Jets will pick up his fifth-year option, and they may have to eat a significant portion of his fully guaranteed 2024 salary to move him.
Trey Lance: No Realistic Scenario for the Option
The San Francisco 49ers felt comfortable trading Trey Lance to the Cowboys last preseason because of the emergence of rookie Brock Purdy. Lance was inactive for every game last season, making it highly unlikely that the Cowboys will exercise his fifth-year option.
Kyle Pitts: A Potential High Earner
As the fourth overall pick, Kyle Pitts has the potential to earn a higher salary with his fifth-year option. If he can perform at a high level and earn Pro Bowl selections, he could see his fifth-year salary at the franchise tender, which is an average of the five highest salaries for his position.
In conclusion, the fifth-year option is a crucial decision for teams to make, and the changes in the 2020 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement have made it even more complicated. As the 2021 first-round picks become eligible for this option, it will be interesting to see how their performances impact their salaries and the decisions of their teams.
Kosport Magazine: The Future of the NFL’s Top Draft Picks
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the league’s top teams are preparing to make their selections and secure the future of their franchises. But what about the future of the players themselves? With the introduction of the fifth-year option, teams have the opportunity to extend the contracts of their top draft picks for an additional year. This not only gives teams more time to evaluate their players, but also allows them to secure their talents for a longer period of time.
The Top Picks and Their Potential Fifth-Year Options
Let’s take a look at some of the top picks from the 2021 draft and their potential fifth-year options, as reported by Kosport Magazine.
No. 4 pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
Pitts had a standout rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl selection and racking up over 1,000 receiving yards. However, he has been underutilized in the past two seasons. With a new head coach in Atlanta, there is excitement about how Pitts will be utilized in the future. It’s safe to say that he will be getting a fifth year with the Falcons.
No. 5 pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
Chase, the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is a no-brainer for the fifth-year option. He has already made it clear that he intends to wait for fellow wide receiver Justin Jefferson to reset the market before signing a new deal. With his impressive stats and potential to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league, the Bengals will surely exercise his option.
No. 6 pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins
Waddle’s fifth-year option has already been exercised by the Dolphins, according to general manager Chris Grier. With over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his three NFL seasons, Waddle’s future contract could make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
No. 7 pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Lions
Sewell is arguably the best right tackle in the NFL, making his fifth-year option a no-brainer. The Lions may even consider giving him a contract extension before the regular season starts, as they did with quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The question is not if Sewell will become the highest-paid right tackle, but when.
No. 8 pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, Panthers
Horn has been limited by injuries in his first three NFL seasons, but when healthy, he has shown potential to be a shutdown cornerback. The Panthers may take a risk by exercising his fifth-year option, but it could pay off if he stays healthy and lives up to his potential.
No. 9 pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos
Surtain has been a standout player for the Broncos, earning Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro recognition in his first two seasons. He is expected to become the highest-paid cornerback in the league when he signs a new deal, making his fifth-year option a formality.
No. 10 pick: DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles
Smith’s fifth-year option is a moot point, as he recently signed a massive contract extension with the Eagles. With an average salary of $25 million per year, he is now one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
No. 11 pick: Justin Fields, QB, Steelers
Fields was traded to the Steelers in the middle of March for a conditional pick, making his fifth-year option a non-issue. With Russell Wilson expected to be the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh, Fields’ option will surely be declined.
No. 12 pick: Micah Parsons, DE, Cowboys
Parsons, the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has shown versatility in his position and has the potential to become a top pass rusher. His fifth-year option will be determined by where he takes the most snaps in the 2023 season, but either way, he is expected to earn a hefty contract extension in the future.
Kosport Magazine: The Future is Bright for These Top Draft Picks
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the future is looking bright for these top picks. With the fifth-year option, teams have the opportunity to secure their talents for an additional year and potentially set the market for their positions. It will be exciting to see how these players continue to develop and contribute to their teams in the years to come.
Parsons Deserves a New Deal Before 2025 Season
As the 2025 regular season approaches, it’s time for the Dallas Cowboys to secure their star linebacker, Micah Parsons, with a new contract. Parsons has proven himself to be a dominant force on the field and is undoubtedly aiming to surpass the record-breaking five-year, $170 million extension that Nick Bosa received from the 49ers in 2023. With his sights set on becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, Parsons is ready for a new deal.
Parsons’ talent and potential have not gone unnoticed by the Cowboys, and they must act quickly to secure him before other teams come knocking. With the help of Kosport Magazine, let’s take a look at the top picks from the 2021 NFL Draft and their potential fifth-year options.
No. 13 Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers
After earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season, Slater has solidified himself as a cornerstone in the Chargers’ quest for a championship. Despite missing 14 games in 2022 due to injury, Slater returned in 2023 and continued to dominate on the field. It’s no surprise that the Chargers will be picking up his fifth-year option, making him a key player in new head coach Jim Harbaugh’s plans.
No. 14 Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, Jets
Vera-Tucker’s versatility and ability to play both guard and tackle make him a valuable asset to the Jets. However, his availability has been a concern, with injuries limiting him to only 12 games in the last two seasons. Despite this, the Jets are expected to exercise his fifth-year option, banking on his talent and potential to outweigh any concerns about his durability.
No. 15 Pick: Mac Jones, QB, Jaguars
After a promising rookie season in 2021, Jones’ progress was hindered by changes in coaching staff and play-calling. With the Jaguars bringing in Trevor Lawrence as their franchise quarterback, it’s clear that Jones’ option will not be picked up. However, he still has a chance to prove himself in his contract year and potentially secure a new deal with another team.
No. 16 Pick: Zaven Collins, LB, Cardinals
Collins faced some challenges in his transition from inside linebacker to edge rusher in 2023, but he still managed to record a career-high 8.5 sacks. While he may not have done enough to warrant his option being picked up, he has shown potential and could still earn a new deal with the Cardinals or another team.
No. 18 Pick: Jaelan Phillips, LB, Dolphins
Despite suffering a torn Achilles in 2023, Phillips’ impressive performance in the eight games he played was enough for the Dolphins to pick up his fifth-year option. With 6.5 sacks under his belt, Phillips has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team and will continue to be a key player in their defense.
No. 19 Pick: Jamin Davis, LB, Commanders
The Commanders’ overhaul of their linebacker position in free agency speaks volumes about their confidence in Davis. With the addition of veteran players like Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, Davis’ option is likely to be declined. However, he still has a chance to prove himself in his contract year and earn a new deal with the Commanders or another team.
No. 20 Pick: Kadarius Toney, WR, Chiefs
After a disappointing 2023 season, there were rumors that Toney would be released by the Chiefs. However, head coach Andy Reid has given him a vote of confidence, calling him one of the most talented players on the team. With a chance to prove himself in his contract year, Toney could secure a new deal with the Chiefs or another team.
No. 21 Pick: Kwity Paye, DE, Colts
Paye’s career-high 8.5 sacks in 2023 have put him on the right track for a potential fifth-year option. As one of the game’s best young left tackles, the Colts will likely want to keep Paye on their team for years to come.
No. 22 Pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Titans
Farley’s back problems have hindered his performance in his first two seasons, and he needed a strong 2023 to have any chance of his option being exercised. Unfortunately, he missed the entire season due to injury, making the decision to decline his option an easy one for the Titans.
No. 23 Pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Vikings
Darrisaw has quickly become one of the best young left tackles in the game, making him a valuable asset to the Vikings. With Pro Bowl-caliber left tackles hard to come by, it’s unlikely that Darrisaw will be leaving Minnesota anytime soon.
No. 24 Pick: Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
Harris has proven himself to be a valuable addition to the Steelers’ running back tandem, and his contract year will be a chance for him to secure a new deal with the team. With his talent and potential, it’s likely that the Steelers will want to keep Harris on their roster for years to come.
Summary:
As the 2025 regular season approaches, it’s time for the Dallas Cowboys to secure their star linebacker, Micah Parsons, with a new contract. With the help of Kosport Magazine, we looked at the top picks from the 2021 NFL Draft and their potential fifth-year options. While some players, like Rashawn Slater and Jaelan Phillips, have secured their options, others, like Mac Jones and Jamin Davis, will have to prove themselves in their contract years. Regardless, these young players have shown immense talent and potential, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.
The Fifth-Year Option: A Make or Break Decision for NFL Players
As the NFL Draft approaches, teams are not only looking for the best talent to add to their rosters, but also making crucial decisions on whether to exercise the fifth-year option for their first-round picks from the previous year. This option, which is only available for players selected in the first round, allows teams to extend the contracts of their top picks for an additional year at a predetermined salary.
For some players, this decision can make or break their future in the league. Let’s take a look at some of the top picks from the 2023 draft and analyze their chances of having their fifth-year option picked up.
No. 25 pick: Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers
Kosport Magazine’s own Jaylen Warren has been a standout player for the Steelers since his rookie season. With over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three years, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. It’s almost a guarantee that the Steelers will exercise his fifth-year option, securing his spot on the team for another year.
No. 26 pick: Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars
Travis Etienne had a solid rookie season with the Jaguars, but his workload may be a cause for concern for the team. With 325 touches in his first year, the Jaguars may be hesitant to exercise his fifth-year option, especially with a deep running back market in free agency this year. However, if Etienne can prove to be a reliable and durable player, the Jaguars may still choose to keep him for another year.
No. 27 pick: Greg Newsome II, CB, Browns
Newsome has been the subject of trade rumors, but his talent and potential make him a valuable asset to the Browns. With Pro Bowler Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson also on the team, the Browns have a deep cornerback roster. This may make Newsome’s fifth-year option more of a luxury than a necessity, but his performance on the field may still earn him another year with the team.
No. 28 pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
Rashod Bateman had a decent rookie season with the Ravens, but it may not be enough to secure his fifth-year option. With Zay Flowers emerging as the top wide receiver option for the team, Bateman’s production may not be enough to justify the cost of his option. However, if he can step up his game in the upcoming season, the Ravens may still choose to keep him for another year.
No. 29 pick: Payton Turner, DE, Saints
With only three sacks in three years, Payton Turner has not lived up to expectations for the Saints. It’s unlikely that the team will exercise his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
No. 30 pick: Eric Stokes, CB, Packers
Eric Stokes showed promise in his rookie season, but injuries limited his playing time in his second year. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve, the Packers may choose to keep him for another year. However, his potential may not be enough to secure his fifth-year option.
No. 31 pick: Greg Rousseau, DE, Bills
Despite a lackluster rookie season, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has indicated that the team will exercise Greg Rousseau’s fifth-year option. With a strong showing in the upcoming season, Rousseau can solidify his spot on the team for another year.
No. 32 pick: Odafe Oweh, LB, Ravens
Odafe Oweh has shown improvement in his first two years with the Ravens, but he has yet to have a breakout season. If the Ravens are cautious, they may decline his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
No. 33 pick: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, LB, Buccaneers
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was outperformed by a third-round pick in his second year and eventually benched. This may not bode well for his chances of having his fifth-year option picked up by the Buccaneers.
Summary:
The fifth-year option is a crucial decision for NFL teams, and it can greatly impact the future of their first-round picks. While some players, like Jaylen Warren, are almost guaranteed to have their options exercised, others, like Travis Etienne and Rashod Bateman, may have to prove themselves in the upcoming season to secure their spot on the team for another year. Ultimately, it will be up to the teams to weigh the cost and potential of each player and make the best decision for their future success.
