The 2021 NFL Draft: A Look at the Non-Quarterback Superstars
The 2021 NFL Draft was highly anticipated for its abundance of talented quarterbacks, with Trevor Lawrence leading the pack as the first overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, while Lawrence has shown promise, the rest of the quarterback class has been underwhelming. But that doesn’t mean this draft class lacks superstar talent. Players like Ja’Marr Chase, Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain II, and DeVonta Smith have all made a significant impact on their teams.
As the first-round picks from the 2021 draft approach a pivotal milestone in their careers, teams have until May 2nd to exercise the fifth-year option on their rookie contracts. This option ensures that the player will be under team control through the 2025 season.
Kosport Magazine presents the fifth-year option tracker for the 2021 draft class:
| Player (team) | Fifth-year option decision | Projected contract |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) | No decision | $25.7 million |
| Zach Wilson (Jets) | No decision | $22.4 million |
| Trey Lance (Cowboys) | No decision | $22.4 million |
| Kyle Pitts (Falcons) | No decision | $10.9 million |
| Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) | No decision | $21.8 million |
| Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins) | Picked up | $15.6 million |
| Penei Sewell (Lions) | No decision | $19 million |
| Jaycee Horn (Panthers) | No decision | $12.5 million |
| Patrick Surtain II (Broncos) | No decision | $19.8 million |
| DeVonta Smith (Eagles) | Picked up and signed a three-year extension | $15.6 million |
| Justin Fields (Bears) | No decision | $18.9 million |
While some teams have yet to make a decision, others have already exercised the fifth-year option and even extended contracts for their first-round picks. This just goes to show the impact that these non-quarterback superstars have had on their teams.
As the 2021 draft class continues to make their mark in the NFL, it will be exciting to see how these players develop and contribute to their teams in the years to come. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for all the latest updates and news on the NFL and other sports.
Kosport Magazine: NFL Teams Make Decisions on Fifth-Year Options for 2021 Draft Picks
The NFL offseason is in full swing and teams are already making important decisions for the future. One of those decisions is whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option for their 2021 draft picks. This option allows teams to keep their first-round picks for an additional year at a predetermined salary. Let’s take a look at some of the notable decisions that have been made so far.
Steelers’ Najee Harris and Jaguars’ Travis Etienne Await Decisions
Two of the top running backs from the 2021 draft, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, are still waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. The Steelers and Jaguars have until May 3rd to make their decisions. Both players were selected in the first round and have the potential to be key contributors for their teams in the future.
Cowboys Pick Up Micah Parsons’ Option, But at a Different Position
The Dallas Cowboys have decided to exercise Micah Parsons’ fifth-year option, but with a twist. The linebacker was drafted as a middle linebacker, but the team plans to move him to the outside. This decision shows the team’s confidence in Parsons’ versatility and ability to make an impact on the field.
Chargers’ Rashawn Slater and Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker Await Decisions
Two offensive linemen, Rashawn Slater and Alijah Vera-Tucker, are also waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. Both players were selected in the first round and have the potential to be key pieces for their respective teams’ offensive lines. The Chargers and Jets have until May 3rd to make their decisions.
Jaguars’ Mac Jones and Cardinals’ Zaven Collins Await Decisions
Two quarterbacks, Mac Jones and Zaven Collins, are also waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. Jones was drafted by the Jaguars and Collins by the Cardinals, but both teams have until May 3rd to make their decisions. These two players have the potential to be the future leaders of their teams’ defenses.
Dolphins Pick Up Jaelan Phillips’ Option
The Miami Dolphins have decided to exercise Jaelan Phillips’ fifth-year option, showing their confidence in the defensive end’s abilities. Phillips was drafted in the first round and had a solid rookie season, recording four sacks and 39 tackles. The Dolphins are hoping he can continue to develop and become a key piece of their defense.
Washington Commanders’ Jamin Davis Awaits Decision
Linebacker Jamin Davis, drafted by the Washington Commanders, is still waiting to hear if his team will exercise his fifth-year option. Davis had a solid rookie season, recording 60 tackles and one interception. The team has until May 3rd to make their decision, but it’s likely they will pick up his option and keep him as a key piece of their defense.
Chiefs’ Kadarius Toney and Colts’ Kwity Paye Await Decisions
Two wide receivers, Kadarius Toney and Kwity Paye, are also waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. Toney was drafted by the Chiefs and Paye by the Colts, but both teams have until May 3rd to make their decisions. These two players have the potential to be key playmakers for their teams’ offenses.
Titans’ Caleb Farley and Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw Await Decisions
Two offensive linemen, Caleb Farley and Christian Darrisaw, are also waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. Farley was drafted by the Titans and Darrisaw by the Vikings, but both teams have until May 3rd to make their decisions. These two players have the potential to be key pieces for their teams’ offensive lines.
Browns’ Greg Newsome II and Ravens’ Rashod Bateman Await Decisions
Two defensive backs, Greg Newsome II and Rashod Bateman, are also waiting to hear if their teams will exercise their fifth-year options. Newsome was drafted by the Browns and Bateman by the Ravens, but both teams have until May 3rd to make their decisions. These two players have the potential to be key pieces of their teams’ defenses.
Saints’ Payton Turner Awaits Decision
Defensive end Payton Turner, drafted by the New Orleans Saints, is still waiting to hear if his team will exercise his fifth-year option. Turner had a solid rookie season, recording 16 tackles and one sack. The team has until May 3rd to make their decision, but it’s likely they will pick up his option and keep him as a key piece of their defense.
Kosport Magazine Summary
As the May 3rd deadline approaches, teams are making important decisions on whether or not to exercise the fifth-year options for their 2021 draft picks. Some players, like Micah Parsons and Jaelan Phillips, have already had their options picked up, while others, like Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, are still waiting to hear. These decisions will have a significant impact on the future of these players and their teams. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for all the latest updates on these fifth-year option decisions.
Kosport Magazine: Top NFL Teams Pick Up Fifth-Year Options for Promising Rookies
The NFL offseason is in full swing and teams are making moves to secure their future success. One of the key decisions that teams have to make is whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option for their promising rookies. This option allows teams to extend the contracts of their first-round draft picks for an additional year, giving them more time to evaluate their performance and potentially lock them in for the long term.
Kosport Magazine is here to bring you the latest updates on which teams have decided to exercise their fifth-year options for their top rookies. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable picks and the impact it will have on their respective teams.
Cowboys to Pick Up Micah Parsons’ Option
In a move that surprises no one, the Dallas Cowboys have decided to pick up the fifth-year option for linebacker Micah Parsons. The 2021 first-round pick has been a standout player for the Cowboys, recording 84 tackles and two sacks in his rookie season. However, the team has decided to exercise his option as a defensive end, which will save them approximately $3 million.
This decision shows the Cowboys’ confidence in Parsons’ abilities and their commitment to building a strong defense. With Parsons locked in for another year, the Cowboys will have more time to develop him into a dominant force on the field.
Eagles Sign DeVonta Smith to Extension
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a big move by signing wide receiver DeVonta Smith to a three-year extension. This deal also includes the team picking up his fifth-year option, ensuring that Smith will be with the Eagles for the next five years. The extension is reportedly worth $75 million, making Smith one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
Smith has been a standout player for the Eagles since being drafted in 2021, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. With this extension, the Eagles are showing their commitment to building a strong offense and securing their top talent for the long term.
Dolphins Pick Up Fifth-Year Options for Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips
The Miami Dolphins have made a statement by picking up the fifth-year options for both wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and defensive end Jaelan Phillips. Waddle, the 2021 first-round pick, has been a consistent performer for the Dolphins, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.
Phillips, who was also drafted in 2021, has shown his potential as a dominant defensive player when healthy. Despite dealing with an Achilles injury last season, the Dolphins have decided to exercise his option, showing their belief in his abilities.
With these two key players locked in for another year, the Dolphins are setting themselves up for success on both sides of the ball.
Kosport Magazine: Summary
The NFL offseason is a crucial time for teams to make strategic decisions that will impact their future success. Picking up the fifth-year option for promising rookies is one of those decisions, and we’ve seen some top teams make moves to secure their top talent.
The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins have all exercised their fifth-year options for their top draft picks, showing their commitment to building strong teams for the long term. As the offseason continues, we can expect to see more teams making similar moves to secure their future success.
