Full Breakdown
NFL Teams Decide on Fifth-Year Options for 2023 Draft Class
4/4/2026, 11:48:48 AM
Overview of Fifth-Year Options
As the deadline approaches for NFL teams to exercise fifth-year options on the rookie contracts of the 2023 first-round draft picks, teams must make critical decisions by May 1. This option allows teams to extend the contracts of their first-round selections, keeping them under contract for a fifth year, which can significantly impact a player's future earnings and team dynamics.
Key Details of the Fifth-Year Option
The fifth-year option, introduced in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, is available for players drafted in the first round. If exercised, the option guarantees the player's salary for the fifth year, which is calculated based on performance tiers, including basic salary, playing time, and Pro Bowl selections. For instance, the Carolina Panthers have opted to exercise the fifth-year option for quarterback Bryce Young, ensuring he remains under contract through 2027 with a guaranteed salary of $26.5 million.
Team Decisions on Key Players
Several teams have already made their decisions regarding the fifth-year options for their first-round picks. The Seattle Seahawks exercised the option for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recently signed a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. This agreement ties him to Seattle through the 2031 season. Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings confirmed they will exercise the option for wide receiver Jordan Addison, which will pay him $2.6 million in 2026 and $18 million in 2027.
The Buffalo Bills have also exercised the fifth-year option for tight end Dalton Kincaid, which will amount to $8.1 million for the 2027 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced they would exercise the option for defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, estimated at $19 million.
Criticism & Opposition
While many teams are opting to secure their first-round picks, there are concerns regarding the financial implications of these decisions. Critics argue that exercising the fifth-year option can limit a team's flexibility in managing their salary cap, especially if the player does not perform as expected. This concern is particularly relevant for teams with multiple high-value contracts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the exact financial figures associated with some fifth-year options. For example, while the Seahawks' option for Smith-Njigba is reported to be approximately $23.9 million, other sources suggest variations in the estimates for different players. Additionally, the status of certain players, such as linebacker Jack Campbell and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, remains unclear as teams finalize their decisions.
What's Next
As the May 1 deadline approaches, teams will continue to evaluate their first-round picks and finalize their decisions on fifth-year options. The outcomes of these decisions will shape the future of the players involved and the overall strategies of the teams as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.
