Full Breakdown
NFL Teams Face May 1 Deadline on Fifth-Year Options for 2023 First-Round Picks
4/30/2026, 11:55:44 PM
Deadline Overview
The NFL’s contract deadline for exercising fifth-year options on all 2023 first-round selections is Friday, May 1. A fifth-year option extends a rookie’s four-year contract by one guaranteed season, with salary set by a tiered scale.
Mechanism and Salary Tiers
Option salaries follow four tiers—multiple Pro Bowl selections, a single Pro Bowl, playtime, and basic—each with a fixed amount. The tiered amounts differ by position. Once exercised, the salary becomes fully guaranteed, covering any previously non-guaranteed fourth-year base pay.
Options Exercised and Declined
Teams exercised options on 23 players, including quarterbacks Bryce Young (Panthers) and C.J. Stroud (Texans), edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks) and Christian Gonzalez (Patriots), offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals), Darnell Wright (Bears) and Anton Harrison (Jaguars), defensive tackle Jalen Carter (Eagles), wide receivers Zay Flowers (Ravens) and Jordan Addison (Vikings), and running backs Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions). Options were declined on Tyree Wilson (Saints), Jack Campbell (Lions), Emmanuel Forbes (Rams), and Mazi Smith (Cowboys). Declines typically reflect performance gaps or misalignment between the option amount and market value.
Team Strategies and Extensions
Teams often use the option as a bridge to longer contracts. Houston turned both Stroud’s and Anderson’s options into a three-year, $150 M extension for Anderson, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback. Seattle paired Witherspoon’s option with a four-year, $168.6 M extension for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, establishing a $42.15 M average annual salary.
Official Statements & Responses
The Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints issued statements confirming their respective option picks or declines.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue that high option amounts can hinder retention. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlighted the $21.9 M option for Jack Campbell as cost-prohibitive despite his All-Pro performance, underscoring tension between player value and league-wide salary structures.
Verbatim Quote
> “The challenge of drafting off-ball LB in Round 1: Campbell has been a star for Detroit, a first-team All-Pro. But the option number of $21.9 M is cost-prohibitive.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN analyst
Gaps & Unresolved Cases
The status of Anthony Richardson (Colts) and Lukas Van Ness (Packers) remains unreported at the deadline, leaving their fifth-year outcomes uncertain.
Outlook
After May 1, teams will finalize pending extensions before free agency. Players whose options were declined become unrestricted free agents in 2027, potentially reshaping rosters for the 2024 league year. The 2027 free-agency market could see several former first-rounders negotiating new deals.
