As the NFL approaches the May 1 deadline, teams are evaluating whether to exercise fifth-year options for their 2022 first-round draft picks. This critical decision determines if teams will retain their promising players for an additional season, a choice that can significantly impact team rosters and future strategies.
Teams have an option to extend rookie contracts for a fifth year under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement. This flexibility is most crucial for those selected in the first round. The fifth-year salary is contingent on performance and is categorized into four distinct tiers: basic, playing time, one Pro Bowl appearance, and multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Once a team picks up this option, the contract is fully guaranteed within that deal, guaranteeing the player financial security.
Teams Taking Action
Despite the draft being over a week away, a few teams have already set a clear course with their first-round picks. On Friday, the Jacksonville Jaguars officially announced they will be exercising Travon Walker’s fifth-year option. His first arbitration year will now be 2024, and this move locks him in through the 2026 season. Walker, the top choice in last year’s draft, has been a thunderous presence on that, too. He should continue to play an indispensable role in the Jaguars’ defense.
The Houston Texans have similarly made a statement by exercising their fifth-year option on cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley just received a three-year, $90 million extension. It’s a bold move that locks Peters in for the foreseeable future and shows the faith the organization has in him. This decision further emphasizes the Texans’ faith in Stingley to become a foundational piece of their defense.
Picture this though—the New York Jets are on the move, making commitments all over the place themselves. They announced plans to exercise fifth-year options for three first-round picks: wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Jermaine Johnson, and cornerback Ahmad Gardner. Wilson’s option is valued at $16.8 million for the 2026 season, while Johnson’s will amount to $13.4 million. Gardner’s fifth-year option stands at $20.1 million. After taking the league by storm, Gardner has continued his dominance, ranking sixth in all pass breakups.
The Financial Implications
Exercising a fifth-year option has important financial consequences for both players and teams. In the fourth year of a player’s contract, all base salary not already guaranteed will become guaranteed. This occurs when the NFL team opts to exercise the fifth-year option. This provision ensures a baseline level of protection for players from these dangers. It gives teams the opportunity to assess player performance prior to committing to multi-year contracts.
Each team’s decision reflects their assessment of player performance and potential impact on future seasons. Salaries are tied to a performance tier system. Teams should be forced to weigh the risks and rewards before deciding to sign these young athletes to long-term deals.
Players Missing Out
For every player who will reap the windfall from his team’s choices, some others will be left hanging. Safety Lewis Cine, the Vikings’ first round draft pick in 2022, was cut four days before the start of the 2024 season. This decision rendered him ineligible for a fifth-year option. This simply underscores the fragile nature of an NFL career. Those contracts are subject to change though, depending on performance and roster moves.
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