NFL’s Fifth-Year Option Deadline is Here: Will These 10 Star Players Be Caught Off Guard?

The NFL offseason is heating up as teams prepare for a crucial deadline on May 1—the last day for franchises to exercise fifth-year contract options for their 2023 draft picks. This decision is particularly significant for first-round selections, who typically sign four-year contracts with an option for a fifth year, impacting team strategy and player futures.

Under the collectively bargained rookie wage scale, these fifth-year options come with substantial pay increases that vary according to the player's position, performance, and health over their first three seasons. For instance, quarterback Bryce Young, the top overall pick in the 2023 draft, signed a four-year rookie deal valued at $38 million. His projected fifth-year option is set at $25.9 million—more than double his $12.1 million salary in the fourth year—demonstrating the financial stakes involved.

Teams that choose to exercise a player's fifth-year option do retain the ability to negotiate long-term contracts, which can significantly shape a player's career trajectory. The decisions made by teams often serve as indicators of how well players have performed in their initial seasons. Here's a closer look at how teams are handling the fifth-year options for each of the 31 first-round picks from the 2023 draft, excluding the Miami Dolphins, who forfeited their pick due to tampering issues involving Tom Brady and Sean Payton.

Fifth-Year Options Breakdown

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are expected to exercise Young's option valued at $25.9 million, with General Manager Dan Morgan affirming this decision in January and again before the draft.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans: The Texans reportedly exercised Stroud's fifth-year option, also valued at $25.9 million.

Will Anderson, EDGE, Houston Texans: The Texans not only exercised Anderson's option at $21.5 million but also secured him with a three-year, $150 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL based on annual salary.

Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts did not exercise Richardson's option, which was valued at $22.5 million, signaling a shift in their strategy as they focus on Daniel Jones and place Richardson on the trade block.

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks: Witherspoon's fifth-year option has been exercised at $21.2 million.

Paris Johnson, OT, Arizona Cardinals: Johnson’s option has been exercised, valued at $19.7 million.

Tyree Wilson, EDGE, New Orleans Saints (originally drafted by the Raiders): The Saints have reportedly declined the $14.5 million option after acquiring Wilson through a trade.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson’s fifth-year option has been exercised at $11.3 million.

Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles: Carter’s option, valued at $27.1 million, has been exercised.

Darnell Wright, OT, Chicago Bears: Wright's option has been exercised, set at $19.1 million.

Peter Skoronski, G, Tennessee Titans: Skoronski's fifth-year option is reportedly exercised, valued at $19.1 million.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions: The Lions have reportedly exercised Gibbs' option, valued at $14.3 million.

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Green Bay Packers: Van Ness's fifth-year option has not been exercised and is yet to be determined.

Broderick Jones, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers: Expected to decline his $19.1 million option, Jones has health concerns following spinal fusion surgery in December.

Will McDonald, DE, New York Jets: McDonald’s option is expected to be exercised at $14.5 million, according to GM Darren Mougey.

Emmanuel Forbes Jr., CB, Los Angeles Rams (drafted by Commanders): Forbes’ option is not exercised and remains to be determined.

Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots: Gonzalez’s fifth-year option has been reportedly exercised at $18.1 million.

Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions: The Lions have declined Campbell's option, which was deemed too pricey for an off-ball linebacker despite his All-Pro status.

Calijah Kancey, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kancey’s option has reportedly been exercised at $14.5 million.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks: His option has been exercised at $23.8 million, alongside a four-year, $168.6 million extension, establishing him as the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL based on annual salary.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Johnston’s fifth-year option has been exercised, valued at $16.5 million.

Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Flowers’ option has been exercised at $27.3 million.

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings: Addison’s fifth-year option has been exercised at $18 million.

Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants: The Giants have chosen not to exercise Banks' option, which is still to be decided.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills: Kincaid’s option has been exercised at $8.1 million.

Mazi Smith, DT, New York Jets (drafted by Cowboys): Smith’s option has not been exercised and remains TBD.

Anton Harrison, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars: Harrison’s option is exercised at $19.1 million.

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals: Murphy's option has not been exercised and is still to be determined.

Bryan Bresee, DT, New Orleans Saints: Bresee’s option has reportedly been exercised at $13.9 million.

Nolan Smith, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles: Smith’s option has been exercised at $13.8 million.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs: Anudike-Uzomah’s option has not been exercised and is TBD.

The decisions surrounding these fifth-year options provide insight into team strategies and player evaluations, shaping the future landscape of each franchise as they navigate player contracts and performance expectations.