Analysis
4/29/23
4 min read
2023 NFL Fifth-Year Options No Sure Thing for These 5 Players
While the NFL world has been focused on this year's draft, teams around the league are simultaneously making decisions on first-round picks from the 2020 class.
All players selected in the first round sign four-year contracts with a team option for a fifth season. After the player finishes his third year in the league, teams must decide if they want to exercise the option. The deadline to make a decision is Tuesday, May 2.
There have been obvious decisions made to excercise options, like with Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, but there have been some complicated ones, like Washington Commanders pass rusher Chase Young, who had his declined last Wednesday and is set to be a free agent in 2024.
Here are five of the tougher decisions that remain before Tuesday's deadline:
5 Most Difficult Calls on Fifth-Year Options
QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: $20,272,000
The Green Bay Packers just traded Aaron Rodgers so it’s officially Jordan Love time. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2020, the option is fully guaranteed once exercised (previously it was only guaranteed for injury), so Green Bay would guarantee $20 million plus to a player who has thrown 83 career passes. The Packers clearly believe in him, so they’re more than likely going to pick up the option. It means this will be a guaranteed two-year experiment, at least, with Love under center.
CB Jeff Okudah, Atlanta Falcons: $11,514,000
The former No. 3 overall pick has battled injuries through his first three years and was dealt to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this month for a fifth-round pick. Jeff Okudah started 15 games last season, recording a career-high 73 total tackles, seven passes defensed and an interception. Considering the return, Atlanta probably will take a flier here, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they decline the option.
S Isaiah Simmons, Arizona Cardinals: $12,722,000
It felt like Isaiah Simmons finally settled into a role last season for the Arizona Cardinals as a box safety and in the slot. He had 99 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions, but with a new coaching staff, it’s fair to wonder if they’ll want to commit to $12.7 million.
LB Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens: $12,722,000
There’s been some talk around the league that Patrick Queen has been frustrated with the Baltimore Ravens, but it doesn’t seem like anything is going to change with his status. He’s coming off a season with 117 tackles and five sacks. The Ravens, however, recently extended Roquan Smith on a five-year, $100 million contract, so the chances of them spending significant money on another off-ball linebacker seem unlikely.
OT Mekhi Becton, New York Jets: $13,565,000
Mekhi Becton looked like a future All-Pro after his rookie season, but injuries have haunted him the past two years – leading him to play in just one regular-season game during that span. His weight has been a concern as well, but Becton has been putting in work to get into shape and has shared several pictures on social media. The New York Jets just got Aaron Rodgers and missed on getting an offensive tackle in the first round. Protecting Rodgers is their top priority, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do with Becton and where their trust is in him.
Players Likely to Have Options Declined
Players who either have or are likely to have their options declined: CB C.J. Henderson, Carolina Panthers; IDL Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers; OT Austin Jackson, Miami Dolphins; DL K’Lavon Chaisson, Jacksonville Jaguars; WR Jalen Reagor, Minnesota Vikings; LB Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers; OC Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints; CB Noah Igbinoghene, Miami Dolphins; RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs.
