Home NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker for NFL Players in 2021 First Round Draft Class

Fifth-Year Option Tracker for NFL Players in 2021 First Round Draft Class

Fifth-Year Option Tracker for NFL Players in 2021 First Round Draft Class

Fifth-Year Option Tracker for NFL Players in 2021 First Round Draft ClassFifth-Year Option Tracker for NFL Players in the 2021 First Round Draft Class

The NFL fifth-year option provides teams with the opportunity to retain first-round draft picks for an additional year. This option allows teams to secure the services of their young talents for an extended period before negotiating a long-term contract or potentially losing them to free agency.

Here is a breakdown of the players from the 2021 first-round draft class who have had their fifth-year options picked up or declined:

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jacksonville Jaguars have exercised their fifth-year option on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This comes as no surprise as Lawrence is considered the franchise quarterback and the face of the Jags’ future.

2. Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets – The New York Jets have also exercised their fifth-year option on quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson showed promise in his rookie season, and the Jets are hopeful he can develop into a long-term starter.

3. Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers – The San Francisco 49ers have decided to exercise their fifth-year option on quarterback Trey Lance. Lance has yet to see significant playing time, but the 49ers believe in his potential and want to keep him for an additional year.

4. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons have picked up the fifth-year option on tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts had an impressive rookie season and has quickly become one of the league’s top young talents at his position.

5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – The Cincinnati Bengals have exercised their fifth-year option on wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had a stellar rookie campaign, forming a dynamic duo with quarterback Joe Burrow, and the Bengals want to ensure he remains in their plans for the future.

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Other players from the 2021 first-round draft class whose fifth-year options have been picked up include:

– Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
– Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
– DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
– Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

On the other hand, there are a few players from the 2021 first-round draft class who did not have their fifth-year options exercised:

– Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
– Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions
– Caleb Farley, CB, Tennessee Titans

These players will now head into the final year of their rookie contracts, and their respective teams will need to decide on their long-term futures sooner rather than later.

In conclusion, the fifth-year option tracker provides a clear picture of the organizations’ confidence in their first-round draft picks. While some players have their options exercised, others face uncertainties as they enter the crucial final year of their initial contracts. Only time will tell how these decisions will shape the future of the NFL and its rising stars. 🏈