What are 5th-year options?
When a team drafts a player in the first round of the NFL draft, they have the option to extend the player’s initial contract by one year, commonly known as the 5th-year option. This option is only available for players who were selected in the first round, and the salary for the fifth year is predetermined based on the player’s position and performance.
Why would a team decline a player’s 5th-year option?
While the 5th-year option can be a useful tool for teams to retain talented players for an extra year, they may choose to decline it for several reasons. The primary reason is that the salary for the fifth year is guaranteed, which means that if the player suffers a significant injury or underperforms, the team will be stuck with the contract. Additionally, if the player has not lived up to expectations, the team may decide that it is not worth paying the premium salary for another year.
The following #NFL players whose 5th-year options have been declined
The NFL season is just around the corner, and as teams prepare to hit the field, there are a number of players who are set to become free agents after having their 5th-year options declined. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these players, including their strengths and weaknesses, and assess their chances of finding a new home in the 2023 season.
Chase Young, Defensive End, Washington Commanders
Chase Young was the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft and quickly established himself as one of the top young defensive players in the league. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and has continued to impress with his speed, strength, and agility on the field. Despite his impressive play, the Washington Commanders declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Patrick Queen, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and quickly made an impact as a rookie. He recorded 106 tackles, two sacks, and one interception in his rookie season and was named to the NFL All-Rookie team. Despite his impressive play, the Ravens declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on defense, including linebacker and safety. Despite his versatility, the Cardinals declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
K’Lavon Chaisson, Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars
K’Lavon Chaisson was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has shown potential as a pass rusher. He recorded just one sack in his rookie season but has the speed and athleticism to develop into a top pass rusher in the league. Despite his potential, the Jaguars declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers
Javon Kinlaw was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has shown potential as an interior pass rusher. He recorded 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in his rookie season but battled injuries throughout the year. Despite his potential, the 49ers declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Jordyn Brooks, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Jordyn Brooks was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has shown potential as a run defender. He recorded 57 tackles and two sacks in his rookie season but battled injuries throughout the year. Despite his potential, the Seahawks declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Murray was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has shown potential as a run defender. He recorded 107 tackles and one sack in his rookie season but struggled in pass coverage. Despite his potential, the Chargers declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NFL is a league that is constantly changing, with players coming and going every year. The decision to decline a player’s 5th-year option is just one of many moves teams make in their efforts to build a winning roster. While it may be disappointing for the players whose options are declined, it also presents an opportunity for them to prove their worth and earn a new contract elsewhere. As the league continues to evolve, we can expect to see more players become free agents as teams make difficult decisions about their futures.
FAQs
- What happens if a team declines a player’s 5th-year option?
- If a team declines a player’s 5th-year option, the player becomes a free agent after their fourth season.
- Can a team still negotiate with a player whose option has been declined?
- Yes, a team can still negotiate with a player whose option has been declined, but they will be competing with other teams in the free agency market.
- How common is it for teams to decline a player’s 5th-year option?
- It varies from year to year, but it is not uncommon for several players to have their options declined.
- Can a player whose option has been declined re-sign with their original team?
- Yes, a player whose option has been declined can still re-sign with their original team, but they will need to negotiate a new contract.
- Are players whose options are declined considered to be less valuable?
- Not necessarily. There are many factors that go into a team’s decision to decline an option, and a player’s value can depend on their performance, salary, and fit within the team’s roster.
