Fifth-year option tracker for first-round picks from the 2021 NFL Draft
Now that players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft have completed their third regular season, it’s time to make decisions on fifth-year options for the first-round picks of the class.
All drafted rookies are given four-year contracts to begin their careers — and teams have the option to extend that pact for a fifth year with players selected in Round 1. Former Raiders OT Alex Leatherwood is the only player of the 32 first-round picks ineligible for a fifth-year option after Las Vegas released him before the 2022 season.
The Class of 2021’s fifth-year-option window opened on Jan. 8, with May 2 set as the final deadline.
NFL.com is monitoring the decisions of each team as the deadline approaches.
On April 29, the Jaguars officially exercised Lawrence’s fifth-year option.
On April 29, the Falcons announced that they have exercised Pitts’ option.
On April 24, the Bengals exercised Chase’s fifth-year option.
On April 29, the Dolphins officially utilized Waddle’s fifth-year option.
The Lions picked up Sewell’s option on April 24 as part of his multi-year contract extension.
On April 26, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Panthers have picked up Horn’s fifth-year option. The team confirmed the news later that Friday.
The Broncos picked up Surtain’s fifth-year option on April 23.
Smith’s fifth-year option was picked up upon him signing a three-year, $75 million contract extension with the Eagles on April 15.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2 that the Steelers have decided not to pick up the fifth-year option of Fields. Fields was originally drafted by the Bears and was traded to Pittsburgh this offseason.
The Cowboys picked up Parsons’ fifth-year option on May 24.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2 that the Chargers have picked up Slater’s fifth-year option.
On April 30, the Jets officially exercised Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option.
On April 30, the Cardinals announced that they had declined Collins’ fifth-year option.
Leatherwood, originally drafted by the Raiders, was cut by them in August 2022. This has made him ineligible for a fifth-year option. He is currently a free agent.
On April 29, the Dolphins officially utilized Phillips’ fifth-year option.
On May 2, Indianapolis exercised Paye’s fifth-year option.
The Vikings officially picked up Darrisaw’s fifth-year option on April 29.
Pittsburgh is declining the fifth-year option on Harris’ rookie deal, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2.
On April 29, the Jaguars officially exercised Etienne’s fifth-year option.
On April 30, the Browns exercised Newsome’s option.
On April 24, Bateman extended his contract with the Ravens for two more years.
The Packers are declining Stokes’ option, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on May 2.
On April 29, the Bills officially exercised Rousseau’s option.
The Ravens officially picked up Oweh’s option on April 30.
