NFL Fifth-Year Option Deadline Approaches for 2023 First-Round Class
The clock is ticking for NFL front offices. Teams have until May 1 to decide the fate of their 2023 first-round draft picks by exercising the fifth-year option on their rookie contracts. This decision effectively determines whether a player remains under team control through the 2027 season or becomes a free agent in 2027 after the 2026 season serves as their final year under the rookie deal.
For the 2023 class, the stakes are particularly high. This group consisted of only 31 selections, as the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick due to violations of league policies regarding the integrity of the game. Now, teams must weigh the performance of these young stars against the guaranteed financial commitments required to keep them.
Understanding the Fifth-Year Option
To the casual observer, the fifth-year option might seem like a simple extension, but the mechanics are governed by the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). According to data from OverTheCap.com, this option allows teams to add a fifth season to the standard four-year rookie contract for any player selected in the first round.
Once a team exercises this option, the fifth year becomes fully guaranteed. Any base salary in the player’s fourth year that was not previously fully guaranteed likewise becomes guaranteed. This creates a significant financial commitment for the organization, shifting the risk from the player to the team.
The salary for that fifth year isn’t a flat rate; it is calculated based on four distinct tiers:
- Basic salary
- Playing time
- One Pro Bowl selection
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections
Reporter’s Note: In simple terms, the more a player achieves—specifically in terms of playing time and All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors—the more expensive that fifth-year option becomes for the team.
Confirmed Decisions and Standout Performers
While many teams are still deliberating, some have already moved forward to secure their core talent. The Seattle Seahawks have been proactive, exercising the fifth-year options for both wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Smith-Njigba’s decision comes on the heels of a career-defining campaign. The receiver posted career highs across the board, recording 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. His production has made him a focal point of the Seattle offense and a primary candidate for long-term stability in the Pacific Northwest.
In Carolina, the Panthers are moving to secure their franchise cornerstone. General manager Dan Morgan indicated in January that the team will pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young. While the organization continues to evaluate whether a larger contract extension is necessary from a “big-picture view,” exercising the option ensures Young remains under contract through 2027. For that final season, Young is guaranteed $26.5 million.
2023 First-Round Option Tracker (Confirmed Moves)
| Player | Position | Team | Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | QB | Carolina Panthers | Exercised | Guaranteed $26.5M in 2027 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Seattle Seahawks | Exercised | 1,793 receiving yards in 2025 |
| Devon Witherspoon | CB | Seattle Seahawks | Exercised | Option picked up |
The Road to May 1
With the deadline looming, the league is watching closely to see how teams handle other high-profile picks from the 2023 class, including Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.
The decision-making process generally falls into two camps. Teams with players who have exceeded expectations, like Smith-Njigba, often exercise the option immediately to avoid the risk of the player hitting the open market sooner. Conversely, teams may hesitate if a player’s trajectory is uncertain or if they prefer to negotiate a full multi-year extension that offers more long-term security than a single guaranteed year.
If a team declines the option, the player’s rookie contract expires after the 2026 season. This would make the player an unrestricted free agent in 2027, allowing them to negotiate with any team in the league.
Summary of Key Deadlines and Rules
- Deadline: May 1, 2026.
- Eligibility: 2023 First-Round Draft Picks (31 players).
- Financial Impact: Fifth-year salary is fully guaranteed upon exercise.
- Salary Tiers: Based on playing time and Pro Bowl selections.
- Free Agency: Players whose options are declined grow free agents in 2027.
The next major checkpoint for the league will be the May 1 deadline, after which the final list of 2023 first-rounders under contract for 2027 will be solidified. We will continue to update this tracker as more teams announce their decisions.
Do you think the Panthers made the right move guaranteeing Bryce Young through 2027? Let us know in the comments.
