Teams that have signed first-round selections in the 2021 NFL draft have until May 2 to exercise the fifth-year option on their respective players. While there are no-brainer fifth-year options, some first-round picks are still waiting if they will get that one-year guaranteed contract.
The Jacksonville Jaguars exercised the fifth-year option on top overall selection Trevor Lawrence. The Atlanta Falcons did the same with Kyle Pitts, and the Cincinnati Bengals followed suit with Ja’Marr Chase. However, Chase and the Bengals are working on a long-term extension that could reset the wide receiver market.
Other first-round picks who have earned a fifth year are Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins), Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers), Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys), and Rashawn Slater (Los Angeles Chargers).
The list of first-rounders who received fifth-year options includes Alijah Vera-Tucker (New York Jets), Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins), Christian Darrisaw (Minnesota Vikings), Travis Etienne Jr. (Jaguars), Greg Newsome II (Cleveland Browns), Greg Rousseau (Buffalo Bills), and Odafe Oweh (Baltimore Ravens).
Meanwhile, three of the 2021 first-rounders have signed contract extensions. Penei Sewell and the Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year, $112 million deal. DeVonta Smith inked a three-year, $75 million contract after the Philadelphia Eagles picked up his $15.59 million fifth-year option. Rashod Bateman earned a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
The fifth-year options for linebacker Jamin Davis (Washington Commanders) and second-overall pick Zach Wilson (Denver Broncos) have been declined.
Trey Lance, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Zaven Collins, Kadarius Toney, Kwity Paye, Caleb Farley, Najee Harris, Payton Turner, Eric Stokes, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are still waiting for a decision. Lance, Fields, and Jones are no longer playing for the teams that drafted them.
-Lance Fernandez