Eagles pick up 5th year option for Nolan Smith

TL;DR

The Philadelphia Eagles have exercised the fifth-year option for Nolan Smith, securing him for an additional year. This decision comes amid discussions about potential contract extensions for other key players like Jalen Carter.

Key points

Eagles exercise fifth-year option for Nolan Smith
Decision made amid contract talks for Jalen Carter
Fifth-year option allows retention without long-term commitment

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have navigated Free agency and the NFL draft, leaving the biggest question to center around Jalen Carter and what a potential contract extension would look like for the All-Pro defensive tackle. General Manager Howie Roseman stated the team must make sacrifices to retain core, homegrown talent. Key defensive players have departed. Jordan Davis signed a record-setting deal, and now the team has decided to exercise fifth-year options for two crucial defenders. Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler and has achieved All-Pro status, and there's been some talk of a potential $40 million contract. Philadelphia could buy itself some time by allowing Carter to play under his 5th-year option. Teams will have until Friday, May 1, to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.

The Eagles duo was among 15+ players who still have no decision after Minnesota just made one on Jordan Addison.

What is a 5th-year option?

The NFL currently operates under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that is valid through the 2030 season. Article 7, Section 7 (g) of that agreement stipulates that a team can exercise a fifth-year option for all first-round draft picks. With the new league year fast approaching, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position. The option means a team can keep its first-round pick for one extra year without agreeing to an extension. That fifth year's salary is fully guaranteed. All rookies who are drafted sign four-year contracts, and the fifth-year option is available only to first-round picks. Teams must decide on fifth-year options after a first-round rookie has played three full seasons in the NFL.

With Friday, May 1, just days away, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position.

5th year option for Jalen Carter -- Multiple Pro Bowls option

Because Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler, the fifth-year option for the star defensive tackle is $27, 127,000

Despite two badly injured shoulders, Carter was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Carter dealt with injuries last season, but will certainly have his fifth-year option exercised, and is eligible for a contract extension.

5th-year option for Nolan Smith -- Basic option

A first-round pick who's eligible for an extension, Smith had 20 tackles, two sacks, and 33 pressures in 452 snaps after missing seven games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027.

$14,475,000 (if considered a defensive end)

$13,752,000 (if considered a linebacker)

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles pick up 5th year option for Nolan Smith

Q&A

What does exercising a fifth-year option mean for Nolan Smith?

Exercising the fifth-year option allows the Eagles to retain Nolan Smith for an additional year without committing to a long-term contract, with his fifth-year salary fully guaranteed.

What are the implications of the fifth-year option for Jalen Carter?

The fifth-year option for Jalen Carter could provide the Eagles with more time to negotiate a potential contract extension while ensuring he remains under contract for another year.

When do NFL teams need to decide on fifth-year options for players?

NFL teams must decide on fifth-year options for first-round picks by May 1 each year, following the player's third season in the league.