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NFL
Several 2023 first-round picks had 5th-year option declined
TL;DR
Nine 2023 NFL first-round draft picks had their fifth-year options declined as of the May 1 deadline. This decision impacts the players' future contracts and team strategies.
Key points
- Nine 2023 NFL first-round draft choices had options declined
- Fifth-year options are fully guaranteed if exercised
- Deadline for decisions was May 1
The NFL's fifth-year option deadline arrived on Friday, May 1, and it didn't mean much for the Washington Commanders.
How many NFL players were awarded the fifth-year option, and how many were denied? How about the Commanders? How did this affect them? Backing up, some may not recall, but the NFL's players drafted three drafts earlier in the first round are eligible. As the fourth season approaches, the drafting team must decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option for these players.
If teams do pick up the fifth-year option, it is now fully guaranteed to the player. In some instances it was a no brainer, and in some instances there was surprise. When the deadline had passed, Friday, nine 2023 NFL first-round draft choices had their fifth-year options denied.
2023 NFL draft picks whose 5th-year options were declined
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- QB Anthony Richardson, Colts
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- DE Tyree Wilson, Saints
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- CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams
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- LB Jack Campbell, Lions
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- CB Deonte Banks, Giants
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- DT Mazi Smith, Jets
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- DE Myles Murphy, Bengals
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- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs
Commanders fans, of course, were already aware that CB Emmanuel Forbes would be denied. Forbes struggled terribly during the 2023 season, even melting down once during a game. Forbes was then released by the 2024 coaching staff when he wasn't starting, and couldn't help on special teams. What were they supposed to do? It was already evident that Forbes would not contribute to the 2024 Commanders.
The Rams picked him up and though he is surrounded by a much better defense than the 2023 or 2024 Commanders, Forbes still has his struggles. Consequently, the Rams made some moves this offseason to strengthen their cornerback position group.
Perhaps the two most notable 2023 draft picks who were denied the fifth-year option were the Colts QB Anthony Richardson, drafted No. 4 overall. Three spots later, the Raiders had selected DE Tyree Wilson at No. 7. But Wilson only started seven of his 50 games played in his first three seasons for the Raiders. Now with the Saints, Wilson is attempting to jump-start his career.
For the Commanders specifically, Commanders Wire has well documented how bad Ron Rivera's drafts were. Chase Young (2020), Jamin Davis (2021), Jahan Dotson (2022) and Emmanuel Forbes (2023) were each denied a fifth-year option as each one was released or traded by the organization prior to their fourth NFL season with the team. Young was traded during his fourth season with Washington after the team chose not to exercise his fifth-year option.
How many fifth-year options have been exercised since the 2020 season?
- 2020: 12
- 2021: 18
- 2022: 19
- 2023: 22
Not one was a Washington Commander, but with the Commanders in the Adam Peters era, drafting Jayden Daniels (2024), Josh Conerly (2025) and now Sonny Styles (2026), the Commanders may soon have another obstacle, with Daniels perhaps breaking the bank for NFL quarterbacks.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Several teams decline fifth-year options
Q&A
Which 2023 NFL first-round picks had their fifth-year options declined?
Nine players from the 2023 NFL first-round draft class had their fifth-year options declined.
What is the significance of the NFL's fifth-year option?
The fifth-year option allows teams to guarantee a player's salary for the fifth year of their rookie contract, impacting their financial security and team roster decisions.
How does declining a fifth-year option affect NFL players?
Declining a fifth-year option means players will enter the final year of their rookie contracts without guaranteed salary for a potential fifth year, affecting their future contract negotiations.
