NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker
The first 32 players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft have now entered a critical phase in their careers, specifically with the fifth-year option decisions that teams will have to make by May 1.
NFL rookies receive a four-year contract upon joining the league. However, first-round picks have an additional option for a fifth year, which teams can either pick up or decline. This decision varies based on player performance and potential.
Recent Decisions Include:
- Travon Walker (Jaguars): Fifth-year option picked up ($14.75 million)
- Sauce Gardner (Jets): Fifth-year option picked up ($20.18 million)
Former Vikings safety Lewis Cine is the only player listed not eligible for a fifth-year option after his release ahead of the 2024 season.
Lewis Cine is the one player noted who is not eligible for his fifth-year option since the Vikings released him in early 2024.
Summary of Decisions:
| Pick Number | Player (Current Team) | Fifth-Year Option Decision | 2026 Projected Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travon Walker (Jaguars) | Picked Up | $14.75 million |
| 2 | Aidan Hutchinson (Lions) | Not Picked Up | - |
| … | … | … | … |
For the full list of players and their fifth-year option statuses, refer to the detailed table and analysis provided in the full article.
