With players chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft having finished their third regular season, it’s decision time on fifth-year options for the class’ first-rounders.
All drafted rookies are given four-year contracts to begin their careers — and teams have the option to extend that pact for a fifth year with players selected in Round 1. Former Raiders OT Alex Leatherwood is the only player of the 32 first-round picks ineligible for a fifth-year option after Las Vegas released him before the 2022 season.
The fifth-year-option window for the Class of 2021 opened Jan. 8, with the final deadline set for May 2.
NFL.com is tracking each team’s decision leading up the the deadline.
The Jaguars officially picked up Lawrence’s fifth-year option on April 29.
The Falcons announced they have exercised Pitts’ option on April 29.
The Bengals picked up Chase’s fifth-year option on April 24.
The Dolphins officially exercised Waddle’s fifth-year option on April 29.
The Lions picked up Sewell’s option on April 24 as part of his multi-year contract extension.
The Panthers picked up Horn’s fifth-year option, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on April 26. The team later announced the news that Friday.
The Broncos picked up Surtain’s fifth-year option on April 23.
Smith’s fifth-year option was picked up upon him signing a three-year, $75 million contract extension with the Eagles on April 15.
The Steelers are not picking up the fifth-year option of Fields, who was drafted by the Bears and traded to Pittsburgh this offseason, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2.
The Cowboys picked up Parsons’ fifth-year option on May 24.
The Chargers picked up Slater’s fifth-year option, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2.
The Jets officially picked up Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option on April 30.
The Cardinals announced April 30 they had declined Collins’ fifth-year option.
The Raiders, who originally drafted Leatherwood, cut him in Aug. 2022, making Leatherwood ineligible for a fifth-year option. Leatherwood currently is a free agent.
The Dolphins officially exercised Phillips’ fifth-year option on April 29.
Indianapolis exercised Paye’s fifth-year option on May 2.
The Vikings officially picked up Darrisaw’s fifth-year option on April 29.
Pittsburgh is declining the fifth-year option on Harris’ rookie deal, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on May 2.
The Jaguars officially picked up Etienne’s fifth-year option on April 29.
The Browns exercised Newsome’s option on April 30.
Bateman signed a two-year contract extension with the Ravens on April 24.
The Packers are declining Stokes’ option, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on May 2.
The Bills officially picked up Rousseau’s option on April 29.
The Ravens officially picked up Oweh’s option on April 30.
