Updated: September 23, 2025
The National Football League's annual ritual of deciding the fate of its first-round draft picks reached a critical juncture as the deadline for fifth-year options passed on Thursday afternoon. This pivotal moment in the NFL calendar year saw teams across the league making crucial decisions about the future of their 2022 first-round selections, with implications that will reverberate through the 2026 season and beyond. As the dust settles on these decisions, a clear picture emerges of which young stars have secured their immediate futures and which may be facing uncertain times ahead.
Understanding the Fifth-Year Option
The fifth-year option is a unique feature of NFL contracts that applies exclusively to players selected in the first round of the draft. This provision allows teams to extend a player's rookie contract by an additional year, providing both the team and the player with an extra season to evaluate their relationship before potentially entering into long-term negotiations. When a team exercises this option, it fully guarantees the player's salary for that fifth year, a significant financial commitment that teams must weigh carefully against the player's performance and potential.
The calculation of the salary for the fifth-year option is a complex process that reflects the player's value relative to their peers. The base value is determined by averaging the third to twenty-fifth highest salaries at the player's position over the past five seasons. This system ensures that the salary is competitive and reflective of current market rates. However, the NFL has also built in incentives for exceptional performance, with salary escalators available for players who achieve certain milestones such as Pro Bowl selections or significant playing time.
For teams, the decision to exercise a fifth-year option is multifaceted. It requires a careful assessment of the player's on-field contributions, their potential for future growth, and the financial implications for the team's salary cap. A successful fifth-year option can provide a team with an additional season of control over a valuable player at a predetermined price, potentially setting the stage for a long-term extension. Conversely, declining the option may signal a team's uncertainty about a player's future with the organization or a strategic decision to pursue other options.
The 2022 Draft Class: A Mixed Bag of Decisions
As the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday passed, the landscape of the 2022 draft class's future began to take shape. The decisions made by teams across the league paint a picture of varying degrees of satisfaction with their first-round selections from two years ago. Some players have clearly lived up to or exceeded expectations, while others may not have developed as quickly or impressively as their teams had hoped.
Among the notable players whose fifth-year options were picked up, several standout defensive players lead the pack. Travon Walker, the first overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Aidan Hutchinson, selected second by the Detroit Lions, both saw their options exercised. This move indicates that both teams are pleased with the development of their young defensive ends and are willing to commit to them through the 2026 season. The decision on Hutchinson, in particular, comes with a significant financial commitment, as his fifth-year salary is projected to be just under $21 million.
The New York Jets made a strong statement about their belief in their 2022 first-round selections, picking up the options for both cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Gardner, who has quickly established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, was an easy decision for the Jets. Wilson's option being exercised suggests that the team views him as a key piece of their offensive future, regardless of who ends up throwing him the ball in the coming seasons.
Defensive Standouts Secure Their Futures
The 2022 draft class was particularly rich in defensive talent, and many of these players saw their fifth-year options picked up. In addition to Walker and Hutchinson, players like Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants and Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles had their options exercised. These decisions reflect the ongoing premium placed on disruptive defensive players in the modern NFL, where pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run are paramount.
Derek Stingley Jr., selected third overall by the Houston Texans, represents an interesting case. The Texans picked up his fifth-year option before signing him to a long-term contract, a move that demonstrates their commitment to the young cornerback and their belief in his potential to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. This strategy of securing the fifth year before negotiating a longer deal is becoming increasingly common, as it provides teams with additional leverage and security in contract talks.
Other defensive backs who saw their options picked up include Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens and Trent McDuffie of the Kansas City Chiefs. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance in their young careers, and their teams are clearly banking on continued development and impact plays from these secondary stars.
Offensive Talent: A Tale of Two Outcomes
On the offensive side of the ball, the decisions were more varied, reflecting the often unpredictable nature of projecting offensive talent at the NFL level. Several wide receivers from the 2022 class had their options picked up, including Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons, Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints, and the aforementioned Garrett Wilson of the Jets. These decisions suggest that these teams are satisfied with the production and potential of their young pass-catchers and are willing to commit to them for an additional year.
Offensive linemen also saw mixed results. Ikem Ekwonu of the Carolina Panthers and Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks had their options exercised, indicating that both teams view these players as potential long-term solutions at the critical left tackle position. Tyler Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, who has shown versatility by playing both guard and tackle, also had his option picked up.
However, not all offensive players fared as well. Notably, Evan Neal of the New York Giants had his fifth-year option declined. As the seventh overall pick in 2022, Neal's struggles in his first two seasons have been a significant disappointment for the Giants, who had hoped he would solidify their offensive line. This decision puts pressure on Neal to perform in the upcoming season if he hopes to secure a long-term future with the team that drafted him.
Quarterback Conundrum: The Kenny Pickett Situation
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline to emerge from the fifth-year option decisions centers around quarterback Kenny Pickett. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 draft, Pickett's journey has been anything but straightforward. After being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024 and then to the Cleveland Browns in March 2025, Pickett finds himself in a precarious position as the Browns declined to pick up his fifth-year option.
This decision speaks volumes about the volatility of the quarterback position in the NFL and the challenges faced by young signal-callers trying to establish themselves as franchise players. Pickett's situation is particularly unique, having been with three different teams in his first three seasons. The Browns' decision not to exercise his option suggests that they view him more as a temporary solution or a backup rather than their quarterback of the future.
Pickett's case serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in drafting a quarterback in the first round. The expectations are immense, and the window for proving oneself can be remarkably small. As Pickett enters what could be a make-or-break season in 2025, all eyes will be on his performance and how it might shape his future in the league.
Strategic Decisions and Future Implications
While the majority of the decisions on fifth-year options align with player performance and potential, some choices reveal more nuanced strategic thinking by NFL front offices. The Baltimore Ravens' decision to decline the option for center Tyler Linderbaum, for instance, does not necessarily indicate dissatisfaction with the player. According to Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta, the team hopes to work out a long-term deal with Linderbaum. In this case, declining the option may be a tactical move, as the franchise tag for centers is typically less expensive than the fifth-year option salary would be.
Such decisions highlight the complex calculations that go into managing an NFL roster and salary cap. Teams must balance their desire to retain talented players with the need to maintain financial flexibility. In some cases, declining a fifth-year option may be part of a larger strategy to negotiate a more team-friendly long-term contract or to create leverage in future negotiations.
For players whose options were declined, the upcoming season takes on added significance. These players will essentially be entering contract years, with their performances likely to have a significant impact on their future earning potential and job security. This situation can create both pressure and opportunity, potentially motivating players to elevate their game in hopes of securing a lucrative second contract, whether with their current team or elsewhere in free agency.
The Ineligible and the Traded: Unique Cases in the 2022 Class
While most of the 2022 first-round picks faced the fifth-year option decision, there were a few unique cases that highlight the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. Safety Lewis Cine, selected 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings, stands as the sole member of the 2022 first-round class ineligible for the fifth-year option. Cine's ineligibility stems from being waived by the Vikings in late August 2024, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, even for highly drafted players.
Several other players from the 2022 first round have already changed teams, adding another layer of complexity to their fifth-year option situations. Kenyon Green, originally drafted by the Houston Texans, found himself with the Philadelphia Eagles after a trade in March 2025. Similarly, Jahan Dotson, initially a Washington Commanders selection, was traded to the Eagles in August 2024. In both cases, the Eagles declined to exercise the fifth-year options, perhaps indicating a desire to evaluate these players further before making long-term commitments.
Kaiir Elam, drafted by the Buffalo Bills, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in March 2025, only to have his fifth-year option declined as well. These cases of traded first-round picks highlight the fluid nature of NFL rosters and the challenges faced by players in establishing themselves with new teams after being deemed expendable by the organizations that originally drafted them.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the 2025 Season and Beyond
As the dust settles on the fifth-year option decisions, attention now turns to how these choices will shape the upcoming NFL season and beyond. For players whose options were exercised, there's a sense of security and validation. These players know they have at least two more seasons with their current teams, providing a stable environment in which to continue their development and potentially negotiate long-term extensions.
The New York Jets, in particular, have made a strong statement about their core of young talent by picking up the options on Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson II. This trio represents a significant investment in the future of the franchise, and the Jets will be looking for these players to form the backbone of their team as they aim to return to playoff contention.
For those whose options were declined, the 2025 season becomes crucial. Players like Evan Neal of the Giants and Trevor Penning of the Saints will be under intense scrutiny as they attempt to prove their worth and secure their NFL futures. Strong performances could lead to new contracts with their current teams or generate interest from other organizations in free agency.
The decisions made regarding fifth-year options also provide insight into how teams view their roster construction and salary cap management. Teams that exercised multiple options, like the Jets and Chiefs, are signaling their belief in the core they've assembled through the draft. Conversely, teams that declined several options may be looking to create financial flexibility for free agent acquisitions or to address other areas of need.
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Landscape of NFL Talent
The fifth-year option decisions for the 2022 NFL Draft class serve as a microcosm of the larger NFL ecosystem, where talent evaluation, financial considerations, and long-term planning intersect. These decisions reflect not only on the individual players but also on the drafting acumen of front offices and the developmental capabilities of coaching staffs.
As the league continues to evolve, with new strategies emerging both on and off the field, the importance of making the right decisions with early draft picks only intensifies. The players from the 2022 class whose options were picked up now have the opportunity to cement their status as cornerstone players for their franchises. Those who find themselves without that fifth-year guarantee will be motivated to prove their worth, potentially leading to breakout performances in the coming season.
Ultimately, the true impact of these fifth-year option decisions will only be fully understood in the years to come. As these players continue to develop and shape their careers, the NFL landscape will shift accordingly, with some emerging as stars and others potentially fading from the spotlight. What remains clear is that in the high-stakes world of professional football, every decision, including those made on fifth-year options, can have far-reaching consequences for players, teams, and the league as a whole.
