Caleb Harris
The 2021 NFL Draft was praised for its plethora of quarterbacks entering the first round, headlined by Trevor Lawrence going first overall to Jacksonville. While Lawrence has proven to be a capable signal-caller under center for the Jaguars, the rest of the quarterbacks have been underwhelming, if not outright bad.
Of course, the rest of the defenders may not have made as big of an impact on the NFL as their teams expected, but that doesn’t mean this draft class doesn’t have superstar talent. Ja’Marr Chase, Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain II and DeVonta Smith are just a few of the non-quarterback studs who came through this draft, and now those who were selected in the first round have reached a crucial milestone in their young careers.
The May 2 deadline for NFL teams to exercise the fifth-year option on the rookie contracts of their first-round picks from the 2021 class has passed. For some, like Lawrence, they are now guaranteed through the 2025 season, while others (Mac Jones, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance) will now be free agents at the end of next year.
After the deadline, we will analyze each first-round student from that class of 2021 who qualified for the fifth-year option and whether or not their team decided to use it.
Fifth Year Options Tracker
Cowboys will pick up Micah Parsons option
March 6 – It’s no surprise the Cowboys picked up Parsons’ fifth-year option. That said, the team is making some maneuvers, giving supposedly he is their option as a defensive end instead of a linebacker, a move that will save the franchise about $3 million.
Eagles sign DeVonta Smith to extension
April 15th – Philadelphia reached an agreement on a three-year extension with Smith, which includes the club picking up his fifth-year option. Thus, the wideout is now tied to the Eagles for the next five years in total. The three-year extension is reportedly worth $75 million.
Broncos and Lions keep key pieces
April 23 – Denver exercised option on cornerback Patrick Surtain II before 2024 NFL Draft, even amid rumors that they could try to convince the man on the cover in trade negotiations for a possible rise. Meanwhile, Detroit signed standout right tackle Penei Sewell to a lucrative $112 million deal that keeps him tied to the Motor City for the long haul.
Jaguars pick options for Lawrence and Etienne
April 29 – The Jaguars announced on Monday after the draft that they picked up Lawrence and Etienne’s options. The former No. 1 overall pick is in active contract extension negotiations with the team, while his former college teammate will likely play the 2025 season with an option, though he could also get an extension.
Charger collection option at Slater
April 29 – The Chargers picked up Slater’s option over the weekend, and even after the team drafted Notre Dame’s Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick, Jim Harbaugh quickly announced that Slater would remain the team’s left tackle. One of the best players at his position, he should get an extension this offseason or next.
Jet exercise option for Vera-Tucker
April 29 – Vera-Tucker played guard and tackle at different times in New York, but after the team acquired Morgan Moses via trade, signed Tyron Smith and drafted Olu Fashanu, he should be able to hold down guard. The Jets picked up his option and he was expected to become a mainstay on the interior.
Bills choose Rousseau’s option
April 29 – The Bills picked up Rousseau’s option on Monday. He is one of the best pass rushers on the team, even if he has not yet become a star-level player. It will be interesting to see if he signs an extension or if he and the Bills want to see him put together a full season before shutting things down.
Dolphins choose options at Phillips, Waddle
April 29 Miami officially picked up the fifth-year options of Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips on Monday. This is just a formality, as GM Chris Grier noted earlier this offseason the team’s plan to pick up those two options, ensuring both are with the team through at least the 2025 season. Waddle has recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in each. one of his first three seasons in the league. As for Phillips, he is recovering from an Achilles injury last season. When healthy, Phillips has proven to be an impact player on the defensive side of the ball.
Vikings pick up Christian Darrisaw option
April 29 – Minnesota has chosen to pick up the fifth-year option on starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The 24-year-old was the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech and has proven to be a stout piece in the blindside offense. In 15 games played last season, he allowed seven sacks and 28 pressures.
