2026 NFL fifth-year options: Tracking every player eligible and team decisions
NFL teams must finalize their fifth-year options for first-round picks from the 2023 draft by May 1. Here is a list of eligible players and status:
It’s decision time for NFL teams regarding their first-round picks from the 2023 draft. All players who are drafted into the NFL sign four-year contracts, but the fifth-year option is only available for first-round picks. Teams need to decide on the fifth-year options after a first-round pick has completed three full seasons.
This offseason, the 2023 NFL Draft class will be considered for these options. If a team exercises the fifth-year option, the player will remain under contract through the 2027 season. However, if a team declines the option, the player will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.
The Seattle Seahawks have already picked up the option on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and quickly agreed to a record-breaking contract extension , another avenue for teams aiming to secure their homegrown talent for the future. More: What is the NFL fifth-year option? NFL teams have until May 1 to make all final decisions regarding fifth-year options for players from the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here are each player's eligibility and every team's decision so far. NFL fifth-year option tracker 2026 All 31 of the first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft are eligible for fifth-year options. The first round featured one less pick in 2023 because the Miami Dolphins were forced to forfeit their selection (No.