NFL fifth-year option tracker: deadline arriving for decisions on 2023 draft class

The next notable date in the NFL offseason is May 1 — the deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year contract options for the draft class of 2023. First-round draft picks sign four-year deals in the NFL, and teams have a fifth-year option on each for the 2027 season. These fifth-year options come with significant pay jumps designated by the collectively bargained rookie wage scale.

The value of the options are based on a player’s position, performance and availability through the first three seasons of his contract. For example, quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft, signed a four-year rookie deal with the Carolina Panthers valued at $38 million.

Per Spotrac , the projected fifth-year option on his deal is valued at $25. 9 million, more than double that of his $12. 1 million salary from Year 4 of his contract.

Teams that exercise options maintain the ability to negotiate a long-term extension with players, and some already have. How teams handle the fifth-year option is generally a good indicator of a player’s success through his first three seasons. Here’s how teams are handling fifth-year options for each of the 31 2023 first-round picks.