Final fifth-year option list for 2023 first-round picks
22 were exercised; nine were not. (And two have gotten long-term deals.)
The first-round of draft brings a surge of hope with every pick. Then, reality sets in. Three years later, a decision must be made as to whether the player's fifth-year option will be exercised.
Typically, it's a basic litmus test as to whether the player is good enough. (Sometimes, as with Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, the option amount outpaces the market at the position. ) Here's the full list of whether the option was exercised, along with the amount.
Also, there were only 31 first-round picks in 2023. The Dolphins lost theirs as part of the Tom Brady/Sean Payton tampering punishment. In all, 22 of the 2023 first-round picks had their fifth-year options exercised.
Nine did not. Two have received long-term deals. 1.