It’s decision time.
All NFL rookies who are drafted sign four-year contracts, and the fifth-year option applies only to first-round picks.
Teams must make a decision regarding the fifth-year options after the first-round rookie has completed three full seasons in the NFL. This is why the 2022 NFL draft class will be considered for fifth-year options this offseason. If teams exercise this option, the players will remain under contract through the 2026 NFL season.
If a team declines the option, the player will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.
NFL teams have until May 1 to make all final decisions regarding fifth-year options for players from the 2022 NFL draft. Here’s each player eligible and every team’s decision so far.
NFL fifth-year option tracker 2025
Thirty-one of the 32 first-round picks from the 2022 NFL draft are eligible for fifth-year options.
(This section will be updated with each team’s decision)
EDGE Travon Walker, Jaguars: Option picked up on April 7
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Lions: Option picked up on April 25
CB Derek Stingley, Texans: Signed three-year extension on March 17
CB Sauce Gardner, Jets: Option picked up on April 21
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants: Option picked up on April 26
OT Ikem Ekwonu, Panthers: Option picked up on April 26
OT Evan Neal, Giants: General manager Joe Schoen said on April 26 that the team will not exercise Neal’s fifth-year option.
WR Drake London, Falcons: TBD
OT Charles Cross, Seahawks: TBD
WR Garrett Wilson, Jets: Option picked up on April 21
WR Chris Olave, Saints: Option picked up on April 23
WR Jameson Williams, Lions: Option picked up on April 25
DL Jordan Davis, Eagles: TBD
S Kyle Hamilton, Ravens: TBD
OG Kenyon Green, Eagles: The Texans traded Green to the Eagles on March 11, 2023. TBD.
WR Jahan Dotson, Eagles: The Commanders traded Dotson to the Eagles on Aug. 22, 2024. TBD.
OG Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers: TBD
WR Treylon Burks, Titans: TBD
OT Trevor Penning, Saints: New Orleans has decided not to exercise Penning’s fifth-year option, as stated by general manager Mickey Loomis on April 23.
QB Kenny Pickett, Browns (drafted by Steelers – traded): TBD
CB Trent McDuffie, Chiefs: TBD
LB Quay Walker, Packers: TBD
CB Kaiir Elam, Cowboys: The Bills traded Elam to the Cowboys on March 12, 2025. TBD.
OG Tyler Smith, Cowboys: TBD
C Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens: TBD
EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Jets: Option picked up on April 21
LB Devin Lloyd, Jaguars: TBD
DL Devonte Wyatt, Packers: TBD
OG Cole Strange, Patriots: TBD
EDGE George Karlaftis, Chiefs: TBD
S Dax Hill, Bengals: TBD
S Lewis Cine, Eagles (drafted by Vikings – released): INELIGIBLE
The No. 32 overall pick, safety Lewis Cine, is not eligible for a fifth-year option because he was released from the team that drafted him. Kenny Pickett, Jahan Dotson, Kenyon Green and Kaiir Elam remain eligible because they were traded and not released.
