The NFL calendar has reached a pivotal juncture for front offices and the stars of the 2023 draft class. As the May 1 deadline approaches, teams across the league are forced to make high-stakes financial commitments that will shape their rosters through the 2027 season. Our NFL fifth-year option tracker monitors every decision as organizations decide whether to lock in their former first-round picks for an additional year or let them head toward the uncertainty of free agency.
This deadline is particularly significant for the 2023 class, a group that featured a historic run on quarterbacks and immediate defensive impact players. For general managers, the decision to exercise an option is no longer a low-risk move; under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, these options are fully guaranteed the moment they are picked up. This means teams are weighing three years of performance data against a significant 2027 salary cap hit that cannot be easily offloaded.
How the NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker Works
The cost of a fifth-year option is no longer a simple calculation based solely on draft position. Instead, the salary is determined by a four-tiered system that rewards on-field success and durability. Players who have made multiple Pro Bowls receive the highest payout, followed by those with a single Pro Bowl, and then those who meet specific playing time requirements. The lowest tier, the "Basic" level, applies to players who haven't met those performance benchmarks but were still first-round selections.
Because these salaries are fully guaranteed for skill, injury, and salary cap purposes, the NFL fifth-year option tracker is often a reflection of a team's long-term confidence in a player. If an option is declined, the player will enter the final year of their rookie contract in 2026 and become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, unless a separate extension is reached.
High-Stakes Decisions: The 2023 Quarterback Class
The 2023 draft was defined by its signal-callers, and their status remains the primary focus of this year's tracker. While some decisions are formalities, others represent a massive gamble on potential versus production.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
There is perhaps no easier decision in the league than the one facing the Houston Texans regarding C.J. Stroud. Since entering the league, Stroud has transformed the Texans into perennial contenders. While he is no longer the league's newest sensation, his trajectory toward an MVP-caliber career makes exercising his option a mere procedural step before an eventual record-breaking long-term extension.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers face a much more complex evaluation with Bryce Young. As the former No. 1 overall pick, the investment in Young was massive. However, after three seasons of fluctuating performance and coaching changes, the front office must decide if they are ready to guarantee a high-tier quarterback salary for 2027. This decision will signal whether the Panthers still view Young as their franchise pillar or if they are preparing to pivot.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
In Indianapolis, the Colts are weighing the immense upside of Anthony Richardson against his injury history. When on the field, Richardson has proven to be one of the most dynamic dual-threat weapons in the NFL. The Colts' decision on his fifth-year option will be a major indicator of their medical staff's confidence in his long-term durability.
Key Defensive and Skill Position Decisions
Beyond the quarterbacks, several blue-chip prospects from the 2023 class have become essential components of their respective units. The NFL fifth-year option tracker highlights several names that are expected to be retained without hesitation.
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
Alongside Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. has been the heartbeat of the Texans' defense. His consistent pass-rushing production and leadership make his option a "no-brainer" for a Houston team that is currently in its championship window.
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have seen Jalen Carter evolve into one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the NFC. Despite the high cost of defensive tackle options, Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket makes him a priority for the Eagles' front office.
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have utilized Bijan Robinson as a true offensive centerpiece. While the value of running back contracts is always a hot topic in NFL circles, Robinson's dual-threat capability as a receiver ensures he remains a vital part of Atlanta's long-term plans.
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks found a cornerstone for their secondary in Devon Witherspoon. His aggressive playing style and lockdown coverage skills have earned him Pro Bowl honors, placing him in a higher salary tier that the Seahawks are expected to pay to keep their defense competitive in the NFC West.
What Happens Next?
As we approach the May 1 deadline, expect a flurry of announcements. Teams often wait until the conclusion of the NFL Draft to officialize these decisions, as the draft results can sometimes influence how a team views its roster depth. We will continue to update this NFL fifth-year option tracker as the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and the rest of the league finalize their 2027 outlooks.
Sources & Original Reporting