NFL Fifth-Year Option Decisions for First Round Players from the NFL Draft 2020
The deadline for NFL teams to exercise the fifth-year option on the rookie contracts for 2020 first-round picks was Tuesday, May 2. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was the first from that class to have his option picked up.
All players selected in the first round of the NFL draft sign four-year contracts with a team option for a fifth season. After the player finishes his third year in the league, clubs must decide if they want to exercise the option.
Below are the 28 first-round picks from the 2020 draft eligible for fifth-year options and their statuses ahead of the deadline. Three first-round players from that class — Henry Ruggs III (#12 overall), Damon Arnette (#19) and Isaiah Wilson (#29) — are no longer in the league and, therefore, are not eligible for a fifth-year option. Ruggs and Arnette were selected by the Las Vegas Raiders while Wilson was chosen by Tennessee. Jeff Gladney, the #31 overall pick in 2020 who played for both Minnesota and Arizona, died tragically in a car accident in May 2022.
Fifth-Year Option Deadline for clubs to exercise the option was Tuesday, May 2.
Under the new CBA signed in 2020, the option is fully guaranteed once exercised (previously it was only guaranteed for injury).
Four Tiers of Salary
- Multiple Pro Bowls: Players who made more than two Pro Bowls on the original ballot (not alternate) will have their fifth-year base salary equal to the franchise-tag tender at their position.
- One Pro Bowl: Players who made one Pro Bowl on the original ballot (not alternate) have their fifth-year base salary equal to the transition tag at their position.
- Playing time: These players didn’t make a Pro Bowl, but their snap counts during their first three seasons meet one of the following three requirements: a) 75 percent or greater in two of their first three seasons b) an average of 75 percent or greater over all three seasons. c) 50 percent or greater over all three seasons. These players will have their fifth-year base salary calculated from the average of the 3rd- to 25th-highest salaries at their position over the past five seasons.
- Basic: Players who do not meet any of the requirements above will have their fifth-year base salary calculated from the average of the 3rd- to 25th-highest salaries at their position over the past five seasons.
Fifth-Year Option Tracker
Here’s a look at the players selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, their fifth-year option totals and whether their clubs picked up or declined their options (number in front of name represents player’s overall drafting position)
5th year option decisions for the NFL Draft 2020 class
2020 pick Name Team Pos 5th yr option Exercised Not exercised
1 Joe Burrow Bengals QB $29,504,000 X
2 Chase Young Commanders Edge $17,452,000 X
3 Jeff Okudah Lions CB $14,362,000 not eligible
4 Andrew Thomas Giants LT $21,172,000 X
5 Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins QB $25,382,000 X
6 Justin Herbert Chargers QB $29,504,000 X
7 Derrick Brown Panthers DT $13,192,000 X
8 Isaiah Simmons Cardinals LB $11,369,000 X
9 C.J. Henderson Panthers CB $14,362,000 X
10 Jedrick Wills Browns LT $21,172,000 X
11 Mekhi Becton Jets RT $20,239,000 X
13 Tristan Wirfs Buccaneers RT $18,244,000 X
14 Javon Kinlaw 49ers DT $12,245,000 X
15 Jerry Jeudy Broncos WR $19,071,000 X
16 A.J. Terrell Falcons CB $15,724,000 X
17 CeeDee Lamb Cowboys WR $17,991,000 X
18 Austin Jackson Dolphins RT $21,172,000 X
20 K’Lavon Chaisson Jaguars Edge $7,114,000 X
21 Jalen Reagor Vikings WR $19,071,000 X
22 Justin Jefferson Vikings WR $19,743,000 X
23 Kenneth Murray Chargers LB $9,954,000 X
24 Cesar Ruiz Saints RG $21,172,000 X
25 Brandon Aiyuk 49ers WR $20,639,000 X
26 Jordan Love Packers QB $21,770,000 signed extension 5/2
27 Jordyn Brooks Seahawks LB $11,369,000 X
28 Patrick Queen Ravens LB $11,369,000 X
30 Noah Igbinoghene Dolphins CB $14,362,000 X
32 Clyde Edwards-Helaire Chiefs RB $7,525,000 X
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