The 2023 NFL draft’s first‑round class is now facing a pivotal deadline: teams must decide whether to exercise the fifth‑year options on their rookie contracts. Of the 31 first‑round picks, 22 had the option exercised, nine were declined and two have already secured long‑term extensions. The decisions, due in the 2027 offseason, serve as a primary gauge of each player’s perceived value and performance over their initial contract period.
The option, worth a set salary based on draft slot and experience, is typically exercised when a team believes the player merits a continued roster role at a reasonable cost. In some cases, the option amount exceeds market rates for the position, as with Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell, whose $21.925 million option was not picked up.
Exercised options
Quarterbacks Bryce Young (Panthers) and C.J. Stroud (Texans) each received the full $25.904 million option. Other notable exercised options include linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Texans, $21.512 million), cornerback Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks, $21.161 million), offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals), Darnell Wright (Bears) and Peter Skoronski (Titans), each at $19.072 million, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (Eagles, $27.127 million). Running back Bijan Robinson (Falcons, $11.323 million) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba (Seahawks, $23.852 million) also saw their options exercised; Smith‑Njigba later signed a four‑year, $168.6 million extension.
Other players with exercised options include defensive ends Lukas Van Ness (Packers, $14.475 million) and Calijah Kancey (Buccaneers, $15.451 million), edge rusher Will McDonald IV (Jets, $14.475 million), cornerback Christian Gonzalez (Patriots, $18.119 million), and wide receivers Quentin Johnston (Chargers, $18 million), Zay Flowers (Ravens, $27.298 million) and Jordan Addison (Vikings, $18 million). Tight end Dalton Kincaid (Bills, $8.162 million) and offensive tackle Anton Harrison (Jaguars, $19.072 million) also had their options triggered. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (Saints, $13.391 million) and edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. (Eagles, $13.752 million) completed the list.
Options declined
Four players did not have the option exercised: quarterback Anthony Richardson (Colts, $22.483 million), defensive end Tyree Wilson (Saints, $14.475 million), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (Steelers, $19.072 million) and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (Rams, $12.633 million). Additional declines include linebacker Jack Campbell (Lions, $21.925 million), defensive tackle Mazi Smith (Jets, $13.391 million), defensive end Myles Murphy (Bengals, $14.475 million) and defensive end Felix Anudike‑Uzomah (Chiefs, $14.475 million). Cornerback Deonte Banks (Giants, $12.633 million) also saw his option dropped.
Long‑term deals
Two first‑round selections have already moved beyond the fifth‑year option. Will Anderson Jr. signed a three‑year, $150 million extension with the Texans, and Smith‑Njigba secured a four‑year, $168.6 million contract with the Seahawks.
The fifth‑year option decisions provide an early indicator of which 2023 rookies have secured future roles and which may become free agents or negotiate new contracts. Teams will reassess roster composition and salary‑cap implications as the 2027 offseason approaches.
