The fifth-year options for 2023 NFL first-round picks are a complex and nuanced topic, with many factors to consider. Here's a breakdown of each player's situation, including my personal commentary and analysis.
First Pick: Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
- Fifth-year option: $25.904 million
Young's fifth-year option is a no-brainer for the Panthers. He's shown steady improvement since regaining his starting role, and his performance in 2025 was a career-high, leading the Panthers to their first NFC South title since 2015. With continued growth, Young could become a top-tier quarterback, justifying a significant salary.
Second Pick: C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
- Fifth-year option: $25.904 million
Stroud's option is an easy decision for the Texans, but a contract extension in 2026 may be more challenging. His 2025 season was underwhelming, with regression from his rookie year. The Texans might need to commit to a high salary to keep Stroud, but his performance in the playoffs was concerning.
Third Pick: Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
- Fifth-year option: $21.512 million
The Texans will definitely exercise Anderson's option. He's a dominant force on defense, with double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons and an impressive pass-rushing win rate. Anderson's potential to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback is a real possibility.
Fourth Pick: Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
- Fifth-year option: $22.483 million
Richardson's fate in Indianapolis is uncertain. His camp is seeking a trade, and the team's quarterback situation is in flux. The Colts might be better off moving on, especially with Daniel Jones' resurgence.
Fifth Pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks
- Fifth-year option: $21.161 million
The Seahawks exercised Witherspoon's option, and a new deal is a priority. Witherspoon's Pro Bowl selections and the deal Trent McDuffie received make him a valuable asset. The Seahawks are likely to extend Witherspoon to keep him from becoming a free agent.
Sixth Pick: Paris Johnson, OT, Arizona Cardinals
- Fifth-year option: $19.072 million
The Cardinals will likely pick up Johnson's option. He's a young left tackle on an upward trajectory, and the team wants to keep him for the long term. Johnson's potential is a key factor in this decision.
Seventh Pick: Tyree Wilson, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
- Fifth-year option: $14.475 million
The Raiders won't pick up Wilson's option. His performance hasn't lived up to his draft position, and he's struggled to start games. The Raiders might be better off moving on and focusing on other areas of the team.
Eighth Pick: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
- Fifth-year option: $11.323 million
The Falcons will exercise Robinson's option. He had a stellar season, leading the NFL in scrimmage yards and earning All-Pro honors. Robinson's potential to become a top-tier running back makes this decision a no-brainer.
Ninth Pick: Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
- Fifth-year option: $27.127 million
The Eagles' history of proactive contract extensions could apply to Carter. His shoulder issues limited his playtime, but he's a Pro Bowl talent. The Eagles might be willing to commit to a high salary to keep him.
Tenth Pick: Darnell Wright, OT, Chicago Bears
- Fifth-year option: $19.072 million
Wright's option isn't the issue, as he earned All-Pro honors. The Bears want to keep him long-term, and his strong suit is run blocking. Wright's potential to become a cornerstone of the offensive line makes this decision a positive one.
Eleventh Pick: Peter Skoronski, G, Tennessee Titans
- Fifth-year option: $19.072 million
Skoronski is a rising star at guard, and the Titans want to keep him. They might need to make him the NFL's highest-paid offensive guard to retain his services.
Twelfth Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
- Fifth-year option: $14.293 million
The Lions have a history of signing first-round picks early, and Gibbs should be no exception. His talent and potential make him a priority for the team.
Thirteenth Pick: Lukas Van Ness, LB, Green Bay Packers
- Fifth-year option: $13.752 million
The Packers' non-commitment to Van Ness' option is surprising. His sack total and playtime don't justify a fifth year, and the team might be better off moving on.
Fourteenth Pick: Broderick Jones, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Fifth-year option: $19.072 million
Jones' neck fusion surgery makes a fifth year risky. His inconsistency and injury history might lead the Steelers to move on.
Fifteenth Pick: Will McDonald IV, LB, New York Jets
- Fifth-year option: $13.752 million
The Jets will likely pick up McDonald's option. He's a key contributor with consistent sack totals. The team's commitment to him is evident.
Sixteenth Pick: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Los Angeles Rams
- Fifth-year option: $12.633 million
The Rams' cornerback upgrades might impact Forbes' option. His performance will be crucial in determining his future with the team.
Seventeenth Pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots
- Fifth-year option: $18.119 million
The Patriots will pick up Gonzalez's option. A contract extension is likely, and the team's financial interest aligns with keeping him.
Eighteenth Pick: Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions
- Fifth-year option: $21.925 million
Campbell's Pro Bowl selection increases his value. The Lions might be willing to commit to a high salary to keep him, especially with his off-ball linebacker market potential.
Nineteenth Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Fifth-year option: $15.451 million
Kancey's torn pectoral muscle makes the decision on his fifth year uncertain. The team might need to assess his health before making a final call.
Twentieth Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
- Fifth-year option: $23.852 million
Smith-Njigba is the first 2023 first-round pick to get a contract extension. His deal makes him the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver, setting a new standard.
Twenty-Second Pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
- Fifth-year option: $18 million
Johnston's option might depend on his role in the new offensive coordinator's scheme. His production and role will be key factors.
Twenty-Third Pick: Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
- Fifth-year option: $27.298 million
Flowers' option is a no-brainer for the Ravens. His Pro Bowl selection and career year make him a valuable asset.
Twenty-Fourth Pick: Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
- Fifth-year option: $18 million
The Vikings will exercise Addison's option despite his off-the-field issues and poor 2025 season. The team might be willing to give him another chance.
Twenty-Fifth Pick: Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants
- Fifth-year option: $12.633 million
Banks' Giants defense struggled, but he gets a clean slate under a new coordinator. His potential is still there.
Twenty-Sixth Pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
- Fifth-year option: $8.162 million
The Bills picked up Kincaid's option, but he needs to stay healthy. Knee issues have been a concern, and he needs to prove himself.
Twenty-Seventh Pick: Maxi Smith, DT, New York Jets
- Fifth-year option: $13.931 million
Smith's performance with the Jets was underwhelming, and the team might move on.
Twenty-Eighth Pick: Anton Harrison, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Fifth-year option: $19.072 million
The Jaguars picked up Harrison's option, recognizing his reliability and potential.
Twenty-Ninth Pick: Myles Murphy, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
- Fifth-year option: $14.475 million
Murphy's production might not justify a fifth year, and the Bengals might move on.
** Thirtieth Pick: Bryan Breese, DT, New Orleans Saints**
- Fifth-year option: $13.391 million
The Saints exercised Breese's option, recognizing his improved run defense.
Thirty-First Pick: Nolan Smith, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
- Fifth-year option: $13.752 million
The Eagles' loss of Jaelen Phillips might make Smith's option more likely. His pressure rate is respectable.
Thirty-Second Pick: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Fifth-year option: $14.475 million
The Chiefs won't pick up Anudike-Uzomah's option due to his injury-plagued season.
