Those selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft saw teams pick up the fifth-year options on their rookie deals up until May 2.
The NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement put these fifth-year options in place to protect teams from losing important players in free agency early in their careers. It also affords said players to receive a huge raise in that fifth year should the two sides not come to terms on a contract extension.
Decisions have now been made regarding every first-round pick in the 202 NFL Draft and whether they will hit NFL free agency next March. Below, we provide a full breakdown with a final update on whether the player had his option picked up.
Related: Joe Burrow and other NFL players set for huge contract extensions
1. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (Exercised)
- Joe Burrow contract option value: $29.50 million
Forget about his fifth-year option, Cincinnati is clearly prepared to make Burrow the highest-paid player in NFL history this offseason. A recent report from Yahoo! Sports NFL insider Charles Robinson suggests that said deal could be worth up to $60 million annually. If all else fails, Cincinnati does have that $29.5 million option in 2024 in its back pocket. Don’t expect the team to have to utilize it.
2. Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Commanders (Declined)
- Chase Young contract option value: $17.45 million
Young’s situation with the Commanders is complicated by the fact that he has played just 11 games over the past two seasons after suffering a torn ACL back in 2021. Washington is also paying out a huge sum to fellow defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen with Montez Sweat also in line for a big pay day. As of right now, the Commanders are on the fence about picking up Young’s contract option.
3. Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions (Declined)
- Jeff Okudah contract option value: $11.51 million
From a pure performance standpoint, Okudah struggled through his first two NFL seasons. That included giving up a 118.0 QB rating as a rookie in 2020. He also missed all but one game as a sophomore due to an Achilles’ injury. He rebounded by playing well this past season. Now that Okudah is a member of the Atlanta Falcons, it seems highly unlikely his fifth-year option will be picked up.
4. Andrew Thomas, OT, New York Giants (Exercised)
- Andrew Thomas contract option value: $14.18 million
Thomas is already one of the best picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. Last season saw Thomas yield just 21 pressures in 16 starts. He also didn’t commit a single false start or holding penalty in 1,050 offensive snaps. It’s a foregone conclusion that New York will be picking up Thomas’ option for the 2024 season. After all, it already committed to quarterback Daniel Jones long-term. The question here is whether Thomas gets a huge extension to protect Jones’ blindside before the season starts.
5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (Exercised)
- Tua Tagovailoa contract option value: $23.17 million
Despite the concussion issues Tua dealt with a season ago, Miami has already made the decision to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Though, it’s highly unlikely he joins other top quarterbacks from the 2020 NFL Draft in receiving a contract extension this offseason.
6. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers (Exercised)
- Justin Herbert contract option value: $29.50 million
“Navigating this process, we have a very good relationship with his team. I’m confident that Justin Herbert is going to be our quarterback for a long time and that we’ll make sure that we get a deal done,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley on Herbert contract talks.
This makes it pretty clear that Los Angeles intends on extending Herbert during the offseason. As for his $29.5 million option, that likely won’t be needed. If it is, the Chargers will pick it up before May 1.
Related: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers talking contract extension
7. Derrick Brown, DT, Carolina Panthers (Exercised)
- Derrick Brown contract option value: $11.67 million
This former Auburn standout is among the most-underrated picks of the 2020 NFL Draft. Through three seasons, he’s recorded 33 QB hits, 21 tackles for loss and whopping 15 passes defended. There hasn’t been much from Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer on picking up Brown’s option. But we fully expect that to happen with new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero set to rely on this youngster.
Related: Highest-paid NFL players of 2023
8. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Arizona Cardinals (Declined)
- Isaiah Simmons contract option value: $12.72 million
Perhaps, new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon will find a better way to utilize this athletic defender moving forward. Simmons was used out of position by the former regime but still found a way to play at a relatively high level (seven passes defended, two interceptions in 2022). At this point, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that Simmons’ fifth-year option will not be picked up.
9. C.J. Henderson, CB, Carolina Panthers (Declined)
- C.J. Henderson contract option value: $11.51 million
Henderson was dealt from the Jacksonville Jaguars to Carolina after less than two full seasons. After struggling with the Jags, he hasn’t performed much better in Carolina. Last season saw the Florida product yield a 69% completion and 103.5 QB rating when targeted. There’s very little reason to believe that his fifth-year option will be exercised.
10. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Cleveland Browns (Exercised)
- Jedrick Wills Jr. contract option value: $14.18 million
Wills has started all 45 games in which he’s appeared since Cleveland selected him in the 2020 NFL Draft. Last season saw Wills commit 10 penalties while allowing six sacks. Despite these struggles, it makes no sense for Cleveland to decline Wills option. The team doesn’t have an internal replacement. With the amount of money it committed to Deshaun Watson, picking up Wills’ $14.18 million option just seems to make too much sense.
11. Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets (Declined)
- Mekhi Becton contract option value: $13.57 million
Becton has played all of one game since the end of his rookie season due to knee issues. He had shown up overweight following the 2020 NFL Draft and struggled in his first action with the Jets. There’s virtually no chance general manager Joe Douglas and Co. pick up the left tackle’s option. As for the youngster, he’s going to be motivated heading into a contract year. “I’m losing a lot of weight. As you can see, I look really skinny right now,” Wills said back in January.
13. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Exercised)
- Tristan Wirfs contract option value: $18.24 million
Wirfs, 24, has to be seen as one of the best picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s earned two consecutive All-Pro teams and Pro Bowl appearances. He’s now set to take over as the Buccaneers’ left tackle following the release of Donovan Smith. The Bucs’ official website already pretty much guaranteed Wirfs’ 2024 option will be picked up. It’s now all about making him one of the highest-paid tackles in the NFL. Whether that happens before Week 1 remains to be seen.
14. Javon Kinlaw, DT, San Francisco 49ers (Declined)
- Javon Kinlaw contract option value: $10.46 million
The 49ers have made it clear. They still believe that Kinlaw can produce at a high level even after he suited up in 10 games over the past two seasons. They have also made it clear that Kinlaw’s option will not be picked up. It looks like the 2023 season will be make or break for Kinlaw, whether that’s with the 49ers or another team.
Related: Sportsnaut’s NFL power rankings heading into the 2023 draft
15. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos (Exercised)
- Jerry Jeudy contract option value: $12.99 million
Broncos general manager George Paton said recently that the team is not rushing its decision relating to Jeudy’s contract option. This comes amid several trade rumors surrounding the highly-embattled 2020 NFL Draft pick. He did put up a career-best performance with Russell Wilson tossing him the rock last season. Either way, Jeudy’s 2024 option is highly unlikely to be picked up unless he is dealt this offseason.
16. A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta Falcons (Exercised)
- A.J. Terrell contract option value: $12.34 million
After an absolutely brilliant 2021 season saw this Clemson product yield a mere 61.0 QB rating when targeted, Terrell struggled this past year (102.0 QB rating allowed). Atlanta will pick up his option ahead of the May 1 deadline. He still figures big time into the team’s rebuild. According to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, an extension could be in the cards next offseason.
17. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (Exercised)
- CeeDee Lamb contract option value: $17.99 million
Dallas will most definitely pick up Lamb’s option for the 2024 NFL season. The only question here is whether the team will sign him to a contract extension this offseason to avoid such a large cap hit. Still only 23 years old, Lamb has earned two Pro Bowl honors in his three seasons. Over the course of the past two years he’s averaging 93 receptions for 1,230 yards and eight touchdowns.
18. Austin Jackson, OL, Miami Dolphins (Declined)
- Austin Jackson contract option value: $14.18 million
This former first-round pick from USC missed all but two games a season ago due to an ankle injury. Prior to that, he split time between left tackle and guard while playing pedestrian football. As a guard in 2021, Jackson yielded an absurd 49 quarterback pressures. Miami will not be picking up the fifth-year option on Jackson’s rookie contract.
20. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars (Declined)
- K’Lavon Chaisson contract option value: $12.14 million
One of the few misses under general manager Trent Baalke over the several years, Chaisson will not have his contract option picked up. The former LSU star has recorded a mere 15 quarterback hits and three sacks in three seasons. Jacksonville has Josh Allen and Travon Walker ahead of him on the depth chart and will likely add another edge in the 2023 NFL Draft.
21. Jalen Reagor, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Declined)
- Jalen Reagor contract option value: $12.99 million
Acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles last summer, Reagor played an important role on special teams for Minnesota. Though, he caught only eight passes for 104 yards in 17 games. Obviously, Minnesota is not going to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
22. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Exercised)
- Justin Jefferson contract option value: $19.74 million
Speaking of the Vikings, there’s very little reason to believe that they are going to let Jefferson’s contract situation play out too long. The record-breaking receiver will become the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history once the dust settles. After all, we’re talking about a 23-year-old receiver who is averaging 108 catches for 1,608 yards throughout his three-year career. That’s absolutely insane.
23. Kenneth Murray, LB, Los Angeles Chargers (Declined)
- Kenneth Murray contract option value: $11.73 million
Los Angeles is unlikely to exercise the fifth-year option on Murray’s rookie deal and will not re-sign him in free agency. The team just signed Eric Kendricks in free agency and has other superior options to Murray. This past season saw the linebacker yield a 73.3% completion when targeted.
24. Cesar Ruiz, OL, New Orleans Saints (Declined)
- Cesar Ruiz contract option value: $14.18 million
Having switched between center and guard throughout his young NFL career, Ruiz is valuable simply due to his versatility. Whether that will translate to New Orleans picking up his option remains to be seen. However, that $14.18 million price tag seems to be too much for an average starter.
25. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers (Exercised)
- Brandon Aiyuk contract option value: $14.12 million
San Francisco has already announced that it will pick up Aiyuk’s option after a great third season in the NFL. The former Arizona State star recorded 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. The only question here is whether San Francisco will sign Aiyuk to a contract extension. It is already paying Deebo Samuel top-end wide receiver money, leading to speculation about a potential trade of Aiyuk.
26. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers (Contract extension)
- Jordan Love contract option value: $20.27 million
Having started all of one game in his career, most would think that declining Love’s option for the 2024 season is a no-brainer. Not so fast. Love is set to take over for the great Aaron Rodgers as Green Bay’s starter in 2023. The team is now also seemingly set to commit to Love beyond the 2023 campaign. It’s a risk Green Bay has to take.
27. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks (Declined)
- Jordyn Brooks contract option value: $12.72 million
There’s every reason to believe that Seattle will pick up the option on Brook’s deal for the 2024 NFL season. He’s the quarterback of their defense and is widely respected around the locker room. Despite coming off a torn ACL, Brooks is a future face of the Seahawks’ defense. Head coach Pete Carroll had made that clear more than once.
28. Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens (Declined)
- Patrick Queen contract option value: $12.72 million
The trade for All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith during the 2023 NFL season made one thing clear. Baltimore is building its defense from the inside out. That includes this former LSU star. Last season saw Queen recorded 117 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions while yielding a mere 83.1 QB rating when targeted. His option will obviously be picked up.
30. Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Miami Dolphins (Declined)
- Noah Igbinoghene contract option value: $11.51 million
A surprise first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Igbinoghene hasn’t panned out in South Beach. He’s started just five games in three seasons and appeared in nine outings in each of the past two years. His option will not be picked up.
32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (Declined)
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire contract option value: $5.46 million
Edwards-Helaire saw rookie seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco take over primary ball-carrier duties last season. He simply has not lived up to expectations (average of 541 rushing yards per season). Heck, CEH might not even be on the Chiefs once Week 1 comes calling with rumors about a potential trade floating about. Either way, his contract option will not be picked up.
2020 NFL Draft team options (full list)
| Player | Team | Position | Option | Value |
| Joe Burrow | Bengals | QB | Exercised | $29.5M |
| Chase Young | Commanders | EDGE | Declined | $17.45M |
| Jeff Okudah | Falcons | CB | Not eligible (trade) | $11.51M |
| Andrew Thomas | Giants | OT | Exercised | $14.18M |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins | QB | Exercised | $23.17M |
| Justin Herbert | Chargers | QB | Exercised | $29.50M |
| Derrick Brown | Panthers | DT | Exercised | $11.67M |
| Isaiah Simmons | Cardinals | LB | Declined | $12.72M |
| C.J. Henderson | Panthers | CB | Declined | $11.51M |
| Jedrick Wills | Browns | OT | Exercised | $14.18M |
| Mekhi Becton | Jets | OT | Declined | $13.57M |
| Tristan Wirfs | Buccaneers | OT | Exercised | $18.24M |
| Javon Kinlaw | 49ers | DT | Declined | $10.46M |
| Jerry Jeudy | Broncos | WR | Exercised | $12.99M |
| A.J. Terrell | Falcons | CB | Exercised | $12.34M |
| CeeDee Lamb | Cowboys | WR | Exercised | $17.99M |
| Austin Jackson | Dolphins | OT | Declined | $14.18M |
| K’Lavon Chaisson | Jaguars | EDGE | Declined | $12.14M |
| Jalen Reagor | Vikings | WR | Declined | $12.99M |
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | WR | Exercised | $19.74M |
| Kenneth Murray | Chargers | LB | Declined | $11.73M |
| Cesar Ruiz | Saints | C | Declined | $14.18M |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 49ers | WR | Exercised | $14.12M |
| Jordan Love | Packers | QB | Contract extension | N/A |
| Jordyn Brooks | Seahawks | LB | Declined | $12.72M |
| Patrick Queen | Ravens | LB | Declined | $12.72M |
| Noah Igbinoghene | Dolphins | CB | Declined | $11.51M |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Chiefs | RB | Declined | $5.46M |
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