The Las Vegas Raiders said Friday they will not exercise the fifth-year options on all three of their 2019 first-round draft picks: defensive end Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram.
“We look forward to working with all three players and we will evaluate each situation individually moving forward,” general manager Dave Ziegler said in a statement.
Ferrell, the No. 4 overall pick in 2019, would have been guaranteed an $11.5 million salary in 2023 if the Raiders had picked up his option. Jacobs, drafted 24th, would have been guaranteed $8.03 million and Abram, selected 27th, would have been due $7.90 million.
Ferrell, 24, started all 26 of his games in his first two seasons before appearing in 16 games as a reserve in 2021. He has 79 career tackles, 24 quarterback hits, eight sacks and nine passes defensed.
Jacobs, 24, rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two campaigns and made the Pro Bowl in 2020. He has 3,839 yards from scrimmage and 28 rushing touchdowns in 43 career games (42 starts).
Abram, 25, has recorded 207 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 28 career starts. Shoulder injuries ended his rookie season after one game and his 2021 campaign in Week 15.
–Field Level Media