The 2020 NFL Draft has become one of the most important drafts in recent memory as the year produced some of the game’s most notable players including Joe Burrow, Justin Hebert, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Jefferson. Now the players selected in the first round are reaching a crucial milestone in their young careers.
NFL teams have until Tuesday, May 2 to exercise the fifth-year option on the rookie contracts of their first-round picks from the 2020 NFL Draft. This maneuver will ensure the player stays under team control throughout the 2024 season. Tagovailoa was the first in that class to use his fifth-year option with the Dolphins locking him up and several other players are expected to follow.
Below are the 28 first round entrants from this class of 2020 who are eligible for the fifth year option and whether or not their team elected to do so.
Option tracker for the fifth year
Joe Burrow (Bengal) | Picked up | $29.504 million |
Chase Young (Commanders) | Unclaimed | $17.452 million |
Jeff Okudah (Hawks) | Ineligible Post-Lions Trade | $11.514 million |
Andrew Thomas (giants) | Picked up | $14.175 million |
Tua Tagovailoa (dolphins) | Picked up | $23.171 million |
Justin Herbert (Chargers) | Picked up | $29.504 million |
Derrick Brown (Panthers) | Picked up | $11.665 million |
Isaiah Simmons (Cardinals) | Unclaimed | $12.722 million |
CJ Henderson (Panthers) | Unclaimed | $11.514 million |
Jedrick Wills (Browns) | Picked up | $14.175 million |
Mekhi Becton (Jets) | Unclaimed | $13.565 million |
Tristan Wirfs (Privateer) | Picked up | $18.244 million |
Javon Kinlaw (49ers) | Unclaimed | $10.455 million |
Jerry Jeudy (Broncos) | Picked up | $12.987 million |
AJ Terrell (Hawks) | Picked up | $12.344 million |
CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) | Picked up | $17.991 million |
Austin Jackson (Dolphins) | Unclaimed | $14.175 million |
K’Lavon Chaisson (Jaguars) | Unclaimed | $12.141 million |
Jalen Reagor (Vikings) | Unclaimed | $12.987 million |
Justin Jefferson (Vikings) | Picked up | $19.743 million |
Kenneth Murray (Chargers) | Unclaimed | $11.727 million |
Cesar Ruiz (Saint) | Unclaimed | $14.175 million |
Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) | Picked up | $14.124 million |
Jordan Love (Packers) | Instead, an extension of one year was given | $20.272 million |
Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks) | Unclaimed | $12.722 million |
Patrick Queen (Ravens) | Unclaimed | $12.722 million |
Noah Igbinoghene (dolphins) | Unclaimed | $13.202 million |
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs | Unclaimed | $5.461 million |
Dolphin pickup option on Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa
MIA • QB • #1
CMP%64.8
YDS3548
TD25
INT8
YD/Att8.87
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Miami became the first team to exercise the fifth-year option on a player of this caliber, keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in house until 2024. The former fifth overall pick is coming off a breakout season in 2022 in which he led the NFL in yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (105.5). However, Tagovailoa’s season was limited to just 13 games due to concussions. Regarding a possible long-term extension beyond the fifth-year option, GM Chris Grier highlighted Tagovailoa’s health as a factor, but added: “It’s nothing that will scare us to do anything long-term with him. “
Cowboys choose Lamb’s option
CeeDee lamb
DAL • WR • #88
TAR156
REC107
REC YDs1359
REC TD9
FL0
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CeeDee Lamb is coming off one of the most productive seasons in Cowboys history in 2022. His 107 catches was the third-most by a Cowboy in a single season and his 1,359 receiving yards was the fifth-most. Of course, Dallas wants to keep this type of weapon going forward, so the fifth-year option was a logical next step. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones also hinted at a possible extension for Lamb, saying it’s on the team’s radar and viewing him as a player “we’d love to have here for another five, six years.”
Vikings take Jefferson’s option
Justin Jefferson
MIN•WR•#18
TAR184
REC128
REC YDs1809
REC TD8
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As one of the most prolific young receivers in NFL history, Jefferson is the building block around which the Vikings will build their future. Jefferson comes off a season in which he led the NFL in both receptions and receiving yards, and he was named both First Team All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year. There was never any doubt that his option would be picked up.
The Bengals go with Burrow’s option
Joe Burrow
CIN • QB • #9
CMP%68.3
YDS4475
TD35
INT12
YD/Att7.38
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If there were a player whose option was an even greater guarantee than Jefferson’s picked up, it was Burrow. He’s already an inner-circle MVP nominee and led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season. Burrow will most likely get a significant contract extension fairly soon, but choosing the option is the first step in beginning the renewal process.
Buccaneers pick up Wirfs’ option
Tristan Wirfs
TB • OT • #78
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The Buccaneers were another team with an uncomplicated decision as it’s the fifth-year option with offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. The 24-year-old and former No. 13 overall pick was a standout on Tampa Bay’s offensive line. In three seasons in proper tackle, he’s conceded just five sacks on 3,186 offensive snaps. Heading into 2023, there’s a chance Wirfs will make the Swift a left tackle, making him even more valuable to the franchise.
Commanders do not exercise Young’s option
Chase Young
WAR • DE • #99
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Young was considered the “best prospect” in the class due to his incredibly productive collegiate career at Ohio State. After a strong rookie year in which he finished with 7.5 sacks and reached the Pro Bowl, Young struggled with injuries and appeared in just 12 games, 1.5 sacks total and five quarterback hits. Since he had reached the Pro Bowl, Young’s $17.5 million fifth-year option would have been fully guaranteed, and Washington apparently felt that was too rich. If Young has a recovery season, he could make big business in the open market next winter — whether in Washington or elsewhere.
Chargers pick up Herbert’s option
JustinHerbert
LAC • QB • #10
CMP%68.2
YDS4739
TD25
INT10
YD/Att6.78
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Much like Joe Burrow, this was a given for the Chargers and will likely only be a placeholder until those two sides can negotiate terms for a long-term extension. Herbert is eligible to seek an extension this offseason, and with both Jalen Hurt’s and Lamar Jackson’s contract situations out of the way, the way is clear for him to head to the negotiating table (along with Burrow). Herbert quickly established himself as a franchise quarterback for LA and, as a rookie, set NFL records for most touchdown passes, yards per game and completions. He has also thrown at least 4,300 yards in each of his first three seasons.
49ers pick up Aiyuk’s option
Brandon Ayuk
SF • WR • #11
TAR114
REC78
REC YDs1015
REC TD8
FL1
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San Francisco confirmed Aiyuk will be under team control through the 2024 season by accepting his fifth-year option. Still, it will be interesting to follow his future with the 49ers, as GM John Lynch has been quite candid about the possibility of leaving him due to commitments elsewhere on the roster.
“You can’t keep everyone, we’re trying to do something special this year and Brandon is going to be a big part of that and beyond,” Lynch said earlier this offseason. “And yes, you always have to think a few years, but we’re very excited for Brandon. I feel like he took another big step last year and I think the best is yet to come and that’s why we want him to be a part of it and at some point, yeah, you’ve got to figure things out, and I think we’ll take it as it comes, but for now and in the future we’re really excited for Brandon Aiyuk and where he’s a pro.”
Aiyuk has had a career year in 2022 in which he has had record-breaking receptions, yards and touchdowns.
The Falcons take AJ Terrell’s option
AJ Terrell
ATL • CB • #24
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Atlanta arrested one of its key players in secondary school by accepting Terrell’s fifth-year option, which will net him about $12.3 million for the 2024 season. The Clemson product has proven to be one of the better young corners in the NFL, earning a second-team All-Pro nod back in 2021. Terrell was limited to 14 games last season due to a hamstring injury but only allowed 56% of those goals to be completed against him.
Chargers aren’t taking Kenneth Murray’s option
Kenneth Murray
LAC • LB • #9
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Los Angeles will not take up the fifth-year option on Kenneth Murray’s rookie contract. The linebacker was the team’s second first-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft after Herbert. The team traded with the New England Patriots to pick the Oklahoma product, but he didn’t exactly meet his billing draft. Up to this point, Murray’s tenure has been a little overwhelming, so guaranteeing more than $11.7 million for 2024 makes little sense. In 17 games last season, Murray totaled 76 tackles and a sack.
49ers are not taking Javon Kinlaw’s option
Javon Kinlaw
SF•DT•#99
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49ers GM John Lynch confirmed on Friday that the club will not take up the fifth-year option on Javon Kinlaw’s rookie contract. The former No. 14 overall has only played 24 games in the first three years of his career, so it’s not too surprising that the team decide against the option. He was limited to just six games last year and had four tackles in total. Lynch told reporters that he’s “still looking for great things from Javon. Javon is having an excellent off-season.
The Browns are taking Jedrick Wills’ option
Jedrick Wills
CLE•OT•#71
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Cleveland has decided to exercise the fifth-year option at Wills to ensure starting links are addressed under team control by the 2024 season. Wills will receive a base salary of $14,175 for the fifth year for this option. Wills started in all 17 games for the Browns last season and conceded six sacks on 1,152 offensive snaps.
The Panthers take Derrick Brown’s option
Derrick Brown
AUTO • DT • #95
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Carolina exercised Brown’s option, and the defenseman will now earn a base salary of $11.6 million for the 2024 season. The former No. 7 overall has enjoyed what is arguably the best season of his career in 2022, during which he recorded a career-high 67 tackles and seven pass separations in 17 games played. He also set a career high with 12 quarterback hits.
The Panthers are declining the option of CJ Henderson
CJ Henderson
AUTO • CB • #24
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Henderson was originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars but was acquired by the Panthers in 2021 and the club have now decided against exercising his fifth-year option. This means that after a 2023 season in which he will earn a base salary of $3.4 million, Henderson will now become a free agent in the next offseason. In 17 games last season (10 starts), Henderson totaled 58 tackles and six pass breakups, plus two interceptions.
Saints are not taking Cesar Ruiz’s option
Caesar Ruiz
NO • C • #51
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Ruiz will now enter the final year of his rookie deal and is set to hit free agency after this season, with the Saints turning down his fifth-year option. Ruiz’s option would have netted him just over $14 million in 2024, fully guaranteed. Ruiz played in 14 games (all starts) for the Saints last season, mostly at right flank.
Broncos take Jerry Jeudy’s option
Jerry Jeudy
DEN • WR • #10
TAR100
REC67
REC YDs972
REC TD6
FL0
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Despite many trade rumors, Denver continues to build for the future with Jeudy in mind. The club received their fifth-year option, completing the wideout by the 2024 season. Jeudy is guaranteed to make close to $13 million in 2024. The former No. 15 overall from Alabama is coming off a career year in 2022, though Denver is struggling as a club. Jeudy put in top performances in receptions, yards and touchdowns. However, he has yet To a 1,000-yard receiving season by that time.
Ravens decline Patrick Queen’s fifth-year option
patrick queen
BAL•LB•#6
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Baltimore has opted out of taking the fifth-year option on linebacker Patrick Queen. The former first-round pick would have $12.7 million as an option but will instead enter the final year of his rookie deal and is expected to reach free agency next offseason. Queen hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing over the course of his tenure, and his future with the team seems up in the air going into 2023 as well, especially after the Ravens traded for Roquan Smith last season and the team Clemsons drafted Trent Simpson over the weekend. In 17 games last season, Queen totaled 117 tackles and five sacks.
Giants pick up Andrew Thomas’ fifth-year option
Andrew Thomas
NYG•OT•#78
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The Giants have taken the fifth-year option on Andrew Thomas’ contract at left tackle, a well-deserved move for their fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas is now expected to earn $14.175 million fully guaranteed in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, he had an 88.8 pass-blocking grade last season, the fourth-highest in the entire NFL among offensive tackles, after allowing just four sacks on 578 pass-blocking snaps. Thomas was also strong when the Giants ran the football, as his run-blocking grade of 80.0 PFF was the ninth-best among offensive tackles in 2022 among those who played at least 150 offensive snaps.
Seahawks are declining Jordyn Brooks’ fifth-year option
Jordan Brooks
SEA • LB • #56
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Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks had his fifth-year option turned down by the deadline, according to the Seattle Times. For 2024, he would receive $12.7 million in fully guaranteed money. Now Brooks will make $2.3 million in 2023 in the final season of his rookie deal. He was unfortunate enough to tear his cruciate ligament in week 17 of last season, raising uncertainty about how he will look in the future. Seattle responded to his injury this offseason by bringing back legendary Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (one year, $5.5 million) after spending 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams. They also drafted 10th overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, linebacker Devin Bush (one year, $3.5 million) in free agency to make up for Brooks’ injury.