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Players in the 2023 NFL Draft just wrapped their third regular seasons, meaning teams will now make decisions on fifth-year options for the first-rounders in the class.
All drafted rookies are given four-year contracts to begin their careers — and when it comes to players selected in the first round, teams have the option to extend that pact for a fifth year, a decision they have to make heading into Year 4. The fifth-year-option window for the Class of 2023 opened Jan. 5, with the final deadline set for May 1. Today, I’m taking a look at the 31 eligible selections from Round 1 back in 2023, providing my opinion on whether or not each of the players merits the fifth-year option, which would lock them in place for the 2027 season.
I’ve also noted which players should be candidates to receive potential extensions this offseason, which rookies become eligible for after Year 3, possibly preempting the need to exercise the fifth-year option, as was the case with Derek Stingley Jr. and the extension he signed with the Texans last year. Regardless of what the realities of negotiating an actual deal this year might look like, all of these extension candidates are players that, in my view, should be locked up by their teams as soon as possible.
NOTE: The Miami Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-round pick following an investigation into whether the team violated league policies pertaining to the integrity of the game.
Exercise the option? Yes — EXTENSION CANDIDATE.
Young hasn’t lived up to the potential many (myself included) thought he’d reach early in his career. But while there have certainly been some bumps in the road (SEE: his 2024 benching), he’s also shown that he has the clutch gene. Since 2023, he leads the NFL with 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. He needs to demonstrate more consistency overall but deserves credit for making timely plays and helping Carolina to its best finish in recent memory, including the Panthers’ first NFC South title since 2015 and first postseason berth since 2017.
Exercise the option? Yes — EXTENSION CANDIDATE.
Stroud has been mostly excellent for the Texans, beginning his career as the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler. While his production slightly dipped in Years 2 and 3, Stroud has played an instrumental part in lifting the Texans to the postseason in each of his three seasons with the franchise.
