Clemson football: 5th year option winners and losers

Three former Clemson football players were up to have their fifth year options renewed (or not) for their current NFL teams by May 2. Two of those were happy with the result and one probably not so much.

The fifth year option applies to players drafted in the first round who are entering their fourth year of their rookie contract.  By picking up the option the club guarantees the salary, often at a multiple of the first four years salary.

If the fifth year option is not picked up, the player is still on the team, but nothing past the fourth year is guaranteed.

Christian Wilkins had his fifth year option picked up by the Dolphins and Wilkins salary will go from around $2.6 million to $10,753,000 in 2023, so getting that fifth year option is a huge deal for these players, especially given the guaranteed nature of the money.  NFL contracts are not generally guaranteed though it’s becoming more common to do so.

Dexter Lawrence also had his fifth year option picked up by the New York Giants taking his salary from $2.3 million in 2022 to the $10,753,000 amount in 2023.

On the other end of the spectrum, Clelin Ferrell, the highest selected of Clemson’s three first round draft picks, had his fifth year option declined by the Las Vegas Raiders.  Ferrell will make almost $4.8 million this season and would have been due $11,500,000 if his option had been exercised.

Ferrell was considered a reach at number four overall in the draft and his production has not warranted his current salary, much less the huge number that was attached to his fifth year option.

Wilkins meanwhile has solidified himself as a leader in Miami and a foundation on which the team will rebuild.

It’s widely believed that the Dolphins will attempt to sign Wilkins to a long-term deal, which is not precluded by exercising the fifth year option.