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.
Breaking down the #MiamiDolphins decision to exercise the fifth-year option on DT Christian Wilkins, including why it was an easy call, the team's fifth-year option history, and the fifth-year option decisions coming up next spring.https://t.co/w25nxKXvrF
— Alain Poupart (@PoupartNFL) April 29, 2022
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.
TheGiantsWire: The New York Giants have picked up the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. https://t.co/JAvF3H3pg4
— New York Giants News (@NYGNEWS1) April 29, 2022
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.
The Las Vegas Raiders announced they will not pick up the fifth-year options for running back Josh Jacobs, defensive end Clelin Ferrell and safety Jonathan Abram. https://t.co/O61eI0sMrO
— KSNV News 3 Las Vegas (@News3LV) April 29, 2022
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.