Most of the first-round picks in the 2021 NFL draft have played well enough that their teams have chosen to exercise their fifth-year options.
Of the 32 first-round picks, 18 had their fifth-year options picked up. That’s an increase over last year, when only 12 first-round picks from the 2020 NFL draft had their fifth-year options picked up.
Of the 14 2021 first-round picks who didn’t have their options picked up, 12 had their options declined, and two (Alex Leatherwod and Rashod Bateman) weren’t eligible for fifth year options.
Perhaps most notable is that four of the five quarterbacks drafted in the first round in 2021 — Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones — had their options declined. Only Trevor Lawrence had his option picked up.
Here’s the full list of 2021 first-round picks with their fifth-year option salaries. Players whose options were picked up are in bold:
1. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars — $25.664 million
2. Quarterback Zach Wilson, Broncos (via trade from Jets) — $22.408 million
3. Quarterback Trey Lance, Cowboys (via trade from 49ers) — $22.408 million
4. Tight end Kyle Pitts, Falcons — $10.878 million
5. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals — $21.816 million
6. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins — $15.591 million
7. Offensive lineman Penei Sewell, Lions — $19.04 million (Also agreed to a long-term contract)
8. Cornerback Jaycee Horn, Panthers — $12.472 million
9. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, Broncos — $19.802 million
10. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Eagles — $15.591 million (Also agreed to a long-term contract)
11. Quarterback Justin Fields, Bears — $25.664 million
12. Linebacker Micah Parsons, Cowboys — $24.007 million
13. Offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, Chargers — $19.04 million
14. Offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets — $15.313 million
15. Quarterback Mac Jones, Patriots — $25.664 million
16. Linebacker Zaven Collins, Cardinals — $13.251 million
17. Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, Raiders…
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