The 2020 NFL Draft class set a record for the fewest number of 1st round picks to have their 5th-year options exercised, with 12, since the 5th-year option became a thing in 2011. The 2021 NFL Draft class improved, and out of the 32 players selected, 18 were exercised, while 12 were declined, and two were ineligible.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Tracker for the 2021 NFL Draft
We will focus on the 12 players from the 2021 draft who had their fully guaranteed team options declined last year and one of the two who were ineligible but still played in the NFL. Note: We will focus on the team that acquired the player who decided to decline their 5th-year options rather than the team that drafted them.
Denver Broncos: Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson had an uneventful 2024 campaign, losing not only the starting quarterback competition but also the backup position. Wilson spent the entire year as the third-string/emergency third-quarterback behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham. As a result, he was inactive for every game and did not play a single snap.
The Miami Dolphins signed Wilson to a one-year, $6 million contract. He will compete with Quinn Ewers for the backup job behind Tua Tagovailoa.
Dallas Cowboys: Trey Lance
Trey Lance began the 2024 season as the third-stringer but later became the backup to Cooper Rush following Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury in Week 9. Lance appeared in four games, including three in relief, and started in their regular-season finale. He completed 25 out of 41 pass attempts for 266 yards and one interception, with a 0-1 record.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Lance to a one-year, $2 million contract worth up to $6.2 million. He will compete against Taylor Heinicke for the backup job behind Justin Herbert.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Fields
Justin Fields started the first six games for the injured Russell Wilson. When Wilson recovered from the calf injury, Fields was relegated to the backup role but came in on short-yardage downs throughout the year. He completed 106 out of 161 pass attempts for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, along with 289 rushing yards on 62 attempts and five touchdowns, with a 4-2 record.
The New York Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract. He will start for the Jets in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Mac Jones
The San Francisco 49ers signed Jones to a two-year, $7 million contract to back up Brock Purdy.
Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins
The Arizona Cardinals signed Zaven Collins to a two-year, $14 million extension during the last offseason rather than exercising his 5th-year option. Collins had a solid 2024 campaign, transitioning to a full-time EDGE rusher and posting career highs in QB hits and sacks while leading the team in sacks. He recorded 57 tackles, seven TFLs, seven QB hits, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 17 starts.
Collins will compete with Baron Browning for the starting job alongside Josh Sweat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, four of the five players listed to have their 5th-year options declined signed with different teams, while Zaven Collins remains. Finally, of the five players, only one, Justin Fields, signed for over $10 million per year this offseason.
