oToday is the deadline for picking up a 5^th year option for the 2013 NFL first round draft picks. A team that exercises the option will control the rights for a player for an additional season. The salary is based on position on whether or not you are drafted in the top 10. Players in the top 10 receive a contract equal to the Transition tag while those outside the top 10 receive a one year contract for an average of the 3^rd through 25^th highest salaries. Once picked up the option is guaranteed for injury only and becomes fully guaranteed on the first day of the 2017 League Year. Here are some thoughts on todays decisions.

Officially Picked Up

DJ Fluker (Chargers), Star Lotulelei (Panthers), Kenny Vaccaro (Saints), Justin Pugh (Giants), Kyle Long (Bears), Tyler Eifert (Bengals), Desmond Trufant (Falcons), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), and Travis Frederick (Cowboys) have all had their option years picked up. In addition Lane Johnson (Eagles) has already been extended.

Unofficially Picked Up

The following players have had their teams indicate they will pick up the option season though nothing to my knowledge has been filed with the league. Sheldon Richardson (Jets), Shariff Floyd (Vikings), and Xavier Rhodes (Vikings) have each seemingly been informed that the teams will pick up their option year. It makes sense since these are all the best options at their positions on the teams.

Likely To Be Picked Up

Ziggy Ansah (Lions) is well establish on the Lions defensive front and there would be zero reason to bypass on his option as it will be lower than any extension value. The Lions did exercise the option officially on Ansah….The Broncos should look to keep Sylvester Williams to maintain continuity up front. The Broncos did not exercise this option which surprised me given the jump in values on the d line this year.

50/50 Decisions

Eric Fisher probably has not played well enough to earn the 5^th year option, but hasn’t played poorly enough to be given up on. Much like Matt Kalil with Minnesota I think you pick up the option and hope you can work out a reasonable extension, though the Lane Johnson deal hurts in that regard. Per Adam Schefter the Chiefs did indeed pick up the option.

Luke Joeckel I would lean more towards no because of his play level and the fact that it seems Jacksonville is ready to go with another left tackle. That said, its possible they could just invoke the option as protection for themselves in the even he does develop this year making him either a trade chip or possible piece for the future. Their never ending amount of cap room may make it easier to do than most. Joeckel will not have his option picked up which is not a surprise.

I’d think Chance Warmack is far too expensive at that price and the Titans have never been one to go anywhere near pricey players, but given that he is a top 10 pick and they have a young quarterback I don’t think you can discount it completely. The Titans did not pick up this option.

Jarvis Jones probably should not have his option picked up but I think the Steelers will err on the side of caution in the event he does play more this season and do well.

Eric Reid has had some injury issues which is the only reason I put this here instead of likely. I could see San Francisco looking to work something out with him regarding the guarantee on the contract. The 49ers financially have no reason to not pick this up otherwise. Reids option was picked up this morning.

Alec Ogletree missed most of last year but if the Rams are bullish on him they will pick this up since hell be expected to start at a position where this may be a reasonable salary. The Rams did pick this option up today.

Doubtful

Barkevious Mingo never developed into a pass rusher or full time starter. With the Browns latest front office shake up its hard to see them looking at him as worth a near $12 million contract. The Browns did in fact pass on the option.

Jonathan Cooper was part of a trade with the Patriots, but I got the feeling he was a bit of a throw in with some potential. If he plays well New England will work out an extension during the year. They are not going to tie themselves into having to work around a $12 million promise while negotiating that deal. New England did not pick up the option.

Tavon Austin may be the most dangerous player on the Rams offense but that says more bad about the Rams than good about Austin. There is no way to justify this contract figure for a player who is probably closer to a Devin Hester than Dez Bryant. Im stunned that the Rams picked the option up on Austin.

Dee Milliner is injury prone and when healthy has been useless. The Jets relegated him to a few special teams snaps last year. This would be a shocking pick up. The Jets declined Milliner’s option.

If the rest of the Raiders draft picks turned out like DJ Hayden they would not be showing any promise right now. At best Hayden is can expect a $2-$3 million one year deal next season similar to Morris Claiborne in Dallas or what the Raiders did with Darren McFadden a few years back. The Raiders have declined the option on Hayden.

EJ Manuel seems to have no future in Buffalo and there is no way you can pay a backup the big salary the option carries for him. Needless to say the Bills have declined this option.

Though Green Bay is going to try to keep their own, Datone Jones is one they will likely try to keep through extension or re-signing during free agency rather than on the one year option. This is more the Packers strategy with players like Jones. Green Bay will decline this option.

Cordarelle Patterson has never developed as expected and the Vikings should pass on him. The Vikings have declined his option.

Matt Elam may not make the Ravens roster this season. The Ravens have declined his option.

Ineligible

Dion Jordan’s contract has already tolled because of his drug suspension, so Miami does not have to make any decision on him….Bjorn Werner was released earlier this year by the Colts.

The following table is a quick reference for the option cost and where I put their chances of having the option picked up. Ill update them as they are made official today.