The 5th year option decision for the 2018 draft class was today and there were some questions about how the new rules would impact the process. The new rules fully guaranteed the option at the date it was exercised compared to just injury guaranteed and also reduced the cost for some picks while raising it for others. Whatever concerns there were may not have been warranted with the 2018 draft class having the second highest option rate since the option was instituted in 2011 and the highest ever for the top 10 picks in the draft.
| Year | Top 10 Picked Up | 11-32 Picked Up | Total |
| 2014 | 70.0% | 72.7% | 71.9% |
| 2018 | 90.0% | 59.1% | 68.8% |
| 2011 | 70.0% | 59.1% | 62.5% |
| 2012 | 60.0% | 63.6% | 62.5% |
| 2015 | 70.0% | 59.1% | 62.5% |
| 2013 | 50.0% | 63.6% | 59.4% |
| 2017 | 50.0% | 59.1% | 56.3% |
| 2016 | 80.0% | 42.9% | 54.8% |
Jason is the founder of OTC and has been studying NFL contracts and the salary cap for over 15 years. Jason has co-authored two books about the NFL, Crunching Numbers and the Drafting Stage, which are widely circulated in the industry and hosts the OTC Podcast. Jason’s work has been featured in various publications including the Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, NFL Network and more. OTC is widely considered the leading authority on contract matters in the NFL.