The Rams had two first-round picks in 2013 and they would like to hold onto both players through the 2017 season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Rams have exercised fifth-year options on both wide receiver Tavon Austin and linebacker Alec Ogletree. Both options are guaranteed against injury only and both players are free to sign a longer deal with the team at any point.
Austin, who was the eighth overall pick in 2013, will make over $12 million under the terms of the option. He’s played in 44 games for the Rams over the last three years and set career highs with 52 catches, 473 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns last season. Austin also ran 52 times for 434 yards and four touchdowns and ran his streak of seasons with a punt return touchdown to three.
The Rams likely hope Austin’s impact as a receiver continues to rise now that they’ve added Jared Goff at quarterback and they could revisit Austin’s option down the line if that’s not the case.
Ogletree was the 30th overall pick and is in line to make $6.7 million in 2017 under the option. He’s been a starter since joining the Rams, but missed 12 games last season with a broken leg. He’s expected back in the lineup this season and will be spending more time in the middle with James Laurinaitis out of the picture.