Updated status of fifth-year options for 2011 first-round picks

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[Editor’s note:  This post was last updated at 6:05 p.m. ET on May 2, 2014.]

The 2011 labor deal creates an annual May 3 deadline for the exercise of the fifth-year option on first-round player contracts.  Every draft pick gets a four-year contract; teams can choose to extend the deal for first-round picks to five years by exercising an option that gives the player a salary guaranteed for injury only until the following March, when it becomes fully guaranteed.

For the first ten players taken in round one, the salary reflects the transition tender that applies in the player’s fourth year; that number comes from the average of the 10 highest-paid players at the player’s position.  For the next 22 players, the option-year salary arises from the average of the third highest-paid player at the same position through the 25th highest-paid player at the position, calculated in the player’s fourth year.

Here’s an update on the status of each first-round pick from 2011.

1. Cam Newton, Panthers: Option exercised.

2. Von Miller, Broncos: Option exercised.

3. Marcell Dareus, Bills: Option exercised.

4. A.J. Green, Bengals: Option exercised.

5. Patrick Peterson, Cardinals: Option exercised.

6. Julio Jones, Falcons: Option exercised.

7. Aldon Smith, 49ers: Option exercised.

8. Jake Locker, Titans: Option not exercised.

9. Tyron Smith, Cowboys: Option exercised.

10. Blaine Gabbert, 49ers: Option not exercised.

11. J.J. Watt, Texans: Option exercised.

12. Christian Ponder, Vikings: Option not exercised.

13. Nick Fairley, Lions: Option not exercised.

14. Robert Quinn, Rams: Option exercised.

15. Mike Pouncey, Dolphins: Option exercised.

16. Ryan Kerrigan, Redskins: Option exercised.

17. Nate Solder, Patriots: Option exercised.

18. Corey Liuget, Chargers: Option exercised.

19. Prince Amukamara, Giants: Option exercised.

20. Adrian Clayborn, Buccaneers: Option not exercised.

21. Phil Taylor, Browns: Option exercised.

22. Anthony Castonzo, Colts: Option exercised.

23. Danny Watkins, formerly of the Eagles and Dolphins: Not eligible for option.

24. Cameron Jordan, Saints: Option exercised.

25. James Carpenter, Seahawks: Option not exercised.

26. Jonathan Baldwin, 49ers: Baldwin’s restructured contract for 2014 eliminated the option.

27. Jimmy Smith, Ravens:  Option exercised.

28. Mark Ingram, Saints: Option not exercised.

29. Gabe Carimi, Falcons: Not eligible for option.

30. Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets: Option exercised.

31. Cameron Heyward, Steelers: Option exercised.

32. Derek Sherrod, Packers: Option not exercised.

21 responses to “Updated status of fifth-year options for 2011 first-round picks

  1. The 49ers should exercise the option and hold themselves to the high standard of doing everything they can to help Aldon be his best or to at least avoid a meltdown.

    And the Lions should ask if it’s ok to change their minds and get instructions on how the appeal process works if the answer is no.

  2. If I was going to call my team out for a 1 miss the last 3 years of drafting it would be James Carpenter. There are times he looks like a beast but can’t stay healthy and stay in shape leaving him to be a below average pass blocker at this point.

    Only other guys were Carimi and Sherrod as offensive tackles so I guess can’t be too upset.

  3. I’m not saying the Packers should exercise the option for Sherrod – they shouldn’t. But the fact he “has not started” is due almost entirely to injury.
    His lower leg was gruesomely broken toward the end of his rookie season, and it has taken two full years of rehab to get to the place where he can legitimately compete for a spot.
    This training camp is the test. If he fails, yeah, then call him a bust … Until then, I think his grade should be >> Incomplete

  4. Anyone that thinks the 9ers won’t pick up smiths option is fooling themselves. They need to act like they care about his alcoholism, but he can play so there’s no way harbaugh let’s him go. It’s all a show for the pr.

  5. In Bengals case, it probably means they have given up trying to resign A.J. Green. He will play this year under the option, next year as Franchise or transition tag and then free agent.

    My surprise draft pick: Bengals select WR in first round. If they do, book it that Green is gone in ’16

  6. But..but Ponder has won the Super Bowl! At least Vikings fans can say that…

    Wait, he didn’t? but he won Vikings fans Super Bowl, he beat the Packers one time! They should exercise his contract!

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