Las Vegas Raiders make decision on fifth-year options for key playmaking trio
The Las Vegas Raiders held three picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They selected Clemson EDGE Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick, Alabama running back Josh Jacobs with the No. 24 overall pick, and Mississippi State safety Johnathan Abram with the No. 27 overall pick. On Friday, the Raiders made final decisions on the fifth-year options for each of their 2019 first rounders.
“With the May 2 deadline approaching, the Raiders have decided not to pick up the fifth-year options on Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram,” the Raiders said. “We look forward to working with all three players and we will evaluate each situation individually moving forward.”
The Raiders decisions on the fifth-year options comes after the 2019 picks were met with criticism
When the Raiders took Ferrell with the fourth overall pick, the NFL world was shocked. He was an expected mid-to-late first rounder, and his rise into the top five was surprising. In three years with the Raiders, Ferrell has totaled 79 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, 24 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. He started all of the 26 games he played in over the first two years of his career, but was not a starter last season.
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Jacobs began his NFL career on a high note, rushing for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. He then earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2020 after he ran for his second straight 1,000 yard campaign, also adding 12 touchdowns. This past season, Jacobs rushed for just 872 yards with nine touchdowns. Even after a promising start, the Raiders opted not to pick up the fifth-year option of Jacobs.
Abram has played in 28 games in his career, all of which were starts. He is coming off of a strong year with 116 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception and four passes defended. Each of Ferrell, Jacobs, and Abram still have one year remaining on their rookie deals. But after that, it will take an extension to keep them in Las Vegas any longer.