NFL fifth-year options: Four out of five 2021 first-round draft class QBs declined

The NFL Draft of 2021 unfolded somewhat like this year’s three-day event. That’s because quarterbacks were the huge first-round story, then and now.

Back in 2021, when Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the defending Super Bowl champions, five quarterbacks, led by Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, heard their names called. That was one away from tying the NFL record. (The record did get tied in the 2024 NFL Draft).

But here’s a telling stat. Thursday was the deadline for NFL teams to notify the league on whether they were picking up the fifth-year options of these first round draft picks from 2021. Lawrence was the only quarterback from the five to get that 2025 contract year. The other four aren’t even with their same teams. Overall, teams picked up the option of 18 of the 32 first rounders. Let’s have a look at what happened with the quarterbacks and then everyone else in the first round.

1. QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars — $25.664 million

Lawrence out-lasted the coach who drafted him — Urban Meyer — after the Jaguars finished 1-15 in 2021. But his second year was decidedly better.

Lawrence led the Jaguars to the playoffs in 2022. He also was an alternate to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Jacksonville QB to earn the honor since 2009. Jacksonville didn’t make the post season in 2023, but Lawrence is easily the best quarterback from the 2021 NFL Draft class.

2. QB Zach Wilson, Broncos (trade from Jets) — $22.408 million

Wilson now is hoping that he can re-find his career in Denver after the Jets dealt him to the Broncos last month. It’s safe to say his time in NYC wasn’t fun. After all, he won only a dozen starts over three years.

The Jets signed Aaron Rodgers for 2023 with hopes that Wilson could sit and learn. But we know this story. Rodgers ruptured his Achilles. Wilson was the starter again. His record was 4-7. Rodgers is back and the Jets received a seventh-round pick for the No. 2 selection of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Broncos didn’t pick up WIlson’s fifth year.

3. QB Trey Lance, Cowboys (trade from 49ers) — $22.408 million

We may never know if Lance could be a quality quarterback in the NFL. Because of the pandemic, most NFL scouts considered him an intriguing project when he went No. 3 overall in the draft. By his second season, Lance was in the starting lineup for the 49ers.

But by early in the 2022 season, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Brock Purdy eventually took over and shut the door to any competition. In a surprise move, San Francisco traded Lance to the Cowboys in August, 2023. He didn’t play a down in Dallas last season. But maybe he is the future for the Cowboys, although Jerry Jones didn’t pick up Lance’s option for 2025.

11. QB Justin Fields, Steelers (trade from Bears) — $25.664 million

Fields, at least statistically, was somewhat successful with the Bears. He could still be in Chicago if the Bears hadn’t ended up with the No. 1 pick of this year’s NFL Draft. Chicago traded Fields to the Steelers to make room for Caleb Williams.

Fields started his three seasons in Chicago and showed he was the best running quarterback in the NFL. The Steelers didn’t pick up his fifth-year option. The team is using this year as a tryout of sorts as Fields battles Russell Wilson for QB1.

15. QB Mac Jones, Jaguars (trade from Patriots) — $25.664 million

Oh, the irony of the NFL Draft. Jones, the 15th overall pick, is now Lawrence’s backup in Jacksonville. He enjoyed an excellent rookie season with the Patriots, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl, but it was all downhill from there.

Jones’ career in New England hit rock bottom in 2023 when coach Bill Belichick benched him in favor of Bailey Zappe for the final six games of the year. The Patriots sent Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. And Jacksonville did not pick up his option.

First-rounders from 2021 NFL Draft got fifth-year options

4. TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons — $10.878 million
5. WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals — $21.816 million
6. WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins — $15.591 million
7. OL Penei Sewell, Lions — $19.04 million (Also agreed to a long-term contract)
8. CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers — $12.472 million
9. CB Pat Surtain II, Broncos — $19.802 million
10. WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles — $15.591 million (Also agreed to a long-term contract)
12. LB Micah Parsons, Cowboys — $24.007 million
13. OL Rashawn Slater, Chargers — $19.04 million
14. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets — $15.313 million
18. LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins — $13.251 million
21. DE Kwity Paye, Colts — $13.387 million
23. OL Christian Darrisaw, Vikings — $16.037 million
25. RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars — $6.143 million
26. CB Greg Newsome II, Browns — $13.377 million
30. DE Gregory Rousseau, Bills — $13.387 million
31. LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens — $13.251 million

NFL teams said no on options to these first rounders

16. LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals — $13.251 million
17. OL Alex Leatherwood, Raiders — released by 3 teams
19. LB Jamin Davis, Commanders — $14.483 million
20. WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs (via trade from Giants) — $14.345 million
22. CB Caleb Farley, Titans — $12.472 million
24. RB Najee Harris, Steelers — $6.79 million
27. WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens — Signed extension, but not fifth-year option
28. DE Payton Turner, Saints — $13.387 million
29. CB Eric Stokes, Packers — $12.472 million
32. LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers — $13.251 million

Keep in mind that just because an NFL team didn’t pick up a fifth year option of these draft picks doesn’t mean they won’t re-sign them. But they all will be free agents at the end of the 2024 season.