Get ready for some serious NFL contract talk! The fifth-year option salaries for 2023 first-round picks have been revealed, and it's a fascinating insight into the world of NFL contracts.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, potentially interesting for a debate. The NFL has set four levels of compensation for these players, based on their achievements and milestones. At the top, we have the cream of the crop - players who have made multiple Pro Bowls as an original selection. Then, there's a level for those with one Pro Bowl appearance, followed by players who have reached specific playing time milestones, and finally, the base level.
Take the case of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the first two picks of that draft. Both have reached the playing time level of compensation, which means they're looking at a fully guaranteed salary of $25.904 million if their teams decide to exercise the options. But here's the twist: with their third seasons now complete, longer-term extensions are also on the table.
Now, let's dive into the full list of 2023 first-rounders and their fifth-year option salaries. There were 31 picks that year, with the Dolphins stripped of their pick. Here's a breakdown:
- Panthers QB Bryce Young - $25.904 million (playing time).
- Texans QB C.J. Stroud - $25.904 million (playing time).
- Texans DE Will Anderson - $21.512 million (Pro Bowl).
- Colts QB Anthony Richardson - $22.483 million (base).
- Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon - $21.161 million (multiple Pro Bowls).
- Cardinals OT Paris Johnson - $19.072 million (playing time).
- Raiders DE Tyree Wilson - $14.475 million (base).
- Falcons RB Bijan Robinson - $11.323 million (Pro Bowl).
- Eagles DT Jalen Carter - $27.127 million (multiple Pro Bowls).
- Bears OT Darnell Wright - $19.072 million (playing time).
- Titans OG Peter Skoronski - $19.072 million (playing time).
- Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs - $14.293 million (multiple Pro Bowls).
- Packers DE Lukas Van Ness - $14.475 million (base).
- Steelers OT Broderick Jones - $19.072 million (playing time).
- Jets DE Will McDonald - $14.475 million (base).
- Rams CB Emmanuel Forbes - $12.633 million (base).
- Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez - $18.119 million (Pro Bowl).
- Lions LB Jack Campbell - $21.925 million (Pro Bowl).
- Buccaneers DT Calijah Kancey - $15.451 million (playing time).
- Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba - $23.852 million (Pro Bowl).
- Chargers WR Quentin Johnston - $18 million (playing time).
- Ravens WR Zay Flowers - $27.298 million (multiple Pro Bowls).
- Vikings WR Jordan Addison - $18 million (playing time).
- Giants CB Deonte Banks - $12.633 million (base).
- Bills TE Dalton Kincaid - $8.162 million (base).
- Jets DT Mazi Smith - $13.391 million (base). Smith was traded to the Jets by the Cowboys.
- Jaguars OT Anton Harrison - $19.072 million (playing time).
- Bengals DE Myles Murphy - $14.475 million (base).
- Saints DT Bryan Bresee - $13.391 million (base).
- Eagles LB Nolan Smith - $13.752 million (base).
- Chiefs Felix Anudike-Uzomah - $14.475 million (base).
And this is the part most people miss: these salaries are just the options for the fifth year. Longer-term extensions could see these players' earnings skyrocket even further.
So, what do you think? Are these salaries fair based on the players' achievements? Should there be a different system in place? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a friendly debate among NFL fans and enthusiasts.
