Most of the first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft have played well enough that their teams chose to exercise their fifth-year options.
Of the 32 first-round picks, 18 had their fifth-year options picked up. This is an increase from last year when just 12 first-round picks from the 2020 NFL draft had their fifth-year options chosen.
Of the 14 2021 first-round picks who did not have their options picked up, 12 had their options declined and two (Alex Leatherwod and Rashod Bateman) were ineligible for fifth-year options.
Perhaps most notably, four of the five quarterbacks drafted in the first round in 2021 — Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones — had their options declined. Only Trevor Lawrence had his option chosen.
Here is the full list of 2021 first-round picks with their fifth-year optional salaries. Players whose options were selected are in bold:
1. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars – $25.664 million
2. Quarterback Zach Wilson, Broncos (via trade with Jets) – $22.408 million
3. Quarterback Trey Lance, Cowboys (via trade with 49ers) – $22.408 million
4. Kyle Pitts, Falcons – $10.878 million
5. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals – $21.816 million
6. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins – $15.591 million
7. Forward Penei Sewell, Lions – $19.04 million (also agreed to long-term contract)
8. Cornerback Jaycee Horn, Panthers – $12.472 million
9. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, Broncos – $19.802 million
10. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Eagles – $15.591 million (also agreed to long-term contract)
11. Quarterback Justin Fields, Bears – $25.664 million
12. Linebacker Micah Parsons, Cowboys – $24.007 million
13. Offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, Chargers – $19.04 million
14. Forward Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets – $15.313 million
15. Quarterback Mac Jones, Patriots – $25.664 million
16. Linebacker Zaven Collins, Cardinals – $13.251 million
17. Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, Raiders – No option after release
18. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins – $13.251 million
19. Linebacker Jamin Davis, Commanders – $14.483 million
20. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney, Chiefs (via trade with Giants) – $14.345 million
21. Defensive end Kwity Paye, Colts – $13.387 million
22. Cornerback Caleb Farley, Titans – $12.472 million
23. Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, Vikings – $16.037 million
24. Running back Najee Harris, Steelers – $6.79 million
25. Running back Travis Etienne, Jaguars – $6.143 million
26. Cornerback Greg Newsome II, Browns – $13.377 million
27. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman, Ravens – Not eligible for fifth-year option, agreed to contract extension
28. Defensive end Payton Turner, Saints – $13.387 million
29. Cornerback Eric Stokes, Packers – $12.472 million
30. Defensive end Gregory Rousseau, Bills – $13.387 million
31. Linebacker Odafe Oweh, Ravens – $13.251 million
32. Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers – $13.251 million
