NFL Teams Evaluate Fifth-Year Options Ahead of 2025 Draft

As the NFL offseason progresses toward the upcoming draft, teams are finalizing staff changes and making key roster decisions, including whether to exercise fifth-year options on first-round picks from the 2022 draft class. The fifth-year option, established under the current collective bargaining agreement, allows teams to retain first-round players for an additional year at a fully guaranteed salary, with decisions due by May 1. Meanwhile, franchises like the LA Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are using the draft as an opportunity to reshape their rosters, with several current players potentially at risk of losing their jobs or being traded based on how the draft unfolds. Some teams are also looking to emerging talents to step up in 2025, such as Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Cardinals and Arnold Ebiketie for the Falcons, who are both seen as likely breakout candidates. These personnel moves and strategic decisions underscore the crucial role of the draft and offseason in shaping team trajectories for the upcoming NFL season.