May 2 was the deadline for NFL teams to pick up or decline the fifth-year options on their first-round picks from the 2021 NFL draft. It was somewhat unprecedented that 12 of the picks got their fifth-year options declined and two more former first-round picks did not qualify due to lack of accrued seasons.
Many names on this list came as a surprise including Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, but the biggest surprise is four of the five quarterbacks chosen in the first round of that draft got their options declined with only Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence getting his picked up.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 03: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets looks to throw the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium on October 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Jan 2, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts during an International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals’ Zaven Collins (25) works out during an NFL football rookie minicamp, Friday, May 14, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) catches a touchdown pass during the first half in front of Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 22: Kadarius Toney #89 of the New York Giants carries the ball after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 22, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb…
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