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It’s that time of year when teams must decide if they want to pick up the fifth-year options on previous first-round draft picks. The deadline was May 2. This year, the Class of 2013 was on the agenda.
The New Orleans Saints got the ball rolling as safety Kenny Vaccaro was the first player in the class to have his option picked up. Vaccaro was selected 15th overall in 2013 and has recorded five sacks and three interceptions through three seasons. He’s averaged over 85 tackles per season with his most impressive campaign being the most recent when he totaled 104 stops.
Other top players who had their options picked up were offensive tackle Eric Fisher, who was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, Ziggy Ansah, Sheldon Richardson, Justin Pugh, Tyler Eifert, DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Frederick.
Notables who were declined were Luke Joeckel, Barkevious Mingo, Dee Milliner, D.J. Hayden and EJ Manuel.
The complete list of first-round picks can be found here (via NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk).
In all, 17 players had their options picked up with 12 being declined. What happened to the other three? Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan (3rd overall) had his contract froze due to a suspension, which pushes the option back. Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (4th overall) signed a long-term deal prior to the deadline and Indianapolis Colts defensive end Bjoern Werner (24th overall) was cut by the club last month.
Those who were declined are now scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next offseason. If the option is picked up, then they’ll be under contract through the 2017 season.
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