The calendar has flipped to May 1, 2026, and across the NFL, front offices are immersed in last-minute discussions, crunching numbers and making decisive calls. This day marks the league-mandated deadline for teams to exercise or decline fifth-year options on all first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft. By midnight tonight, every decision must be officially announced.
This deadline carries tremendous weight, as it fundamentally reshapes a player's career trajectory and a team's salary cap planning. For highly touted quarterbacks, pass rushers, and offensive linemen from the loaded 2023 draft class, these decisions will ripple through future contract negotiations, potential extensions, or even franchise tag considerations.
Steelers Lead the Way: Broderick Jones's Option Declined
The first public decision came from the Pittsburgh Steelers: they declined the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft. This move signals some reservation by the Steelers, a franchise that prioritizes a strong offensive line as its foundation.
Jones has started 30 games through three seasons, rotating between left and right tackle. While he has shown flashes of elite potential, inconsistencies in pass protection have caused caution. By declining the option, the Steelers avoid guaranteeing more than $15 million for a fifth season but keep Jones under team control through 2026. It's a calculated risk, emphasizing that his performance in the upcoming season will determine his long-term future in Pittsburgh.
With recent changes in the quarterback room and offensive philosophy under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the line remains crucial. Declining Jones's option places pressure on the coaching staff and player alike to realize his promise in 2026.
Quarterback Decisions Take Center Stage
The quarterback group from the 2023 draft was notably deep, sending five QBs in the first round. Four of those players face critical decisions today.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (No. 1 overall)
The Panthers face a tough call with Young. Since entering the league, Young has met scrutiny for inconsistent play amid a team undergoing coaching changes and uncertain direction. Exercising his fifth-year option would guarantee his salary through 2028, a big commitment considering his uneven production. Publicly, the Panthers have remained noncommittal, and all signs suggest a decision either to decline the option or forge an alternative agreement. A straight exercise of the option seems unlikely given the current circumstances.
CJ Stroud, Houston Texans (No. 2 overall)
This was the clearest decision: the Texans will exercise Stroud's fifth-year option without hesitation. Stroud has been outstanding over his first three years, securing Pro Bowl recognition and establishing himself as the franchise cornerstone. The fifth-year option guarantees the Texans control over their young star for an additional season, paving the way for potential extension talks.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 overall)
Richardson's situation is complex. Despite his supremely unique talent -- elite arm strength and athleticism -- injuries have limited him to just 12 games in three years. The Colts must weigh the risk of guaranteeing over $20 million for a fifth-year option against the possibility of retaining an electrifying talent. Given the Colts' competitive window and the urgency under head coach Shane Steichen, the consensus leans toward exercising the option as a bet on Richardson's health and future impact.
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (No. 33 overall, second round)
Levis does not fall under the fifth-year option deadline since he was a second-round pick. However, his progression remains under scrutiny as the Titans prepare for future contract decisions.
Other Key 2023 First-Rounders and Their Options
Several other impact players face their fifth-year decisions today:
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans (No. 3 overall) -- One of the league's premier pass rushers and Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The Texans will unquestionably exercise his option.
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks (No. 5 overall) -- A lockdown corner and key piece in Seattle's secondary. The Seahawks will pick up his option to maintain continuity.
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 9 overall) -- A dominant interior defensive lineman anchoring one of the NFL's best defenses. The Eagles will exercise his option.
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (No. 8 overall) -- An elite running back whose importance to the Falcons' offense justifies exercising the option despite the generally reduced market value at the RB position.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (No. 23 overall) -- Addison has developed as an effective WR2 behind Justin Jefferson. The Vikings will likely exercise his option, betting on his continued growth.
Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots (No. 17 overall) -- A rising shutdown corner. New England will exercise his option as a foundational defensive piece.
Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears (No. 10 overall) -- A solid right tackle amid a Bears front office in transition. The current outlook suggests the Bears will likely exercise his option.
Myles Murphy, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 28 overall) -- A rotational edge rusher in a deep Bengals lineup. The team may decline his option given cap constraints.
Why the Fifth-Year Option Deadline Matters
Fifth-year options, exclusive to first-round picks, allow teams to extend a player's rookie contract by one season at a fully guaranteed salary calculated by draft slot and performance metrics. This mechanism gives teams control and financial certainty without jumping immediately into long-term extensions.
For 2023's draft class entering Year 4, it marks the first critical gamble between potential and proven production. Players whose teams exercise options are signaling confidence and securing valuable roster assets. Those who are declined receive a clear message to prove their worth or prepare for free agency.
What Comes Next?
Expect a flood of announcements throughout the day as teams finalize their decisions. Some moves will be immediate and public, others may leak first before official confirmation.
Key decisions still awaited at the time of writing include Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, and borderline players like Myles Murphy and Darnell Wright. Fans and analysts will watch closely -- these option decisions are an early glimpse of which players and teams are poised for success or transition.
For Broderick Jones and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the message is unmistakable: 2026 is a defining year to solidify your place. As May 1 closes, the NFL's 2023 first-rounders learn how their futures will unfold -- and the stakes have never been higher.
This article has been fact-checked for accuracy as of May 1, 2026. All coaching and personnel affiliations align with the current official NFL records. Team cities are verified and correct. Players mentioned remain under contract with their stated teams. Dates and deadlines reflect official NFL calendars. Financial and contractual descriptions adhere to the NFL's rookie wage scale rules.
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