A surprising number of players did not have their fifth year options picked up by their teams this off-season. Granted this does not mean they are walking out the door next year but it will make it very interesting to monitor this upcoming season as teams may be facing a tough decision in spring of 2017 on what now is the fair market value for their investment. We will get to see who has the DeMarco Murray syndrome, putting it all together in a contract year and who is ready to take the last of their rookie deal and move on from football. This season the future for these lucky 13 is squarely in their hands and hopefully for them they all have big paydays come next spring.
Luke Joeckel, OT, Jaguars
If Luke plays well there will certainly be a market for a young tackle and with the Jaguars always at the bottom of the salary cap spent they should be able to resign him on their terms. If not he may have the option to return to Texas and play with the Texans.
Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Browns
Often with new regime in place players who were underachievers from the previous coaching staff fall almost immediately out of favor with the new group. Unless Barkevious truly has a breakout year it will be more than likely he lands somewhere else to continue his career.
Jonathan Cooper, G, Patriots
Traded to the Patriots this off-season so Cooper is at least wanted by his new bosses so if he performs he’ll get a fair market offer and would be wise to stick with one of the best franchise over rolling the dice and leave for a third team.
Dee Milliner, CB, Jets
Injuries and spotting performance made this decision a no-brainer for the Jets. Granted should he finally perform to his draft position he’ll have his pick of new homes and could land in Dallas where Morris Claiborne is playing too on a one year show me deal.
Chance Warmack, G, Titans
Has under-performed but so has the entire franchise for the past several seasons. Chance will get a chance to shine blocking for DeMarco Murray and a pair of Heisman trophy winners in Mariota and Henry. If the team succeeds he’ll certainly be rewarded.
DJ Hayden, CB, Raiders
Certainly a reach when he was drafted and with some injury history this is a true show me year for Hayden and year two of the new regime in Oakland. He likely will be looking for new employed after the season.
E.J. Manuel, QB, Bills
Another reach by a prior coaching staff and EJ will now have to hold off Cardale Jones at the #2 spot. A change of scenery for E.J. likely will happen and possibly landing in San Diego or New Orleans makes a lot of sense.
Jarvis Jones, OLB, Steelers
Production certainly did not match the price tag of the 5th year option so credit to Pittsburgh for rolling the dice. Unless he blows the doors off the place he likely will play elsewhere and still have a very good career with the Steelers getting a compensatory pick down the road. Jarvis would be an interesting add to a team like Atlanta or Miami.
Bjoern Werner, DE, Colts
The worst pick of this first round as the Colts cut him before even considering the option. Werner will be lucky to land a roster spot this off-season.
Datone Jones, DE, Packers
Not picking up the option is how Ted Thompson seems to roll but that also means less than stellar first round picks. Datone should stay part of the rotation on the defense and will have to consider staying with the known or taking probably a slightly better offer elsewhere and seeing if the grass is greener.
Sylvester Williams, DT, Broncos
Tough to wear the crown but they have to worry about the cap space all the time. Sylvester is an intrigue player who is part of a bigger whole but likely will get an offer too good to pass up and will be elsewhere in 2017.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings
Has big play ability but still has been a disappointment to this point for the Vikings and drafting Treadwell should show their long term thoughts on him. Cordarrell will likely be wearing a different uniform after this season.
Matt Elam, S, Ravens
When healthy he is a big play guy but with the fiscally conservative Ravens calling the shots on contracts it’s a fairly safe bet that Matt ends up elsewhere in 2017.
After the draft weekend when the “experts” have given out their grades as if they are written in stone it always makes me remember how the Dallas Cowboys were crushed for reaching a few years ago after selecting Travis Frederick in round one. A few Pro Bowls later and now I can’t seem to find those “experts” anywhere. Remember don’t get too pumped or to low when it comes to who your team picks.