Costs For Ravens’ Fifth-Year Options Revealed

In the National Football League (NFL), teams have the opportunity to exercise a fifth-year option for players selected in the first round of the draft. This provision allows teams to extend a player’s contract for an additional year, provided they make a decision within a specific timeframe. The fifth-year option is often a critical decision point for both teams and players, as it offers more time to evaluate a player’s performance and development before committing to a long-term contract.

The Baltimore Ravens, like many other teams, have several important decisions to make regarding the fifth-year options for some of their key draft selections. This article delves into the costs associated with the fifth-year option for Ravens players, the considerations behind exercising it, and the impact on the team’s salary cap and future roster management.

What Is the Fifth-Year Option?

Before diving into the specifics of the Ravens’ fifth-year options, it’s important to understand what the fifth-year option is and how it works within the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The fifth-year option applies to first-round draft picks, who are typically signed to four-year contracts with a team option for a fifth season.

The fifth-year option allows the team to extend the player’s contract for one additional year, but the price for this extension is based on the player’s position. The option is calculated differently for players in various position groups, with quarterbacks, for example, typically receiving the most lucrative option price, while players at other positions may have lower option costs.

The amount for the fifth-year option is determined by the player’s performance and position group. In most cases, a player’s fifth-year option cost is based on the average salary of the top 10 highest-paid players at his position in the league, as of the year the option is exercised. This means that the cost of the fifth-year option can vary depending on the market for the player’s position at the time.

Ravens’ Fifth-Year Options: 2025 and Beyond

The Baltimore Ravens, as a successful and well-established franchise, often find themselves in the position of having to make decisions about whether to exercise the fifth-year options on some of their standout first-round draft picks. These decisions are crucial, as they can affect both the team’s salary cap and its ability to build a competitive roster.

In 2025, several players drafted in the first round by the Ravens will have their fifth-year options up for consideration. These include players from the 2021 and 2022 drafts. The Ravens will need to weigh the costs of exercising the fifth-year options against the performance and potential of these players. This will require careful evaluation of their development and the impact they have had on the team.

Key Players with Fifth-Year Options

1. Patrick Queen (2020 Draft – Linebacker)

One of the most notable players for the Ravens with a fifth-year option coming up is linebacker Patrick Queen, selected 28th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen was drafted with the expectation that he would become a leader of the Ravens’ defense, and he has had an up-and-down career so far. As a player selected in the first round, Queen’s fifth-year option would be calculated based on the average salary of the top 10 highest-paid inside linebackers in the NFL.

At the time of writing, the average salary for inside linebackers varies widely depending on the individual player’s value to their team. Queen’s performance over the next season or two will determine whether the Ravens decide to pick up his fifth-year option or allow him to enter the market as a free agent after his fourth year.

As of 2023, Queen has shown flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. A big decision for the Ravens will be whether they feel confident in his development and see enough promise to extend him for a fifth season. If the Ravens do exercise the fifth-year option, they would have the flexibility of keeping Queen on the roster for another year without committing to a long-term deal. However, if the Ravens feel that he has not reached his potential, they may opt to allow him to play out his fourth season and then make a decision on his future.

2. J.K. Dobbins (2020 Draft – Running Back)

Another important player for the Ravens is running back J.K. Dobbins, also drafted in the 2020 draft (second round). Dobbins has struggled with injuries during his first few seasons, but he has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker for the Ravens if he can stay healthy.

Running backs typically have a lower fifth-year option value compared to positions like quarterback or edge rusher. However, the option is still a significant factor in the team’s decision-making process. Given Dobbins’ injuries and the fact that running backs tend to have shorter careers, the Ravens may be hesitant to commit to the fifth-year option for Dobbins if they feel that his injury history could affect his long-term value. On the other hand, if Dobbins can remain healthy and produce consistently, the fifth-year option could give the Ravens more time to evaluate his future with the team.

3. Rashod Bateman (2021 Draft – Wide Receiver)

Rashod Bateman, drafted 27th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, is another key player with a fifth-year option decision looming. Bateman has shown flashes of talent, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential so far. Wide receivers generally have a higher fifth-year option price than running backs or linebackers, so the Ravens will need to carefully evaluate Bateman’s progress over the next year or two before deciding whether to exercise the option.

The Ravens are in need of a reliable number one receiver, and Bateman has the potential to fill that role. However, his injury concerns may make the Ravens hesitant to commit to the fifth-year option until they see more from him on the field. If Bateman can stay healthy and make a big impact, the fifth-year option would provide the Ravens with more time to negotiate a long-term deal with him. If not, the Ravens may allow him to play out his fourth year and then move forward with a different direction at wide receiver.

4. Tyler Linderbaum (2022 Draft – Center)

Tyler Linderbaum, selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, has been a solid contributor to the Ravens’ offensive line. As a center, Linderbaum’s fifth-year option will be based on the average salary of the top 10 highest-paid centers in the league. While Linderbaum has been consistent in his first few years, the decision to exercise the fifth-year option will depend on his continued development and how well he fits into the Ravens’ long-term plans.

If the Ravens view Linderbaum as a cornerstone piece of their offensive line, they will likely exercise the fifth-year option to keep him under contract for an additional year. However, if they feel that he is replaceable or not living up to expectations, they may let him play out his contract and address the center position in the future.

Considerations and Impact on the Salary Cap

The decision to exercise or decline a fifth-year option has several important implications for the team’s salary cap. When a team exercises a fifth-year option, the player’s salary for that fifth season is added to the salary cap for that year. However, the team also has the flexibility to negotiate the terms of the deal, and they can still move on from the player after the fifth season if they wish.

Teams must carefully balance their salary cap obligations when making these decisions. The Ravens, known for their ability to manage their cap space efficiently, will need to weigh the cost of each player’s fifth-year option against their long-term plans. A significant portion of the salary cap will be allocated to these players, so it’s crucial for the Ravens to assess whether their performances warrant the investment.

Moreover, exercising the fifth-year option may provide the Ravens with more flexibility in contract negotiations if the player continues to perform well, offering more time before they need to make a long-term commitment.