5th Year Options Among Other Decisions for Packers to Make
In addition to all of the other financial and personnel decisions the Green Bay Packers have to make, they also have to decide whether or not to pick up two 5th year options.
By Paul_Bretl
Among the many financial and personnel decisions that Brian Gutekunst and Russ Ball have to make this offseason, deciding whether or not to exercise the fifth-year options for Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage are two more items on the to-do list.
Every first-round pick comes with a fifth-year option in addition to their standard four-year rookie contract. Teams have to decide if they are going to pick that option up prior to the player's fourth NFL season and if they do exercise it, that option can not be rescinded. For example, 2021 was Jaire Alexander's fourth season, and the Packers picked up his fifth-year option for the 2022 season just before the deadline in early May.
The fifth-year option is basically a one-year deal, and the player's salary is based on their performance during their rookie contract. Below Joel Corry -- a former NFL agent -- takes us through the factors that determine a player's salary if the fifth-year option is picked up.
"With two or more Pro Bowl selections on the original ballot during the first three seasons of contracts, the fifth-year salary is the franchise tender, which is the average of the five highest salaries, for a player's position in the fourth year of his contract. One Pro Bowl selection on the original ballot during the first three seasons of deals puts the fifth-year salary at the transition tender, which is average of the 10 highest salaries, for a player's position in the fourth year of his contract.
"Participating in 75 percent of offensive or defensive plays, whichever is applicable, in two of the first three seasons of deals or an average of at least 50 percent playtime in each of the first three seasons sets the fifth-year salary at the average of the third through 20th highest salaries at a player's position. For first-round picks that don't fall into any of these three categories, the fifth-year salary is the average of the third through 25th highest salaries at a player's position."
For the Green Bay Packers specifically, they'll have two players to make decisions on this spring--Gary and Savage, their 2019 first-round picks. When it comes to Gary, this is an incredibly easy decision to make--you pick up the fifth-year option.
Gary was not only a key contributor on this Green Bay Packers team that was without Za'Darius Smith, but he was one of the most productive edge rushers in all of football. According to PFF, Gary finished the season with 81 pressures, the second-most in football, while his 10 sacks were the most on the Packers. He would also finish third among edge rushers in PFF's pass-rush productivity metric as well.
Gary's contract situation will likely play out similar to that of Alexander's. Green Bay will pick up the option for the 2023 season this spring, and then next offseason, the two will come to terms on an extension--lowering Gary's 2023 cap hit in all likelihood and keeping him in Green Bay beyond next season.
The more interesting decision, however, is what do the Green Bay Packers do with Darnell Savage?
To some degree, it seemed to fly under the radar, but 2021 wasn't a particularly good season for Savage. Instead of taking that step forward, he actually went backwards. By PFF's grading system, Savage ranked 69th out of 98 eligible safeties. Packer Report's Andy Herman, who grades every play for every Packers player over the course of the season, had Savage as his second-lowest graded defender this season.
Savage would struggle in coverage, allowing a completion rate of 66 percent and 13.6 yards per catch with a passer rating of 115.1 per PFF. Missed tackles were still an issue as well, and while he did come away with a pair of interceptions, there were also missed opportunities.
One of the more difficult aspects of this decision is that Green Bay has to decide whether to exercise Savage's fifth-year option prior to his fourth NFL season. For all we know, he could take a big step forward in 2022.
If I were making the decision, I would exercise it. Yes, Savage has had his ups and downs, but we've seen plenty of flashes over his first three seasons and the potential that he has. When asked to cover zones, playing closer to the line of scrimmage, or when his instincts can take over, is when we see Savage at his best.
Based on the 2021 figures, Savage's salary in 2023 could land in the $7-8 million range--although that's just a guess. On top of that, depending on what happens with Adrian Amos, safety could be a huge need in 2023.
With all of that said, if there is hesitation on the Packers' part given Savage's inconsistencies and that there is some unknown with him--I do get it.
Now, if Green Bay doesn't pick up Savage's fifth-year option, that doesn't mean he is going to be gone next season; the two will just have to come to an agreement on a new contract.
First thing is first, Green Bay needs a decision from Aaron Rodgers, then there is free agency and the draft as well. But in late spring, the Packers, along with the rest of the NFL, will have to make these fifth-year option decisions. For the Packers, one option will be easy to pick up, the other, not so much.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (17)
splitpea1
February 11, 2022 at 11:12 am
Gary: Yes, definitely; one of the easier decisions for Gute to make.
Savage: Only at a very reasonable price; consistency of play is lacking--should be banking on more than "flashes" at this point. And if the opportunity presents itself (depending on how many more draft picks we may acquire), selecting a pair of safeties isn't a bad idea--and make sure they can contribute on special teams as well.
thequick12
February 11, 2022 at 11:21 am
Savage is on a career trajectory not unlike Nick Collins or the last great safety they had before that...it took til each players 4th season before they developed into consistent play makers capable of hall of fame level careers...easy decision exercise the 5th year option on both
thequick12
February 11, 2022 at 11:21 am
Savage is on a career trajectory not unlike Nick Collins or the last great safety they had before that...it took til each players 4th season before they developed into consistent play makers capable of hall of fame level careers...easy decision exercise the 5th year option on both
Turophile
February 11, 2022 at 05:01 pm
Gary is an easy decision as others have said, a definite keeper, even more so if the Packers lose the Smiths.
Perhaps the most damning thing about Savage is that I don't think it matters that much, if his 5th year option is taken or not.
As Paul Bretl said, we will have to see what happens with Rodgers decision......and his decision will come AFTER the latest date you can tag Adams (March 8th). Of course no matter what else happens, Rodgers and the Packers have to agree to a contract - and that could be very tricky given that Adams may well be gone and the really tight cap squeeze.
At this time I'm thinking he (Adams) is just let go. A while back I though tag-and-trade was viable, but that will mean some very painful contract moves pushing maximum money into the future to gain the money to tag him and still get under this years cap (his own tag $ cannot be pushed into next year, as the latest tag date is Mar 8th and the NFL new year is Mar 15th).
Once Mar 8th has come Rodgers knows what the decision with Adams is and can make his own stay-or-go decision. Then the Packers can work out what money they have to spend, either on him, or if he goes, on other players.
croatpackfan
February 12, 2022 at 08:43 am
AR said on his MVP interview that he will take 2 weeks vacation and than he will made his decision and talk w/Packers. So it will probably be already in February, This is consistent with his former statement that he will make the dicision before the end of February...
jannesbjornson
February 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm
No need to jump on Savage, see how he performs in '22.
dobber
February 11, 2022 at 01:49 pm
Deleted.
HarryHodag
February 11, 2022 at 01:14 pm
Apparently folks have short memories. It wasn't all that long ago Green Bay was pathetic at the safety positions. Amos and Savage stabilized those positions. Savage is far too young to simply write off. Everyone has a bad year. Last year the national sports media dopes were talking about how good Savage was.
It, of course, brings up the familiar question: get rid of an established vet for the All-Pro safety sitting in the Lambeau Field parking lot just waiting to join Green Bay? Of course there are also flights of happy unicorns flying over Green Bay each day.
Fubared
February 11, 2022 at 12:02 pm
This is all a bunch of bull. Rodgers isnt going anywhere, he never was because of the unknown of whether the next team had an Adams.
My take they all know he is coming back and they are working behind the scenes to get contracts ready to sign.
I mean you got 13 free agents and were getting close to Mar 16th and not one of them is blabbing about wanting this wanting that. They know what is going on and were told to keep it zipped. Diva boy is playing. He will not walk away from the limelight.
Bitternotsour
February 12, 2022 at 09:02 am
the evidence of the eyes. a gazillion dollar cap impacting contract. a downward arc on his december/january performances, and oh, yeah, his outright narcissism. the heir apparent already in place.
AR is gone, daddy, gone. All over but the crying.
halleluiah.
stockholder
February 11, 2022 at 12:10 pm
If it's not an easy decision. Trade them.
jannesbjornson
February 11, 2022 at 12:35 pm
The money has to go to Amos, draft Brisker in round two.
HarryHodag
February 11, 2022 at 01:15 pm
See my post above.
jannesbjornson
February 11, 2022 at 02:41 pm
Nobody is writing Savage off, but the option year contract is not an inducement to make him elevate his game if he is signed to one.. They still have the time to sign him as the season progresses, draft a replacement or tag him if necessary.
Coldworld
February 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Gary is a no brainer. That it would even be considered a question is alarming. I would exercise the options on both and seek an extension for Amos.
Both Safeties showed signs of having to adapt to Barry, which isn’t unusual at that position. I expect more from them this season. I’d prioritize a long term deal for Gary and watch Savage for the first half of the season. I do think we should look for a cover S in the draft, but the draft focus should be on the front 7 on D and on catchers on O.
PatrickGB
February 11, 2022 at 01:08 pm
I have loved the makeup speed of Savage. Perhaps the reason for his apparent regression is the mental speed requirement in this defense. It’s too soon to write him off but the clock is ticking.
Thegreatreynoldo
February 11, 2022 at 03:38 pm
The decision on Savage has to be made by May 2nd. I think GB should exercise his option. $7.9M is pricey for his current level of play, and it would put him 20th amongst safeties. That should drop down to close to 30th in 2023.
The worst that happens is a slight overpay in 2023. It is just a one year issue.