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As the NFL calendar charges forward, Thursday’s deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options on their 2022 first-round picks brought clarity — and in some cases, surprise. The future just got a little more uncertain for several notable players who’ve switched teams since their rookie year. Among the headline grabbers: Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett and Eagles wideout Jahan Dotson.
Let’s unpack the key developments and what they mean for teams, players, and the 2025 free agency market.
Kenny Pickett’s Future Gets Murky in Cleveland
Quarterback Kenny Pickett — once viewed as the next franchise leader for the Pittsburgh Steelers — now finds himself looking for a path forward on a crowded Cleveland Browns depth chart. The Browns have officially declined to pick up Pickett’s fifth-year option, which would’ve locked in $22.117 million for the 2026 season.
That decision sends a clear message: Cleveland’s quarterback future is wide open. Pickett will earn $2.62 million in 2025, the final year of his rookie deal, before potentially hitting free agency in March 2026.
Since being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2022 No. 20 overall pick has had a rocky ride. He started with promise in Pittsburgh, but after two seasons of inconsistent play, he became expendable and was shipped to Philly. Then came another move — this time to the Browns.
Now, he’s facing stiff competition from veteran Joe Flacco, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders. Add an injured Deshaun Watson into the mix, and it’s a full house in Cleveland’s QB room.
For the Browns, it’s a calculated bet on flexibility. Declining the option gives them room to pivot if Pickett doesn’t impress in 2025. For Pickett, it’s a pivotal moment — a chance to prove he belongs as a starter in the NFL, whether in Cleveland or elsewhere.
Eagles Decline Options on Dotson and Green
Over in Philadelphia, it was a similar story: no fifth-year love for wide receiver Jahan Dotson or offensive guard Kenyon Green. The Eagles decided not to extend either player through 2026, signaling some possible shakeups on offense moving forward.
Dotson was originally drafted No. 16 overall by the Washington Commanders. Acquired during last summer’s training camp, he finished seventh on the Eagles in receptions with just 19 in 2024 — hardly the breakout year fans had hoped for.
Meanwhile, Green — the 15th pick by the Houston Texans — came to Philadelphia in March 2025 as part of a deal that sent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson the other way. Like Dotson, Green didn’t perform at a level to justify a guaranteed fifth-year salary.
The Eagles’ decision here reflects their commitment to roster fluidity and cap management. They’ve been one of the most aggressive teams in building through trades and the draft, and declining these options keeps their books cleaner and their options open.
It’s also worth noting that safety Lewis Cine — the No. 32 pick by the Minnesota Vikings — doesn’t factor into this year’s option conversation. Cine was released by the Vikings before the 2024 season and later joined the Eagles, meaning the option clause is no longer applicable.
What These Decisions Reveal About NFL Strategy
For teams, fifth-year option decisions are about more than player performance. They’re about cap space, depth chart forecasting, and long-term flexibility.
Declining a fifth-year option doesn’t necessarily mean a team is done with a player. But it does show a hesitancy to commit top-tier salary before seeing another full season’s worth of performance.
For example:
- Pickett has talent but is battling for relevance on his third team.
- Dotson has potential but hasn’t produced like a WR1 or even a solid WR2.
- Green has shown flashes but hasn’t proven durable or consistent enough to warrant a big extension.
With all three players potentially hitting the NFL free agency market in 2026, they’ll need strong 2025 campaigns to boost their value.
Implications for Fantasy Football and Betting Markets
From a fantasy football and sports betting standpoint, these option declines add intrigue. Players like Pickett and Dotson are now in prove-it situations — a motivational spark that often leads to breakout performances.
Expect fluctuating player props and fantasy values heading into 2025, particularly for Pickett, who could get starting reps depending on how Cleveland’s QB room shakes out. Monitor depth charts and injury updates closely.
For DFS players, undervalued names like Green — if he starts — could provide cap relief at offensive guard, especially in contests where O-line play matters.
What’s Next?
The NFL’s next big deadline — roster cutdowns in late August — will likely bring more fireworks. For now, teams like the Browns and Eagles are making moves with their eye on the future.
For players like Kenny Pickett, Jahan Dotson, and Kenyon Green, 2025 is now all about redemption, consistency, and, above all, earning that next big deal.
Want to keep up with the latest contract decisions, injury news, and insider betting tips? Bookmark Sports Hub’s NFL Odds and Scores page, or browse through expert picks from our top handicappers.
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