NFL teams face a May 1 deadline to decide on fifth-year options for 2023 first-round picks. These options determine whether players remain under contract through 2027 or become free agents. The 2023 class had 31 selections after the Miami Dolphins lost their pick for league violations. Teams must evaluate performance and contract value for each player before the cutoff.

The Seattle Seahawks have been active, exercising options for both cornerback Devon Witherspoon ($21.2 million) and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($23.9 million). Interestingly, Seattle signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million extension shortly after exercising his option, keeping him through 2031. The Panthers will pick up Bryce Young's option worth $26.5 million.

Other teams making decisions include the Vikings (Jordan Addison, $18M), Bills (Dalton Kincaid, $8.1M), and Jaguars (Anton Harrison, $19M). These choices affect salary cap planning and roster construction for 2027. Teams must balance current performance with future salary commitments when deciding whether to guarantee another year for their first-round investments.