NFL fifth-year options predictably spell bad news for Patriots
The New England Patriots now know how much it would cost to pick up the fifth-year option on 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry. As you might’ve expected, it’s bad news for the 24-year-old wideout.
But if you’re wondering why, it’s because a fifth-year option for Harry would be a massive overpayment. Based on the new figures for fifth-year options in 2022, Harry would cost the Patriots $12.4 million on the option in 2023. That’s generally closer to middle-of-the-road money for a wide receiver by modern standards, but production-wise, Harry hasn’t even been middle-of-the-road.
The new fifth-year option numbers come in four tiers: players with two or more Pro Bowl selections in their first three seasons, players with one Pro Bowl, players who meet the playing time criteria with no Pro Bowls, and players who meet no playing time criteria. Playing time qualifies as at least 50 percent of snaps averaged over the first three seasons, or 50-75 percent of snaps in two of the first three.
Harry only played more than 50 percent of snaps in one of his first three seasons (57.8 percent of offensive snaps in 2020), so he lands in the least expensive group. He played only 29.8 percent of snaps in 2021. While he performed at a high level as a run-blocker, Harry in three years hasn’t produced as a pass-catcher at nearly the level one would reasonably expect from a first-round pick.
NFL fifth-year option numbers for 2022
Fifth-year options only apply to the first round, so the next time this topic will come up in New England is when quarterback Mac Jones (15th overall in 2021) is heading into his fifth year, assuming he’s not extended before then.
But for Harry, it should only mean he’s one step closer to his exit from the Patriots after a disappointing first few years.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].