The Las Vegas Raiders’ new regime will need to make decisions on three fifth-year options, including RB Josh Jacobs, ahead of the May 2 NFL deadline. The Los Angeles Chargers also have a decision to make on 2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery.
Predicting AFC West fifth-year option decisions
The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos will avoid the fifth-year option dilemma this offseason. The Chiefs didn’t pick in the first round in 2019, while the Broncos shipped off TE Noah Fant in the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade in March.
It’ll be the Raiders and Chargers who pick up the brunt of the decision-making process with the fifth-year option.
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Los Angeles Chargers: DL Jerry Tillery
Fifth-year option: DL Jerry Tillery
Prediction: Decline
Tillery hasn’t necessarily lit up the stat sheet in Los Angeles. While he’s a cog in the Chargers’ defense, he’s not really a standout. With a fifth-year option price tag of $11.5 million, it’s unlikely the Chargers even debate the decision internally. Tillery gets one more year to prove to the Chargers and the NFL that he can be a legitimate difference-maker.
If he thrives in his second season with Brandon Staley, Tillery will get to cash in with the Chargers or elsewhere. If he bombs or is just a run-of-the-mill lineman, he will probably need to look for work elsewhere.
Las Vegas Raiders: DE Clelin Ferrell
Fifth-year option: DE Clelin Ferrell
Prediction: Decline
This might be the easiest decision among the NFL fifth-year options this offseason. The former fourth overall pick has become an afterthought for a new regime, as the new brain trust quickly paid Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones to be its bookend pass rushers this offseason.
Meanwhile, Ferrell has struggled mightily since arriving out west. Despite starting 26 of 42 games, Ferrell produced just 78 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles during his first three years in the league. He went from being a full-time starter during his first two seasons to getting demoted to a full-time reserve last season under his original bosses.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Ferrell get moved at some point this summer.
Las Vegas Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs
Fifth-year option: RB Josh Jacobs
Prediction: Decline
Again, with a new regime comes a new outlook. The Raiders have just paid a ton of money to Davante Adams and Jones. Thus, making wise cap decisions with the previous front office’s leftovers is a must. Jacobs has been a consistent playmaker for the Raiders over the past three years, but he plays a position that is easily replaceable with a much cheaper option.
Jacobs would net $8 million in 2023 if his option were to be picked up before May 2. That total would be ninth on the annual average salaries list for running backs. The Raiders can simply pass on the option in favor of a team-friendly long-term pact or let Jacobs leave in free agency and replace him with another draft pick.
Las Vegas Raiders: S Johnathan Abram
Fifth-year option: S Johnathan Abram
Prediction: Decline
Abram’s career got off to a rough start when he was shut down after one game during his rookie season due to a shoulder injury. Since returning in 2020, Abram has been a solid strong safety. He has gotten better in each of the past two years, and now he’s set to prove himself to a new head coach and GM.
The Raiders are likely to pass on Abram’s fifth-year option in favor of 2022 serving as a tryout of sorts. If Abram thrives, the Raiders can sign him to a long-term deal. If he’s just another middling starting safety, the Raiders can let him walk. Giving Abram $7.9 million sight-unseen probably isn’t the right move.
