Official 2023 OFFSEASON Thread

SmashMouth · 05-01-2023, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

Hadn't seen it posted but the Saints have declined Ruiz's 5th-year option.

Former 1st rounders gotta show more than one "improved" season.

I'm not at all surprised by the Saint's front office.

Story

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido

https://twitter.com/TheSaintsWire/st...68084888969216

It appears only ten of the 32 5th year options from the 2020 draft has been exercised. Other teams have until 4:00 eastern, i think, to make their declarations.

2020 pick Name Team POS 5th yr option Exercised Not exercised
1 Joe Burrow Bengals QB $29,504,000 X
2 Chase Young Commanders EDGE (DE) $17,452,000 X
3 Jeff Okudah Lions CB $14,362,000
4 Andrew Thomas Giants LT (OL) $21,172,000
5 Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins QB $25,382,000 X
6 Justin Herbert Chargers QB $29,504,000 X
7 Derrick Brown Panthers IDL (DT) $13,192,000 X
8 Isaiah Simmons Cardinals LB $11,369,000
9 C.J. Henderson Panthers CB $14,362,000
10 Jedrick Wills Browns LT (OL) $21,172,000 X
11 Mekhi Becton Jets RT (OL) $20,239,000
13 Tristan Wirfs Buccaneers RT (OL) $18,244,000 X
14 Javon Kinlaw 49ers IDL (DT) $12,245,000 X
15 Jerry Jeudy Broncos WR $19,071,000
16 A.J. Terrell Falcons CB $15,724,000 X
17 CeeDee Lamb Cowboys WR $17,991,000 X
18 Austin Jackson Dolphins RT (OL) $21,172,000
20 K'Lavon Chaisson Jaguars EDGE (DE) $7,114,000
21 Jalen Reagor Vikings WR $19,071,000 X
22 Justin Jefferson Vikings WR $19,743,000 X
23 Kenneth Murray Chargers LB $9,954,000 X
24 Cesar Ruiz Saints RG (OL) $21,172,000 X
25 Brandon Aiyuk 49ers WR $20,639,000 X
26 Jordan Love Packers QB $21,770,000
27 Jordyn Brooks Seahawks LB $11,369,000
28 Patrick Queen Ravens LB $11,369,000
30 Noah Igbinoghene Dolphins CB $14,362,000
32 Clyde Edwards-Helaire Chiefs RB $7,525,000

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido

Regardless of how well Ruiz is currently playing, $21 million is pretty steep for 2024. They should be able to extend him for a more reasonable number.

And there you have it ... The growing trend across the league on 5th year options and 2nd contracts. It makes the draft ever more incrementally important. While the NFL attempts to unearth new and newer revenue sources to keep up with the demands of the salary cap, at some point the goose that lays the golden eggs will curtail her production. Absurd money is getting even more absurd. It's unsustainable long-term.