John Gilbert is the Field Gulls Deputy Editor and has covered the NFL's Seattle Seahawks since 2016. He specializes in the salary cap, the collective bargaining agreement and statistical analysis, with an occasional film breakdown sprinkled in.
Earlier in May the Seattle Seahawks, as expected, exercised the fifth year option on left tackle Charles Cross. There were certainly fans who found the move surprising, given the estimated $17.5M price tag of the option and the historic frugality of the team when it comes to spending on the offensive line.
However, the reality is that in Cross’ case the fifth year option is a fantastic tool that provides Cross with significant fully guaranteed money, while at the same time affording the team the opportunity to reach a top of market contract extension that is more cap friendly.