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Declined 5th-Year Options Could Leave Host of Former Top NFL Talents Available

A glut of once-highly regarded talent could be on the move after multiple teams turned down fifth-year options on rookie contracts from the 2016 NFL draft.

NFL organizations like control, and first-round assets are significant investments that franchises don't take lightly. The ability to keep young players on the roster at a discount price during their prime years is crucial to long-term team building.

The league's current contract structure favors the organizations, especially early in a player's career, but circumstances don't always align. While a trigger is included in every first-round rookie contract, an individual's lack of development makes teams question the correct path.