The Packers didn’t need to worry about the fifth-year option deadline this week.
The deadline to exercise the fifth-year option for the 2017 NFL Draft class was on Monday. The Green Bay Packers didn’t need to participate as they didn’t make a first-round pick in that draft class.
The fifth-year option allows NFL teams to guarantee a first-round pick will be under contract for one more year after their rookie contract expires. The decision to exercise the option needs to be made prior to the player’s fourth season in the league. If the team doesn’t pick up the option, that player will become a free agent following the fourth year on their rookie contract.
The Packers initially owned the 29th pick in the first round after reaching the NFC Championship Game the year before. However, then-GM Ted Thompson decided to trade down, moving to pick No. 33 overall, the first choice of the second round.
The Cleveland Browns moved up to select tight end David Njoku while the Packers went with cornerback Kevin King at the start of Day 2.
While King has proven to be a solid starter in the secondary when healthy, the Packers passed up the opportunity to draft edge rusher T.J. Watt, who fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 30. The Steelers have exercised the fifth-year option, which should come as no surprise considering how well Watt has played over the past three seasons.
In three years with the Steelers, Watt has 34.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 19 pass defenses, 177 tackles, and three interceptions. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first season and has since been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and made both the first- and second-team All-Pro in 2019.
In hindsight, going with Watt would’ve been the best move for the Packers if they had stayed put at No. 29. With the fourth-round pick they received from the Browns, Green Bay selected Watt’s teammate Vince Biegel, who they cut after just one season.
The Packers didn’t have to make a decision on a fifth-year option this year, but one has to wonder whether they regret passing up T.J. Watt in 2017.