The Seahawks and 31 Other Teams Face a Friday Deadline That Changes Everything About 2027

Today's the day. NFL teams across the league have until Friday to decide the futures of 32 first-round picks from 2023, and one of those decisions could reshape the Seahawks' roster for years to come. This isn't some buried salary-cap footnote. This is about which young stars stick around and which ones hit free agency in 2027.

What Are These Fifth-Year Options and Why Should You Care?

Here's the deal: the 2020 collective bargaining agreement lets teams lock in their first-round draft picks for a fifth season beyond the standard four-year rookie deal. But there's a catch. When a team exercises that option, it becomes fully guaranteed. Any base salary from year four that wasn't locked in gets guaranteed too.

The money itself is tiered based on four levels: basic, playing time, one Pro Bowl, or multiple Pro Bowls. Teams have to weigh whether a player is worth that investment long-term or if they'd rather let them walk into free agency in 2027.

The 2023 Class and What's on the Line

The 2023 first-round class had 31 picks total after the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round selection for violating league policies. That's 31 young players whose NFL futures are being decided right now across the league.

Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers' number one pick at QB, will have his option picked up. Panthers GM Dan Morgan signaled in January that they're planning to exercise it and explore whether a bigger contract extension makes sense from a "big-picture view." Young's staying put in Carolina at least through 2027.

What Happens if Teams Say No?

If a team declines the option, 2026 becomes the final year of that rookie deal. Come 2027, that player becomes a free agent and can sign with anyone willing to pay. For teams betting on a player's upside, that's risky. For players confident in their skills, it's an opportunity.

The Seahawks and everyone else have 24 hours to make the call. Watch for announcements trickling in throughout the day as front offices decide which young core pieces are worth the guaranteed money.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.