The fifth-year option values for the 2022 NFL Draft first-round picks has been finalized.
The Seattle Seahawks will soon have an important decision to make regarding starting left tackle Charles Cross. Will they pick up his fifth-year option or will they decline it?
Earlier this week the NFL released the finalized numbers for 2025 franchise and transition tag costs, as well as restricted free agent tender values and the fifth-year option money for all 2022 first-round draft picks. We’re only focusing on the fifth-year option since Cross is entering the last year of his rookie deal.
How much Charles Cross’ fifth-year option would cost the Seahawks
Fifth-year option values differ by position and are determined by Pro Bowl selections and playing time within a player’s first three seasons. Cross has yet to make a Pro Bowl but did achieve the playtime criterion of playing over 50% of the snaps in all three seasons, hence he’s eligible for a fully guaranteed fifth-year salary of $17,560,000.
And fifth-year option numbers for first-round picks in 2022 NFL Draft — a list that includes Aidan Hutchinson, Derek Stingley Jr., Sauce Gardner, Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Smith, Tyler Lindenbaum and Jermaine Johnson, among others.
Clubs have until May 2 to exercise the option. pic.twitter.com/YLb3jcszlJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 28, 2025
Have the Seahawks ever exercised the fifth-year option?
Since the CBA adjustment to rookie contracts in 2011, Seattle has yet to pick up a fifth-year option on any of its first-round picks under John Schneider. This includes L.J. Collier, James Carpenter, Germain Ifedi, Rashaad Penny, and Jordyn Brooks. The only time they’ve even picked up a fifth-year option was tight end Noah Fant, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos.
Of course, the Seahawks could still work out an extension for Cross whether or not they pick up his option. Seattle has had virtually zero continuity with any of its offensive line draft picks in the Schneider era, with only Justin Britt seeing an extension. Perhaps Cross could be the one to join that exclusive club.