Quote:
Originally Posted by InChiefsHeaven
Hi, dumbass checking in...what exactly IS the 5th year option, what does it mean? You basically just wait till he's in his 5th year to do a deal? Why is that an option?
I'm so ****ing dumb...
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I'm not an expert, but the gist is...
Players drafted in rounds two or lower have a max length of their first contract of four years. Contracts for first rounders include an option where the team can extend it to a fifth year without any other negotiation. The formula for the salary is a weird formula based on where they were picked. It's kind of like the franchise tag - it's a big payday for the player, but it's only good for a year.
Functionally, this means that Pat will play for the Chiefs next year on a high, but not record breaking contract. I'm not 100% clear on whether we can now cancel the fifth-year and replace it with a different contract. I think the answer is yes, but there might be some other weird stuff with it.
In short, this doesn't matter that much, but it makes 100% sure that he's not gonna be a free agent after 2020-21.