Fifth-year options: Browns pass on commitment to Kenny Pickett

Field Level Media|published: Thu 1st May, 12:32 2025

Quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) did not have his 2026 option exercised by the Browns on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Deadline day for teams to exercise the fifth-year option clause in contracts of 2022 first-round picks provided clarity for multiple players who've changed teams since they turned pro on Thursday.

Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett, set to play for his third team in 13 months, will not have his fifth-year option worth $22.117 million for the 2026 season picked up by Cleveland. Barring a new contract, Pickett would become a free agent in March 2026.

He's owed $2.62 million in 2025 as part of an overcrowded depth chart. The Browns added veteran free agent Joe Flacco and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders since acquiring Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles. An injured Deshaun Watson also remains on the roster.

Pickett was the 20th overall pick in 2022 and spent the first two seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

--Eagles not exercising options on WR Jahan Dotson, OG Kenyon Green

The Philadelphia Eagles opted not to pick up fifth-year options for the 2026 season for wide receiver Jahan Doston and guard Kenyon Green.

Both players were acquired via trade.

Green, the 15th pick in the 2022 draft by the Texans, was acquired from Houston on March 11 with the Eagles sending safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in return.

Dotson, the No. 16 selection by the Washington Commanders, was acquired during training camp last summer in a trade involving draft picks. He was seventh on the team with 19 receptions in 2024.

The Eagles did not have to make a decision on picking up the option year in Lewis Cine's contract. The 32nd pick of the Vikings was released by Minnesota before the start of the 2024 season and joined the Eagles.

--Field Level Media