12 former first-round picks, including Mac Jones, get fifth-year options declined
There were a total of 12 former first-round picks from the 2021 NFL draft that got their fifth-year options on their contracts declined. That means all 12 players, including former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, are set to hit the free agent market in 2025.
Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars back in March in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. To no one’s surprise, the Jaguars ultimately declined the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which was set to be a $25.6 million cap hit in 2025.
Jones will be viewed as a backup on a roster that already has quarterback Trevor Lawrence under center.
If he sticks around for another year, the Jaguars would likely work out an agreement to extend him on a cheaper deal as the emergency option behind Lawrence. Some of the other prominent names on the list include Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Trey Lance.
