Another important change in last year’s CBA: the fifth year option is fully guaranteed. Previously, it was only guaranteed against injuries, giving teams a lower-risk incentive to initially exercise the option, knowing that it can be withdrawn if a player does not perform well in year 4. Now it is locked up, which makes the decision more difficult teams.
When I look at the 2018 class, I see a number of question marks on this front, even when it comes to high names like Saquon Barkley.
The former overall no. 2 overall pick, which won Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl in 2018, is not a lock to getting a long-term extension. A series of injuries have forced him to miss 17 games the past two seasons, and the fact that he is currently recovering from a torn ACL has prompted the New York Giants to stand still before choosing the option or extending his contract with a lucrative offer. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman discussed the challenge earlier this week in making a decision on the team’s best attacking player.
“Well, I think that’s part of the discussion, and of course we’ll have to decide in the spring whether we’re going to get his fifth year option, or not,” Gettleman said. “You know, it comes back to that medical question. It’s unknown, and what you have to do is involve your coach and your doctors in it and make your best decision.”
This kind of talk probably surprises some people, and it’s understandable: if Barkley is healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. And the Big Blue grid does not exactly match offensive firepower, Gettleman admits.
“Every team needs playmakers, let’s be honest,” Gettleman said. “Good lord will, Saquon will be 100 percent and he will obviously make a big difference. A healthy Saquon obviously makes a big difference, but again, you always want to add good players. And, oh, by the way, we play first. in September, so we have a free agency and we have the concept, and we’ll see how it plays out. ‘
Definitely something to look at. But Barkley is not the only first player in 2018 with questions surrounding his fifth-year option. Here are five more guys to keep an eye on: