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Another big change in ABC from last year: the fifth year option is fully guaranteed. Previously it was only guaranteed against injury, giving teams a lower risk incentive to exercise the option initially, knowing that it could be retracted if a player did not perform well in year 4. Now it is stuck. , which makes the decision more difficult for teams.
Looking at the Class of 2018, I see a number of question marks on this front, even when it comes to top names like Saquon Barkley.
The former No. 2 overall pick, who won offensive rookie of the year and Pro Bowl honors in 2018, is no lock in securing long-term overtime. A string of injuries has forced him to miss 17 games in the past two seasons, and the fact that he’s currently recovering from a torn ACL has prompted the New York Giants to take a break before choosing the option. or extend his contract with a lucrative offer. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman discussed the challenge of making a decision on the team’s best offensive player earlier this week.
“Well, I think that’s part of the discussion, and obviously we’ll have to make a decision in the spring on whether to choose her fifth-year option or not,” Gettleman said. “You know, again, it comes down to this medical question. It’s unknown, and what you need to do is involve your coach and your doctors and make your best decision.”
This kind of talk probably takes some people by surprise, and understandably so: in good health, Barkley is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. And Big Blue’s roster isn’t exactly full of offensive firepower, a reality Gettleman acknowledges.
“Every team needs playmakers, let’s be honest,” said Gettleman. “Good Lord willing, Saquon will be 100 percent and obviously he will make a huge difference. A healthy Saquon obviously makes a big difference, but then again, you’re always looking to add good players. And, oh, by the way. , we won’t play until September, so we have free agency and we have the draft, and we’ll see how it goes. “
Definitely something to watch. But Barkley isn’t the only first round of 2018 to question his fifth-year option. Here are five other guys to watch out for:
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