As it stands now, teams have the option to execute a fifth year of a first-round draft pick's four-year rookie deal. For example, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead's 2019 season was played on the fifth-year option, earning him over $9 million this past season. That's over $7 million more than Armstead received in 2018.
For the 49ers, the decision to pick up Armstead's option worked out well. The defender led the team in sacks this past season with a career-high 10 and added two more during postseason play.
The new CBA proposal, according to Pro Football Talk, would allow first-round picks to earn franchise-tag level money should a team pick up the fifth-year option, and should that player make the Pro Bowl twice in his first three seasons.
Not only that, but should a team exercise the option on a qualifying player and decide to use the franchise tag on him during his sixth season, it would be at the cost of 20 percent more than the already expensive fifth-year option.
To further put this into perspective, let's imagine that the new CBA rule applies to defensive end Nick Bosa, who was named to the Pro Bowl this past season. As explained by Pro Football Talk, if he earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2020 or 2021, the cost of his fifth-year option, in this fictitious scenario, would be the price of the franchise tag for defensive ends in 2021, which is the average of the top five salaries for the position. That price is expected to be nearly $18 million this year, and will only go up in the future.
The cost to franchise tag Bosa after 2023 would be 20 percent more than his fully-guaranteed salary in his fifth year.
This is just one of several terms the NFLPA is negotiating for as the NFL insists on an increase to a 17-game season.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers lineman has unique franchise milestone in his sight
San Francisco 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz is entering his seventh NFL season and remains firmly entrenched as a key piece of the team's offensive line. After signing a three-year contract extension in 2025, McKivitz is under contract through the 2028 season. If he plays... -
49ers stars believe revamped receiver room could be among team's best
The San Francisco 49ers lost several contributors from their wide receiver room this offseason, including veterans Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne. However, knowing a transition was underway at the position, the team moved aggressively to reload its receiving corps. The... -
49ers' George Kittle reaches new milestone in Achilles recovery
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle provided an encouraging update on his Achilles recovery during a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast. Kittle suffered the injury during San Francisco's first playoff game last season, a victory over the Philadelphia... -
49ers All-Pro George Kittle urges NFL to protect its most valuable asset
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway, with several matches being played in NFL stadiums, including Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. To meet FIFA requirements, venues that typically feature artificial turf have temporarily installed natural grass playing...