The Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans have some major decisions to make over the next few weeks. All three teams have to determine whether or not they want to pick up the fifth-year options for their respective 2019 first-round picks. They’ll need to decide on Josh Allen, Jeffery Simmons, and Tytus Howard before the NFL’s May 2 deadline.
Predicting AFC South fifth-year option decisions
The Indianapolis Colts can sit pretty heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Unlike their three AFC South division rivals, the Colts don’t have a fifth-year option deadline to worry about.
The Jaguars, Titans, and Texans will need to make decisions on their former first-round picks by the beginning of next month. If they decide to pick up their respective options, their players will receive fully guaranteed salaries in 2024.
Below are Pro Football Network’s predictions for the fifth-year option decisions in the AFC South.
To view previous predictions, click the division below
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Fifth-year option: DE Josh Allen
Prediction: Exercised
While he’s frequently called the “other” Josh Allen, the 2019 first-round pick is an ascending pass rusher. Through three seasons, Allen has been to a Pro Bowl (2019) and produced 20.5 sacks. Of the Jaguars’ recent first-round picks, Allen is easily the most established homegrown talent.
QB Trevor Lawrence is seen as the face of the franchise, but Allen, for all intents and purposes, is the face of the defense. His $16 million price tag might seem imposing, but the Jaguars just gave wideout Christian Kirk a contract that averages $18 million per season.
Allen is a keeper, and the fifth-year option should just serve as leverage/insurance for a long-term deal. As the Jaguars know, good pass rushers are very hard to find in the NFL.
Houston Texans
Fifth-year option: OT Tytus Howard
Prediction: Exercised
While Howard might have been over-drafted in 2019, his work at right tackle has been solid over the past few years. The former small-school lineman has established himself as a reliable cog within the Texans’ offensive line, and he should get his fifth-year option picked up at the price of $13.2 million.
With Laremy Tunsil’s contract constantly evolving, the Texans need to prepare for the day when the starting left tackle moves on. Howard could eventually move over to the left side, or just continue to be Mr. Reliable at right tackle. There’s no need to create an issue for the future on the line.
Tennessee Titans
Fifth-year option: DL Jeffery Simmons
Prediction: Exercised
Coming off his first Pro Bowl season, Simmons should be considered a lock to have his fifth-year option picked up. He would make a guaranteed $14.7 million off the option.
While that might seem like a lot of cash, Simmons would be making team-friendly money on the deal. With Simmons ascending, the option would simply serve as a placeholder for a long-term pact anyway.
Simmons has produced 135 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, and a forced fumble through three seasons. That type of production is important at defensive tackle. Simmons can fit any scheme, and at just 24, he’s only going to get better for the Titans.