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Shane Ray’s Fifth Year Option Coming Up Soon

By Tylor Walden

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos hits quarterback Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets on a play where McCown would appear to injure his left hand and come out of the game in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos hits quarterback Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets on a play where McCown would appear to injure his left hand and come out of the game in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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While the NFL Draft is approaching, the Denver Broncos will need to decide by May 3rd if the team will pick up Shane Ray’s fifth year option.

In 2015, the Denver Broncos drafted Shane Ray after trading up. There is no doubt he has contributed quite a bit for the team. However, John Elway will need to make a decision on his future.

One week after the start of the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos will need to decide if they want to pick up Shane Ray’s fifth year option. The team has until May 3rd to make that decision. Ray will be making $1.6 million in 2018. He does carry a $2.9 million cap hit.

This is actually an interesting situation. Shane Ray will be coming off an injured-filled season. He suffered a wrist injury during training camp and was placed on short term injured reserve. Ray returned for the Week 8 meeting against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Missouri linebacker played in eight games before being placed on season ending injured reserve for the same wrist injury.

Number wise, he has not had a impressive career thus far. 2016 was his best season, recording eight sacks. Despite the numbers, the Denver Broncos should pick up his option. Shaquil Barrett is in a contract year, so it will also depend on what Elway wants to do there.

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We all know the saying that defense wins championships. Shane Ray brings a pressuring presence to the Broncos defense. If he stays healthy, he becomes a big time playmaker opposite of Von Miller. Both guys have a chance to be the best edge rushing tandem in the NFL.

The decision on Ray’s option can also depend on if Shaquil Barrett signs his second round tender. Barrett has until April 20th to do that. April is really going to be decision time on two edge rushers.

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