Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray reportedly expects the team to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract…
Shane Ray was supposed to be one of the Denver Broncos’ top breakout players for the 2017 season before a wrist injury landed him on injured reserve for the first half of the season.
Ray was entering the all important third year of his rookie contract, where teams usually determine whether or not they are going to pick up a player’s fifth year option.
The fifth-year option is great for the team and the player, as it’s essentially a mini franchise tag, special for first round picks. Every rookie signs a four-year contract, but only first rounders have the team option for a fifth year.
It’s a win-win for both sides.
The player can get a fully guaranteed one-year salary at a much higher rate than they’ve been getting paid, or if they haven’t performed up to par, the team can decide not to pick up the fifth-year option and get out of the contract after the four years are up with no financial penalty.
The Broncos are in a position right now where they have to decide whether or not they want to pick up Shane Ray’s fifth-year option, which he told Troy Renck he expects them to do.
#Broncos @StingRay56, who donated 500 pairs of shoes to families at Denver Rescue Mission through Shane's Shoes program, has had strong offseason. Has gained 20lbs. Back to 243, close to playing weight. Repaired wrist pain free. Expects team to pick up 5th yr option #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/zCZzwa7G51
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 21, 2018
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Ray closed out his rookie season with the Broncos in 2015 with an excellent postseason run, and followed it up with a very strong sophomore campaign where he racked up eight sacks.
This past season, Ray’s injured wrist prevented him from being the type of player he’s capable of being, and he’s now fully healthy and ready for another chance to prove why he was so highly touted coming out of Missouri.
In my opinion, it would be foolish for the Broncos not to pick up Ray’s option. It’s less than $9 million, and though it’s fully guaranteed for injury, Ray’s caliber of young pass rusher at that price is probably going to look like a bargain for the rest of the league.
If Ray is fully healthy going into next offseason, the Broncos can opt out of the option even if they choose to pick it up now.
No official decision has been made at this point, but one is expected soon.