Another important change in last year’s CBA: the fifth year option is totally guaranteed. Previously, it was only guaranteed against injuries, providing teams with a lower risk incentive to initially exercise the option, knowing that it could be withdrawn if a player did not perform well in year 4. Now it is blocked, making the decision more difficult for teams .
Looking at the Class of 2018, I see a series of question marks on this front, even when it comes to prominent names like Saquon Barkley.
The former general No. 2 chosen, who won the honors of Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl in 2018, is not a block to long-term extension. A series of injuries has forced him to lose 17 games in the past two seasons, and the fact that he is currently recovering from a torn ACL has led the New York Giants to take a break before choosing the option or extending its business with an offer profitable. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman discussed the challenge of making a decision about the team’s best offensive player earlier this week.
“Well, I think that is part of the discussion and, obviously, we will have to make a decision in the spring whether we will choose his fifth year option or not,” said Gettleman. “You know, again, it all comes down to this medical issue. It’s unknown, and what you need to do is get your coach and your doctors involved and make the best decision.”
This type of conversation probably takes some people by surprise, which is understandable: when healthy, Barkley is one of the most dynamic game creators in the league. And the Big Blue squad isn’t exactly full of offensive firepower, a reality that Gettleman recognizes.
“Every team needs game creators, let’s be honest,” said Gettleman. “God willing, Saquon will be 100 percent and will obviously make a big 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 be playing until September , so we have a free agency and we have the draft, and we’ll see how that plays out. “
Definitely something to watch. But Barkley is not the only player in the first round of 2018 with doubts surrounding his fifth-year option. Here are five more guys to keep an eye on: