Feb. 27, 2026, 3:32 p.m. ET
The Baltimore Ravens have finalized their coaching staff under new head coach Jesse Minter for the 2026 season.Teams have until May 1 to decide on exercising the fifth-year option for first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.The fifth-year option allows a team to keep a first-round pick for an extra year on a fully guaranteed salary.Wide receiver Zay Flowers is eligible for a fifth-year option valued at $27,298,000 due to making multiple Pro Bowls.
The new era is official, as Ravens head coach Jesse Minter has assembled his full staff for the 2026 season. The Ravens are in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine ahead of the start of the new league year on March 9.
Minter will hit the ground running with high expectations, as the Ravens are among the teams with a projected win total of 10+ games. There will be changes to the roster and key personnel, but the infrastructure for a potential Super Bowl contender is still in place. Minter will need to improve the offensive line and add talent at edge rusher, defensive tackle, and cornerback. One big decision will be whether to extend Zay Flowers’ contract.
Teams will have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.
What is a 5th-year option?
The NFL currently operates under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that is valid through the 2030 season. Article 7, Section 7 (g) of that agreement stipulates that a team can exercise a fifth-year option for all first-round draft picks. With the new league year fast approaching, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position. The option means a team can keep its first-round pick for one extra year without agreeing to an extension. That fifth year’s salary is fully guaranteed. All rookies who are drafted sign four-year contracts, and the fifth-year option is available only to first-round picks. Teams must decide on fifth-year options after a first-round rookie has played three full seasons in the NFL.
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With the new league year fast approaching, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position.
5th-year option for Zay Flowers — Multiple Pro Bowls option
Because Flowers is a two-time Pro Bowler, his fifth-year option is $27,298,000
Flowers is the biggest star of the group, logging back-to-back Pro Bowls after accounting for 85 catches, 1,211 yards, and five touchdowns.