There are a slew of changes that would come with the NFL’s proposed new collective bargaining agreement. From a 17-game regular season to 14 playoff teams, there are several changes in the new CBA up for vote by the NFL Players Association after NFL owners agreed to terms.
One of those changes is regarding the fifth-year option for first-round rookies. While the current fifth-year option is guaranteed for injury only, the new proposal would have the option guaranteed in full — only the amount of the option would be dependent on a player’s performance rather than draft position.
A fairly significant change in fifth-year options in the proposed CBA — they become fully guaranteed for 4th and 5th years at the time the option is exercised, and the amount of the option’s dependent on player achievement, not on which slot he was selected in the first round.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 21, 2020
Now, this could impact the Bears this season, as this would go into effect if the new CBA is agreed upon.
So let’s take a look at exactly what that would mean for Mitchell Trubisky, who still hasn’t had his fifth-year option picked up by the Bears.
- Trubisky’s fifth-year option would be fully guaranteed, not for injury only
- It would cost the Bears less money than it would right now (roughly $24 million on current CBA)
- The Bears have until May to pick up Trubisky’s fifth-year option
The goal is to hit on your first-round selection and sign an extension instead of the fifth-year option. But that hasn’t been the case for the Bears.
Trubisky struggled mightily in his third season, where the entire offense was on life support. Still, the Bears gave up a lot — and passed on two star quarterbacks — to draft Trubisky at No. 2. So it’s not enough for Trubisky to be okay. He needs to be great. And unfortunately at this point, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
If this new CBA proposal goes through, you have to wonder if the Bears will forgo Trubisky’s fifth-year option. Either they part ways with him after next season or, by some miracle, sign him to an extension.
Chicago also picked up outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s fifth-year option last offseason, and they currently have until the start of the new league year on March 18 to cut him. If not, his $13.2 million salary becomes fully guaranteed.
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