In 2018, the New England Patriots selected two Georgia Bulldogs with both of their first-round NFL draft picks.
At No. 23 overall, the Patriots took former UGA offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn. Eight picks later, New England selected Georgia’s third all-time leading rusher, Sony Michel.
Now, the Patriots have reportedly made their decisions on fifth-year options for both former Bulldogs.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, New England has picked up the fifth-year option on Wynn and declined to do so on Michel.
Wynn, though only having played in 18 games since entering the NFL, has served as the Patriots starting left tackle since entering the league. He missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn ACL in a preseason game, but when healthy, he’s performed well.
Per ESPN:
By having his option exercised, Wynn will be paid a base salary of $10.4 million, fully guaranteed, in 2022.
As for Michel, he’s had his ups and downs since entering the NFL. The former 5-star recruit and Rose Bowl hero has racked up 2,292 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his three NFL seasons but has proved inconsistent. Additionally, he found himself on the injured reserve last season, allowing him to play in only nine games.
Michel has had some bright spots with New England, though. In his first year, en route to a Super Bowl, Michel scored the most playoff rushing touchdowns by a rookie in league history.
The rookie making history.@Flyguy2stackz | #EverythingWeGot pic.twitter.com/esOZJW8MW1
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 21, 2019
Had the Patriots picked up the fifth-year option on Michel, Michel would be set to earn a fully guaranteed base salary of roughly $4.5 million, per Over the Cap, in 2022.