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Jeff Okudah receives update on 5th-year option, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Jeff Okudah was previously a top-5 draft pick, landing with the Detroit Lions as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he was trading this offseason after three injury-plagued seasons to begin Okudah’s career.
The Atlanta Falcons traded away draft pick compensation to the Lions in order to acquire Okudah for the 2023 season. In the process, his fifth-year option has reportedly been adjusted.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Okudah will not be eligible for a fifth-year option with the Falcons. Rapoport reported Detroit agreed to pay $1.5 million of Okudah’s 2023 salary in order to get the trade done, taking Okudah’s option for the 2024 season off the table.
Okudah will be due $3.682 million for his year with Atlanta before hitting free agency.
With the fifth-year option deadline tomorrow, worth noting: New #Falcons CB Jeff Okudah is not eligible for it. When the #Lions agreed to pay $1.5M of his 2023 salary to facilitate the trade, his option was off the table. He has 1 year and $3.682M deal left with ATL.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2023
Jeff Okudah’s future outlook
At the end of the day, Okudah was unlikely to have a fifth-year option picked up by the Falcons before the deadline hits. His injury concerns at this point in his career are legitimate and likely would have hindered the Falcons from committing to him beyond this season.
Nevertheless, without a fifth-year option, Okudah’s 2023 season takes on an even higher level of importance. He’ll be playing with an eye toward free agency and looking to prove he’s deserving of a multiyear contract for the future.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.