The NFL's fifth-year option deadline came and went on May 1, and while it was a non-event for the Washington Commanders, several other teams faced some tough decisions. For those who need a refresher: players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft three years earlier become eligible for a fifth-year option. As their fourth season approaches, the team that drafted them must decide whether to pick up that option—and if they do, it becomes fully guaranteed.

This year, nine players from the 2023 first-round class had their fifth-year options declined, a mix of no-brainers and a few surprises. Commanders fans already knew cornerback Emmanuel Forbes would be among them. Forbes struggled mightily during his rookie season in 2023, even melting down during a game. The following year, the new coaching staff released him after he couldn't earn a starting role or contribute on special teams. The Rams picked him up, but despite being surrounded by a much stronger defense than he had in Washington, Forbes has continued to struggle. Los Angeles has since made moves this offseason to bolster their cornerback room.

Perhaps the two most notable names on the declined list are Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, taken fourth overall, and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, selected seventh overall. Richardson's injury history has made his future uncertain, while Wilson started just seven of 50 games in three seasons with the Raiders before signing with the Saints this offseason, hoping to revitalize his career.

For Commanders fans, this is just another chapter in the story of former head coach Ron Rivera's disappointing draft record. From Chase Young (2020) and Jamin Davis (2021) to Jahan Dotson (2022) and now Forbes, the misses have been well documented. As the NFL moves forward, these fifth-year option decisions serve as a reminder of how quickly a promising draft class can become a cautionary tale.