The Detroit Lions are busy preparing for the final two days of the 2019 NFL Draft, but a significant decision awaits them on the other side. 2016 first-round pick Taylor Decker is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Lions will have to make a decision on his option fifth year.
By NFL rules, teams can exercise an extra year in the rookie deal of their first-round picks. For teams, it’s a way to retain a player on a relative cheap deal for another year or to disengage from a failed pick and let him hit free agency after four seasons.