With the New England Patriots not holding a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft — thanks, Deflategate — they did not have to make a decision this year when it came to a fifth-year contract option. Those clubs who do have first-round selections from that year on their roster that are still on their rookie deals, on the other hand, had to make a call on the option until today. For twelve players, the call made by their clubs was a decline.
This means that they are all scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2019 season.