What is the 5th Year Option in Madden 23?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Madden gamer and content creator, I am excited to provide an in-depth look at the 5th year option feature newly introduced in Madden 23‘s Franchise mode.

Overview of the 5th Year Option

The 5th year option allows you to extend the contract of a first round draft pick by one additional season once they complete their third year in the league. This mirrors how NFL teams have the option to pick up the 5th year on real life rookie deals.

Key details:

  • Becomes available after a player‘s third season
  • Extends contract by 1 season
  • Salary amount is predetermined based on performance
  • Once exercised, the salary becomes fully guaranteed

Strategic Importance of the 5th Year Option

Having control over a talented player for an extra season can be hugely valuable. It gives you time to develop them further or use the franchise tag if you can‘t agree on an extension. However, deciding whether to pick up the option involves weighing several factors:

  • Salary cost vs. expected production
  • Positional value
  • Other roster needs and cap space
  • Is the player likely to regress soon?

I estimate based on past Maddens that 5th year salaries can range from $8-15 million for solid starters and $15-25+ million for Pro Bowl caliber players. Use these ranges when projecting if that one extra year is worthwhile for your team‘s situation.

Declining the option makes the player an unrestricted free agent a year early, which can also be strategically useful if you want cap savings to sign other positions.

Implications Across Franchise Mode

The 5th year option adds complexity and realism across the board in Franchise. As a team builder, I love considering long-term team building implications.

It can factor into decisions like:

  • Trades: Trading away or for a player with 1-2 years left on their deal.
  • The draft: Prioritizing positions about to lose a key starter to free agency.
  • Contract extensions: Timing big extensions around expiring rookie deals.
  • Team identity: Committing to a young core long-term.

Additionally, generated draft classes in future seasons will likely have the 5th year option on first rounders as well, deepening that system too.

Bottom Line

I‘m thrilled with this feature as it mirrors real NFL strategy and front offices. The 5th year option forces you to make tough choices on talent evaluation and asset management – the hallmark of any good team builder! As a hardcore Madden franchise player, having to map out moves years in advance to construct a championship contender is extremely fulfilling.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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