What is one criterion for receiving a 5th-Year Option for first-round draft picks?

The 5th-Year Option for first-round draft picks in the NFL is primarily determined by the player's participation during their first three seasons. Specifically, one of the criteria for a player to qualify for this option is that they must have participated in a minimum of 50% of the plays in each of their first three seasons. This demonstrates the player's value and contribution to the team.

This requirement is designed to ensure that the team is investing in players who have consistently proven their worth on the field, allowing the organization to make informed decisions about extending their contracts. Active engagement in plays gives a clearer picture of a player's impact and potential.

Other criteria mentioned, such as injury status, starting only in regular season games, or playoff participation, do not directly relate to eligibility for the 5th-Year Option. For instance, a player could have been injured but still show significant promise in their available game time, and non-starters can also contribute effectively to the team's overall success, which is why evaluating playtime percentage is more relevant in determining eligibility for this option.