New Orleans Saints Decline 5th-Year Option for DE Tyree Wilson
The New Orleans Saints have declined the 5th year option for one of their brand new talent acquisitions. Which confirms exactly what their plan is.
While they added defensive end Tyree Wilson during the 2026 NFL Draft...he wasn't a draft pick this year, but the Saints used a fifth round pick in the draft to get him. So how do you use a draft pick from this year's draft to get a player that already has NFL stats? You swing a trade.
Saints Draft Day Trade For Tyree Wilson
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Tyree Wilson was selected with the was the 7th overall pick in the First Round of the draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. He's played the last three season in Vegas, and has put together a respectable career so far. During his time with the Raiders, he accumulated 91 tackles, 12 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and a safety. Decent stats, but maybe not what you want to see from a top 10 pick over 3 seasons.
The perceived letdown for the Raiders would explain why they were ready to deal Wilson in exchange for the 150th overall pick in this year's draft (which they used to select Arizona safety Dalton Johnson). Their partner in the deal were the New Orleans Saints, who were more than happy to bring in a former top 10 pick to help their needs along the defensive line.
Why Did The Saints Decline Wilson's Option
Even though the Saints were willing to sent out a draft pick to bring Wilson into the franchise, they weren't prepared to give him more time on his deal. First round rookie contracts in the NFL come with a 5th year option that teams can use to keep players that are performing well for an extra year. Wilson's option came along with him to New Orleans, giving them the decision.
They exercised that decision by declining the option, making Tyree a one-year test run. His 5th year option for 2027 carried a $14.4 million price tag.
Now, if he balls out and has 15 sacks this season, the price tag for 2027 will probably be higher. However that might not be the Saints' problem...they are renting him for this season, and welcome that level of production. If he leaves town to get a massive deal somewhere else, they will kick the can down the road and deal with it then.
For now, the Saints are just hoping he can start some games this year.