Teams have until May 2 to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option on the contracts of first-round draft choices in 2019.
The fifth-year option price tag is set for $11.5 million.
That means that Chargers defensive tackle Jerry Tillery will be a candidate. But at the moment, Telesco said no decision has been made on Tillery’s fifth-year option.
“Jerry had a really nice role for us last year,” Telesco said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “I expect an even bigger role this year. We’ll figure the contract stuff out after the draft.”
After two underwhelming seasons, it was presumed that Tillery would be elevated in Staley’s defense. Unfortunately, while he did produce career-highs in nearly every category, Tillery was a liability against the run.
Heading into the 2022 season, Tillery will be joined by the new additions along the defensive line, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson.
My guess is that the Chargers will decline it and have Tillery prove he can live up to his first-round billing.
If he takes a big step, Tillery has the opportunity to be extended by Los Angeles or sign a nice contract elsewhere. If he does not, his time in the blue and gold will likely be over, and he will be looking for a new home.
