I thought this article was interesting on the 5th year option, I'm not predicting that Lawrence will get to that point in his contract negotiations.  https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20...s-steelers

What's interesting in the above language, is that the number of pro-bowls you go to increases the salary for the 5th round option up to a franchise tag salary.  What I'm not sure about is if you actually have to go to the pro-bowl, if your alternate and go does that count, and if you're invited but you turn it down how does that affect those numbers. Just researched and found out that alternate pro-bowls do not count for the fifth year option contract escalator, and it appears going or not doesn't affect the salary increase.

So for Lawrence, right now, he's hit the escalator to the average of the 3rd to 20th highest paid players at his position, by starting 75% of the offensive snaps.  If he make the original pro-bowl roster this year, his salary increases to the transition tag, but there's a huge difference between hitting the original selection pro-bowl twice, and being an alternate.

The other interesting thing, is that you can extend the "rookie contract window for QBs" if your player hasn't reached the original pro-bowl roster.  Now I'm sure that creating contract friction with your player can rule out this option, but it is by all means legal under the CBA.

Anyways food for thought.

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