Skip to Main Content
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons pass on Hayden Hurst’s $5.4 million fifth-year option

D. Orlando Ledbetter
By D. Orlando Ledbetter

While the Falcons picked up wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s fifth-year option, the team has elected to pass on the $5.4 million fifth-year option for tight end Hayden Hurst, according to his agent Hadley Engelhard.

After selecting former Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with the fourth overall pick in the draft, the Falcons will allow Hurst to become an unrestricted free agent in 2022.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot elected not to answer a question about Hurst’s status on Wednesday.

Ridley was selected with the 26th overall pick in the 2018 draft — one spot after Hurst. Ridley’s fifth-year is worth $11.116 million.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, recently had his $18.8 million fifth-year option picked up.

Ridley caught 90 of 143 targets (62.9%) last season for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns as the Falcons went 4-12.

Ridley has caught 217 passes for 3,061 yards and 26 touchdowns.

He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team in 2018.