The Facts: The New England Patriots will likely decline one fifth-year option and pick up another on their 2018 first-round draft class. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Pats will likely decline the option year for Michel while exercising the option for offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, per sources informed of the situation.

Diehards Line: Neither move comes as much of a surprise. ... Michel, the No. 31 overall pick in 2018, was due to earn $4.523 million in 2022 had the Pats picked up the option. The running back has a base salary of $1.79 million in 2021. Given the position he plays, injury history, and that Michel is little-used in the passing game, Bill Belichick not guaranteeing $4.5 million in 2022 for the RB is not a stunner. The 26-year-old back will head into a contract year muddled in a backfield committee with re-signed James White, 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris and 2021 fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson. Meanwhile, exercising the option on Wynn gives the Pats two more years before deciding on this long-term future, including a potential extension.