The Cincinnati Bengals have picked up Joe Burrow's fifth-year option.

The transaction comes ahead of the May 2 deadline for teams to exercise such options for the first-round picks in the 2020 class. 

The two sides are engaged in discussions regarding a contract extension for the former No. 1 overall pick.

"This is a mechanical step along the way and we will continue to work with Joe and his representatives to secure his long-term future as a Bengals," the team said in a statement.