Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have exercised their fifth-year option on left tackle Eric Fisher, which means the former No. 1 overall draft pick is scheduled to make $11.9 million during the 2017 season.

The Chiefs had until Monday to decide on the option, which becomes fully guaranteed next March.

Chiefs general manager John Dorsey has said he would like to sign Fisher to a long-term deal, and the decision to pick up the pricey option may simply be part of the negotiation process.

Fisher had a disappointing first two seasons in the NFL, and some were quick to label the Central Michigan product a bust. But the 6-foot-7, 305-pound lineman appeared to break through last season, even shutting down Texans star pass-rusher J.J. Watt during their playoff game.

“I see myself on a steady incline,” Fisher said during a recent interview. “I’m looking to pick up where I left off, continue to grow and stay on a steady rise throughout my career. If I can do that 10 more years, however many more years, I’m looking forward to it.”