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Alex Hoegler

10 NFL Players You Forgot Played for These Teams

When you think of NFL greats who had memorable stints with not one, but two teams? Guys like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning come to mind. But not all NFL greats flourished after changing teams late in their careers. They looked naturally out of place in a specific jersey, and probably wish to remove all memories of that club. With that, here are 10 NFL greats who played for surprisingly strange teams. Which star NFL players played for an unusual team? Jerry Rice: Seattle SeahawksNov 19, 2006 San Francisco, CA, USA: Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice soaks in the crowds’ applause during a halftime ceremony to honor Rice’s retirement against the Seattle Seahawks at Monster Park in San Francisco, CA. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Kyle Terada The greatest wide receiver and non-quarterback player in NFL history spent his first 16 seasons with the NFL’s golden franchise, the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, having already won two Super Bowls under Bill Walsh and Joe Montana, got even richer after drafting Rice 16th overall in 1985. Rice became the new face of the 49ers’ franchise from there, propelling them to three Super Bowl championships during his Hall of Fame career. But with the 49ers’ glory days in the past, and fellow future Hall of Famer Terrell Owens taking over as their new No. 1 receiver, the front office made the painful decision to cut Rice after 16 years. To his credit, Rice had a nice career revival with the Oakland Raiders. He had to 1,000-yard seasons there and led them to a Super Bowl 37 appearance, where they fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Raiders were a fine second act for Rice. But when he was traded to the Seahawks during the 2004 season? It just felt very weird from the beginning. We know, we know. The Seahawks are a relevant and well-respected NFL franchise. Four NFC titles and two Super Bowl championship banners were won over a 20-year period between 2005 and 2025. But you kids have to picture what the Seahawks were like before 2005. Before that season, they hadn’t won a playoff game since 1984. And their fortunes didn’t begin to change until 2002, when NFL realignment shifted the Seahawks to the NFC, making room for the expansion Houston Texans’ franchise to become the AFC’s 16th team. So yes, it was very, very weird when Rice landed with the Seahawks. The NFL’s GOAT at the time just never looked comfortable there. He caught 25 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns as a Seahawk, retiring after the 2004 season. Emmitt Smith: Arizona CardinalsOct 31, 2004; Orchard Park, NY, USA: FILE PHOTO; Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith (22) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Network Ask any NFL fan born in the 21st century if they know who Emmitt Smith played his final two seasons with? Can’t blame the ones if they go with the Dallas Cowboys. We’d guess less than 10 percent would correctly guess the Cardinals. The NFL’s all-time rushing yards and rushing touchdowns leader was the backbone of the Cowboys’ ‘90s dynasty that won three Super Bowls over a four-year period between 1992 and 1995. The four-time rushing champion played his first 13 NFL seasons on America’s Team from 1990 to 2002. In his final season with the Cowboys, Smith rushed for 975 yards and five touchdowns — falling short of the 1K mark for the first time since his rookie year. Knowing Smith’s best days were behind him, the Cowboys made the difficult decision to release him in 2003. Smith wasn’t on the open market for long, as the Cardinals unexpectedly scooped him up on a two-year deal. Smith’s first year with the Cardinals was hampered by injuries. But in his swan song 2004 campaign, the NFL’s rushing kind showed some of that old juice again with 937 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. It’s been more than two decades since Smith played his final NFL snap. And to this day, seeing him in a Cardinals jersey still just doesn’t seem right. Johnny Unitas: San Diego Chargers Long before the likes of Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers arrived, Unitas held the title as the greatest quarterback in NFL history.  After a failed tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955, Unitas joined the Baltimore Colts in 1956. The following year, Unitas earned his first of 10 Pro Bowl selections after leading the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns. “The Golden Arm” became the NFL’s best quarterback from there. He won three MVP awards and led the Colts to NFL championships in 1958, 1959, and 1968. Unitas also led the Colts to their first Lombardi Trophy, defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. But in that game, Unitas was knocked out with a rib injury and replaced by Earl Morrall. That put the wheels in motion for Morrall to take over as the starter in the ensuing 1971 season. Unitas was demoted to backup over his final two years in Baltimore. In 1973, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers. Unitas in a Bolts uniform looked bizarre and wrong from the beginning. He went from the face of one of the NFL’s golden franchises to an irrelevant Chargers team. To make matters worse, he was clearly a shell of his former self in 1973, completing 44.7 percent of pass attempts for three touchdowns and seven interceptions. Eventually, the struggling Chargers handed the starting duties to a future Hall of Famer named Dan Fouts. And the rest, as they say, is history. Ed Reed: New York JetsNov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Jets safety Ed Reed (22) looks at the scoreboard during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports Arguably the greatest safety in NFL history, Reed finally reached the mountaintop when his Ravens defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl 47. After winning it all, the Ravens decided to begin a drastic roster overhaul.  Franchise GOAT Ray Lewis retired. Anquan Boldin was traded to San Fran. Reed wasn’t retained in free agency, and he wound up signing with the Houston Texans for $15 million over three years. After seven games, Reed was waived by the tanking Texans. Rex Ryan’s Jets claimed Reed off waivers, launching one of the most random pairings in NFL history. Reed finished strong, recording three interceptions and four pass breakups in seven games with the Jets. He retired after the season. Still, images of Reed in a Jets jersey will always be ultra-weird to us. Like, Pete-Davidson-dating-Kim-Kardashian-weird. Terrell Owens: Buffalo BillsDec 27, 2009; Atlanta, GA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports T.O. played for five NFL teams in his Hall of Fame career. Everyone knows about his storied eight-year tenure with the 49ers.  And his rocky two-year tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. And for better or worse, nobody forgot about those three years Owens spent with Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. That’s his quarterback! And because his one-year stop with Chad Johnson’s Cincinnati Bengals was such a hysterical flop…it’s hard to forget the photos of T.O. in the black and orange.  But the Buffalo Bills? He played there in 2009? Arguably, the best wide receiver of the 2000s really played for one of the NFL’s most dysfunctional franchises. Who was their coach? Who was the quarterback? Can anyone even name another player on those ‘09 Bills? Yeah, it’s true. In his penultimate season, Owens caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns. Not bad for a 36-year-old who was stuck on such a bad Buffalo team! But not as bad as his decision off the field in 2021. Adrian Peterson: Detroit LionsJan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson (28) reacts before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports In a way, it’s hard to believe that an all-time great running back like Peterson played for seven NFL teams. I mean, the aforementioned Emmitt Smith only played for two teams.  Barry Sanders was a career Lion. Walter Payton only wore a Chicago Bears uniform. Jim Brown only played for the Cleveland Browns. You get the idea by now. Peterson spent his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, of course. And fans, unfortunately, remember his first post-Vikings season in 2017, which was split with the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints. And we remember his two bounce-back campaigns in Washington…and AP splitting his final season with the Seahawks and Titans in 2021. But this dude played for the Lions in 2020? On what planet? Our planet? Oh, okay. AP signed a one-year deal with the Lions ahead of the 2020 season. Even though they were a mess that year, a 35-year-old Peterson still rushed for 604 yards and seven touchdowns. However, off-field issues have plagued him since then. Darrelle Revis: Kansas City ChiefsDec 10, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) defends Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnny Holton (16) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Revis spent eight of his 11 seasons with the Jets, where he carved out a Hall of Fame career. Between his two Jets tenures were one-year stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — cough, forgettable — and the New England Patriots. Jackpot! Revis won his only Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in the 2014 season. After winning it all, Revis returned to the Jets on a multi-year deal in 2015 free agency. Revis’ second stint with the Jets only lasted two years, however. He was released after a dismal 2016 season that saw him get lit up in coverage time and time again. The seven-time Pro Bowler went unsigned through the offseason before the desperate Chiefs signed him to a two-year deal midway through the 2017 campaign. Revis played just five games with KC and was clearly well past his best-before date. He was released after the Chiefs’ Wild Card Round loss to the Titans and retired soon after. Randy Moss: Tennessee TitansNov 28, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Randy Moss (84) against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Titans 20-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Minnesota Vikings fans fondly remember Moss and his first seven seasons with the club. His second go with the Vikings in 2010? Don’t worry about it. Everyone knows about his somewhat short but sweet three seasons and a bit with the New England Patriots. And who can’t forget Moss and his two years with the Oakland Raiders? It wasn’t great by any means, but certainly hard to forget. And you 49ers fans obviously recall his one-year stint on the West Coast — one that nearly led to a Super Bowl 47 triumph. Of course, John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens had other ideas. But Moss is briefly playing for the Tennessee Titans of all NFL teams? That’s as random as it gets. And yes, it actually did happen. The Patriots traded Moss back to Minnesota early in the 2010 season. After a disappointing stint there, he was waived and picked up by the Titans. He caught six passes for 80 yards and no touchdowns. Ho hum. Not that he was lights-out when he returned to play for the 49ers in 2012. But at least Moss made the odd big play and went to a Super Bowl! Deion Sanders: Baltimore RavensSep 12, 2004; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens #37 Deion Sanders on the field in the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium.Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens 20-3.Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE (©) Copyright 2004 by Matthew Emmons Sanders is one of the rare legendary athletes who is synonymous with not one, not two, but three (!) NFL teams. Kind of like LeBron James… King James is synonymous with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers. “Prime Time” is best remembered for his storied tenures with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. Sanders spent his first five seasons in Atlanta. Then he joined the 49ers in 1994 free agency, won his first Super Bowl, and then signed with the Cowboys in 1995. Sanders won his second ring that year and would stay with America’s Team through the 1999 season. Now, some of you might remember that Sanders spent one season with Washington in 2000. But after completing just one season of the seven-year, $56 million deal he signed in free agency, Prime Time retired. And so was the end of a storied career. Or not. After three years away from football, Sanders un-retired to join the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. As great as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were in those Ravens uniforms? Man, did Sanders look more out of place than Adam Banks when he was briefly on the Varsity Team in “D3: The Mighty Ducks.” Sanders had two underwhelming campaigns in Baltimore before retiring permanently after the 2005 season. He’s now coaching Colorado and making headlines again. Joe Namath: Los Angeles RamsSep 18, 1977; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Joe Namath (12) against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Rams 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Some Hall of Fame quarterbacks just never knew when it was time to retire. We already talked about Johnny Unitas. And y’all remember the Brett Favre on-again/off-again retirement-unretirement-retirement circus. But among these three, nobody failed to read the writing on the wall worse than Joe Namath. It doesn’t take away his remarkable contributions to the New York Jets’ franchise. But man, the story would have been a lot nicer if he spent his entire career in a Jets uniform. The No. 1 pick of the 1965 AFL Draft completely changed the dynamic of the Jets franchise, leading them to a Super Bowl 3 victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. That one game alone cemented Broadway Joe’s status as a New York icon. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent production derailed Namath’s last two seasons with the Jets. He was waived in 1977 and was picked up by the Los Angeles Rams Namath had next to nothing left in that arm, though. He completed less than 50 percent of pass attempts and had three touchdowns against five interceptions. The Rams saw enough and benched him for Pat Haden, who rallied them to the postseason. Namath finally retired after the 1977 season, but not before the one forgettable and totally random stint with LA.

Read more10 NFL Players You Forgot Played for These Teams

5 NFL Teams That Won the 2026 Offseason — And 5 That Made Huge Mistakes… Do You Agree?

There’s still plenty of time between now and Week 1 for NFL teams to further bolster their rosters through the draft, trade, and free agency this offseason. But if the regular season started today? Let’s just say certain teams and players would be a lot more prepared and excited than others. With that, let’s dive into five early winners of the 2026 NFL offseason and the five biggest losers. Which NFL teams had a great and not-so-great offseason? Winner: Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) It feels weird putting the Cowboys under “winner”, since Jerry Jones usually loves self-sabotage in the NFL offseason. But credit where it’s due — the man has aced his offseason performance thus far. His first big move was re-signing star running back Javonte Williams to a team-friendly three-year deal worth $24 million. And though a long-term extension with George Pickens is still the desired outcome, keeping him under club control via the non-exclusive franchise tag will work for now. Dallas simply couldn’t lose him, no matter what. With the Green Bay Packers looking to clear cap space, they unloaded star edge rusher Rashan Gary to the Cowboys. It only cost Jerry a fourth-round pick. That’s a heckuva price for a player who’s logged at least 7.5 sacks in four of the last five seasons. Now, Dallas’ new-look defensive line features Gary, Quinnen, and Williams. That’s a nice way to start rebuilding your pass rush in the post-Micah Parsons era. Finally, Jones bolstered Dallas’ lousy defense by signing former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson and ex-Los Angeles Rams corner Cobie Durant.  Durant was an underrated part of the Rams’ secondary last season, recording three picks and seven pass breakups. Over four seasons, he’s only allowed a 55.1 completion percentage and 74.3 passer rating when targeted.  Dallas kept its explosive offense intact, and Jones added three difference-makers to fix a putrid defense. All of this before the NFL Draft. Yep, the Cowboys are mega winners, ladies and gentlemen. Loser: Maxx CrosbyMaxx Crosby. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images After the Las Vegas Raiders slipped to the bottom of the standings and wasted another year of Maxx Crosby’s prime, it looked like the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end was ready for a fresh start. Before the new league year officially commenced, the Raiders and Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on a blockbuster trade. The Raiders would send Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks. All Crosby had to do was pass a physical, and the deal would be done. But in a stunning turn of events, the Ravens decided to nix the trade after Crosby failed his physical. While one might deem Baltimore a loser here, they at least found a safe plan B by signing former Cincinnati Bengals star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Crosby is the real loser here. His trade value has diminished. Now he awkwardly returns to a rebuilding team that nicely admitted they’d be happy to move on from him. And did we mention that the Raiders are a bottom-feeder club and will only continue wasting his prime years? You somewhat feel for Crosby. Then again, it was his choice to sign that long-term extension in 2025. Winner: Wide ReceiversIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) leaves the field Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, after losing a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. You don’t even have to be a superstar wide receiver in today’s NFL to get paid handsomely. So, football parents out there, raise your kids to be wide receivers. Mkay? After a career year that saw him catch 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, Alec Pierce got paid elite receiver-level NFL money from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. He was given a four-year extension worth $114 million, which is remarkably generous for a player with a single 1K season on his resume. Wan’Dale Robinson also notched his first 1K season for the New York Giants last year. The Tennessee Titans also overpaid him generously, giving the speedster a four-year deal worth $70 million. That includes $38 million in guarantees. Romeo Doubs has never hit 800 yards in a season. He got four years and $68 million from the New England Patriots. $39 mil is guaranteed. Even the three-year, $51 million extension Rashid Shaheed got from the Seattle Seahawks was rather lavish. But hey, good things come to those who play a big role in a Super Bowl championship-winning season. Despite turning 33 and coming off an injury-riddled season, Mike Evans got a three-year, $42.4 million deal from the San Francisco 49ers. Even Jalen Nailor, he of 1,066 career receiving yards in four seasons, got $35 million over three years from the Las Vegas Raiders. Like we said: Raise your kids to be wide receivers. Loser: Green Bay PackersDec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits ready before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Despite playing in football’s toughest division, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t at all seem motivated to bolster a roster that was exposed big time after Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury.  You’d think the humiliating meltdown and loss to the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Round would motivate Gutekunst to be ultra-aggressive, too. But nope. They lost 40 percent of their starting o-line with Elgton Jenkins getting cut and Rasheed Walker leaving in free agency. Their No. 2 receiver, Romeo Doubs, left for the Patriots. Veteran cornerback Nate Hobbs was cut in a cap-saving move, with no replacement to be seen yet. Their once-potent front seven lost Quay Walker and Rashan Gary, who have since moved to the Raiders and Cowboys, respectively. The Packers’ biggest move in free agency was signing past-his-prime defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year deal. No, he doesn’t make up for all the talent Green Bay lost. Meanwhile, all of their division rivals made big-time moves to bolster their Super Bowl chances. Does anyone know if Gutekunst has just been napping through the offseason? If so, someone better wake him up. Winner: Baltimore RavensJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Say what you want about how the Ravens went about nixing the Maxx Crosby trade. But if you can save two first-round picks and land the best pass-rusher available in free agency, you do that every day of the week. Signing one of the league’s premier defensive players in Trey Hendrickson — a four-year deal worth $112 million — is a win to begin with. It’s a double-whammy since they signed him away from the bitter AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Losing star center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders in free agency hurts, yes. But they were never going to overpay him. And the Ravens always excel at replacing departed veterans through the draft. The Bengals lost their best defensive player and don’t have a replacement lined up. The Cleveland Browns downgraded at o-line and didn’t add any QB competition for Shedeur Sanders. The Steelers signed Jamel Dean and Rico Dowdle and traded for Michael Pittman Jr., yes. But their best QB plan is bringing back a washed-up Aaron Rodgers. I don’t think the Ravens are scared of their arch rivals right now. While the Ravens bolstered their roster this NFL offseason, the Bengals and Browns mostly stood pat. The Steelers have a ton of question marks until Rodgers makes his decision. At this time, the AFC North path is wide-open with few obstacles for Baltimore. Loser: Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, one would have expected the Bucs to quickly get aggressive in free agency. Or not. The first big blow was franchise legend Mike Evans stunningly leaving to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Lavonte David, the backbone of the Bucs’ defense and locker room since 2012, retired. Top cornerback Jamel Dean left for Pittsburgh in free agency. GM Jason Licht’s biggest move was signing Kenneth Gainwell, who’s more of a luxury as the No. 2 RB behind Bucky Irving. After owning the NFC South for five years, there’s a real shot of the Bucs finishing fourth in the division next season. Winner: Carolina PanthersDec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet rests on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Panthers exceeded expectations big time in 2025, claiming the NFC South division crown, albeit with an 8-9 record. But it was nonetheless impressive that they were that close to beating a much better Los Angeles Rams team in the Wild Card Round. GM Dan Morgan wasted no time looking to upgrade an up-and-coming roster. His first big move was signing veteran defensive end Jaelan Phillips to a four-year contract worth $120 million. Make no mistake, it’s a big overpay. But Carolina had the cash to spend. And when healthy, Phillips is capable of pushing for double-digit sacks. He immediately slots in as the Panthers’ new No. 1 pass-rusher. Morgan didn’t stop there. Coming off a career year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd signed a bargain three-year deal worth $42 million. Now the Panthers’ front seven has two game-wrecking studs to help veteran defensive tackle, Derrick Brown. Speaking of bargain deals, the Panthers bolstered their o-line by snagging former Green Bay offensive tackle Rasheed Walker on a one-year deal for just $4 million. Some tidy work by the reigning NFC South champions, who have taken major steps forward to go from the best in a worst division to being ready to compete with the conference’s big boys. Loser: The AFC South If not for a season-ending injury to Daniel Jones laste in the year, the AFC South might have sent three teams to the playoffs. Still, considering how terrible this division has been for the better part of the last decade, sending the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans to the playoffs was no joke. But man, is it hard to be excited about anything that the AFC South clubs have done in the NFL offseason. After winning the AFC South with a 13-4 record, the Jaguars’ biggest move in free agency was…signing backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.! The Jags lost Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd and three-time 1,000-yard rusher Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. How does that make them better again? The Colts overpaid to keep Alec Pierce, then gave away standout receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for pennies. Even the two-year, $88 million extension for Daniel Jones is a head-scratcher. Why not make him play on the franchise tag to prove last year was no fluke? The o-line lost star offensive lineman Braden Smith in free agency. Reliable edge rusher Kwity Paye also bolted. And Indy hasn’t done a whole lot of anything to fill the voids left by Smith, Paye, and Pittman. The Texans signed Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller to bolster their o-line. But they still need two more quality starters there. And CJ Stroud still needs a couple of more pass-catchers to complement Nico Collins. The Titans gave Wan’Dale Robinson top receiver money at $72 million. $103 million combined to two “average” corners in Cordale Flott and Alontae Taylor? Interesting choice. $24 million over three years to a backup tight end in Daniel Bellinger. Huh? If someone knows what the AFC South teams are trying to do here, we’d appreciate it. At this time, all four of them just made a ton of head-scratching moves instead of really improving their rosters for playoff runs. Winner: Los Angeles RamsJan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images If there was one weakness in the 2025 NFC runner-ups, it was the secondary. Truth be told, the pass defense has been a weak link since the Rams traded Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins in 2023. GM Les Snead made not one, but two blockbuster deals to address the matter. His first was acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Rams have up the No. 29 pick, 2026 fifth and sixth-round selections, and a 2027 third-rounder. McDuffie then signed a four-year, $124 million extension. So a team that was a couple of plays away from reaching the Super Bowl just added a top-five cornerback to an already-elite defense. But no, Snead wasn’t done there. In free agency, he signed another Chiefs cornerback, Jaylen Watson, to a three-year contract worth $51 million. Heckuva deal for a corner who’s allowed a passer rating of under 80 in consecutive seasons…and only one touchdown in coverage during that period. So, one of the NFL’s top heavyweights may now boast the league’s best cornerback tandem in 2026. Take a bow, Mr. Snead. Loser: QBs On New TeamsDec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images It’s hard to find a real winner among the notable NFL quarterbacks who changed teams in the offseason. Like, very, very hard. The big fish of the QB free agent class, Malik Willis, signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth $67.5 million. That was before the Dolphins traded away their superstar wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle, to the Denver Broncos.  With Waddle and Tyreek Hill gone, Willis’ top receivers at this time are Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and Tutu Atwell. Good luck with that. Kyler Murray is in a good spot after signing with the Minnesota Vikings. But also, maybe he should have gone somewhere that would promise him the QB1 job? Not sure Minny is ready to give up on JJ McCarthy just yet. Ditto for new Atlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa. You really think he’s gonna beat out Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job? Tua should have signed with a more desperate team like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, or Arizona Cardinals. After a disastrous one-year stint with the Raiders, Geno Smith was traded back to the Jets. Color us skeptical that a 36-year-old QB will revive his career on football’s most dysfunctional organization. Justin Fields might be happy about getting traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. But he might get what? One or two starts if Patrick Mahomes isn’t ready to play? Then it’s back to holding the clipboard. Not exactly the ideal position to revive his career.

Read more5 NFL Teams That Won the 2026 Offseason — And 5 That Made Huge Mistakes… Do You Agree?

The 10 Most Overrated QBs in the NFL Right Now — Ranked

Fair or not, one reality for NFL quarterbacks is that they get all the credit if their team wins… and all the blame if they lose. That’s just a part of playing the most important position in the game. The first part, especially, rings true for many NFL QBs. They are often shielded from blame and get far too much credit that is, most certainly, not justified. With that, let’s dive into the NFL’s 10 most overrated quarterbacks right now. Who are the most overrated QBs in today’s NFL? 10. Kyler MurrayKyler Murray. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images There’s a crowd that prefers to blame the Arizona Cardinals’ mismanagement for Kyler Murray’s underachievement there. We say it works both ways. The Cardinals gave Murray plenty of talent to work with, namely DeAndre Hopkins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Zach Ertz, James Conner, and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown. Many of you thought Kliff Kingsbury was the guy holding Arizona back, but he hardly fared any better with Jonathan Gannon at the helm. Murray has yet to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. He’s exceeded 24 passing touchdowns once. A career record of 38-48-1? 121 touchdowns, 60 interceptions, and a 92.2 passer rating? Yeah, we’ve seen better. Few NFL QBs are more exciting to watch than Murray when he’s on top of his game. The problem? He’s rarely on top of his game. He usually plays well in the first half of the season before the wheels come off in the second half. For those who think he’ll fully unlock his potential with the Minnesota Vikings? We say keep your expectations reasonable… 9. C.J. StroudHouston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) The No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was lights-out in his rookie year. Stroud completed 63.9 percent of pass attempts for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions — leading Houston to a surprise AFC South division crown and trip to the Divisional Round. Stroud’s stats noticeably dipped in 2024, but he did just enough to help the Texans defend their AFC South title. They again advanced to the elite eight, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs despite a tremendous effort. But man, was Stroud difficult to watch in 2025. And when you take a deeper dive, Stroud looks more like a game manager who benefits from an elite defense and coaching staff. I mean, his insane rookie season was three years ago now… Stroud only averaged 217.2 passing yards per game in 2025 and had 19 touchdowns vs. eight interceptions. Then he was pathetic in Houston’s two playoff games, throwing two touchdowns against five picks. He single-handedly wasted a generational 2025 Texans defense that gave him every chance to win. So yeah, it’s time to stop thinking of Stroud as a franchise QB. Robert Griffin III and Sam Bradford also had great rookie years. How did the remainder of their careers go? Let’s stop treating Stroud like a legitimate NFL QB until/unless he gets back to that 2023 form. 8. Brock PurdyAug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images There really isn’t much wrong with Purdy as a quarterback. In his three healthy seasons, he led the San Francisco 49ers to three playoff berths, including two NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl 58. The issue with Purdy is that we’ve seen two other quarterbacks play like him in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The 49ers’ investing $265 million in Purdy over five years shows that they view him as an MVP-caliber QB. And he ain’t. Jimmy Garoppolo, of all guys, helped the 49ers to two NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl 54. And dare we say, backup QB Mac Jones was just as effective as Purdy when he had to start eight games in relief. Yeah, Purdy is solid and all. But Kyle Shanahan has never made a quarterback look bad during his career as an assistant slash head coach. Purdy’s fine, but he’s really nothing special. 7. Jared GoffDetroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. Detroit Lions fans are obviously thankful for the role Goff has played in helping them emerge as an NFC powerhouse. But let’s not act like Goff is the entire reason why. With all due respect to Goff, it says a lot that a top head coach like Sean McVay couldn’t wait to ditch him for Matthew Stafford. Lo and behold, the Los Angeles Rams win a Super Bowl in their first season with No. 9 at the controls. With both the Rams and Lions, Goff has had the fortune of playing for two top-tier head coaches with elite offensive units. I mean, how many other QBs would falter with a supporting cast of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs? Goff also hasn’t been money by any means in the postseason. We remember his choke job in the Rams’ loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53. And his meltdown in the Lions’ shocking 2024 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. Goff puts up good numbers on a star-studded Detroit offense in the regular-season, yes. So could a ton of other NFL QBs. Now, if he could just prove us wrong by showing up in the playoffs for once… 6. Dak PrescottDak Prescott (Photo via Imagn Images) Prescott is a bit of a tough case here. It feels like half of football fans know he’s not elite. But since he’s the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, there’s the other half that thinks he’s elite and, if anything, not rated fairly. No, it’s not Dak Prescott’s fault that Jerry Jones has done such a terrible job as the general manager. We feel for Dak that he had Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy waste the first half of his career. But like…come on. Prescott has been playing on star-studded Cowboys teams his entire career. And Peyton “Freaking” Manning went to a Super Bowl with four different coaches. Sometimes, the QB has to be better at his job than the coach. Dallas, for example, had top-10 scoring offenses and defenses in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Prescott won a single playoff game in that period…against an 8-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in the 2022 Wild Card Round. Whoop-dee-doo. In seven playoff games, Prescott is 2-5 with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three of those losses came against a considerable underdog at home. He’s an elite regular-season stats machine, yes. But Prescott is just like Auston Matthews and Aaron Judge. Excellent production before the postseason. Then he goes away when the lights shine brightest. But because he plays on a big-market team, he’s hyped up like one of the very best in his sport. He’s good, but far from elite. Two playoff wins in 10 years is the proof in the pudding. 5. Jalen Hurts Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images That sound you heard was the screams of angry and baffled Philadelphia Eagles fans. But please, do hear us out… Yes, he’s taken Philly to the playoffs in his first five full seasons as a starter, including two NFC Championships. And yes, a Super Bowl 59 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs. Credit where it’s due. But folks, so many other quarterbacks could win a Super Bowl with a star-studded offensive line, a generational running back like Saquon Barkley, an elite wide receiver tandem of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and…oh yeah…a top-five defense. His passing numbers will never be elite because he’s a dual-threat NFL QB and plays in a rush-first offense led by Barkley. That’s fine. We’re not just saying Hurts is overrated because he plays on a star-studded team.  He’s also overrated because his production can best be described as “Jekyll and Hyde.” While he was excellent in 2022 and 2024, Hurts had frustrating and inconsistent 2023 and 2025 seasons. Both years, it got so bad that fans began questioning his leadership, wondering whether he might be responsible for any locker room drama. The Eagles cratered late in the 2023 season because their defense was terrible, and Hurts couldn’t lift them. The Eagles were a disappointment in 2025 because Hurts couldn’t elevate the passing game when Barkley had a down year. That’s not the sign of an elite QB. We would honestly like to see how Hurts would play outside of Philadelphia. To us, he’s a slightly above-average QB who plays in the perfect system to maximize his talents. 4. Lamar JacksonBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images) It pains us to put the two-time MVP on this list. But Jackson has had more than enough chances to prove he’s rated fairly. Jackson is unquestionably one of the NFL’s all-time great regular-season quarterbacks. A 76-31-0 record with six playoff appearances in eight years is nothing to scoff at. But if Jackson can make it look so easy in the regular-season…why on earth does he crawl into a shell during the postseason? Jackson is 3-5 in his postseason career with only 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and an 84.6 passer rating. His career passer rating of 102.2 in the regular-season, by the way, is tied with Aaron Rodgers for the best ever. But Jackson doesn’t belong in the tier of “elite” quarterbacks until he starts showing up in the postseason. Joe Burrow and Josh Allen don’t have Super Bowl rings, but we’ve seen them both put up plenty of gutsy performances in the playoffs. The same cannot be said about Jackson. Until/unless he translates that regular-season success to the NFL playoffs, Jackson belongs in the “overrated” QB category. 3. Trevor LawrenceJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. We know, we know. T-Law led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 13-win season and surprise AFC South division crown last year. Good on him. But folks, we’re now five years into Trevor Lawrence’s career. For those of you who just started watching football within the last two years? He was hyped as a generational QB prospect when the Jags selected him first-overall in 2021. Remember how little time it took for other “can’t-miss” QB prospects like Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Joe Burrow to break out? We still haven’t seen a true MVP-caliber version of Lawrence. As fun as the Jags were in 2025? I mean, Lawrence was only 20th in passer rating. Guys like Tyler Shough, Mac Jones, Jacoby Brissett, and Jaxson Dart had a better rating, for crying out loud. Lawrence has yet to reach the 4,200-yard passing mark or 30-TD mark. And that’s despite being surrounded by stud playmakers like Travis Etienne Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., and Calvin Ridley over the years. And since his rookie year, only Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have thrown more interceptions than Lawrence. Generational? No sir. More like just “above average” if you ask us. 2. Jordan LoveSep 11, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks on in the third quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Yeah, it’s time to have a conversation about Jordan Love. The 2020 first-round pick had a remarkable first season as the Green Bay Packers’ full-time starter in 2023 after taking the reins from Aaron Rodgers. Love led the Packers to the postseason after throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His Packers crushed the Cowboys in the Wild Card Round, then barely fell to the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. That was in 2023. This was supposed to be a team trending up. But Love hasn’t returned to that MVP-like quarterback we saw in 2023. He averaged roughly 20 fewer passing yards per game in 2024 and 2025. And when he missed some time due to injuries? The offense functioned just fine under backup Malik Willis, perhaps indicating that Love may or may not be a system NFL QB. Oh, and the Packers went one-and-done in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. Love had three interceptions in their 2024 playoff loss to the Eagles. Then he no-showed the second half in their humiliating collapse against the Chicago Bears. Surrounded by an elite supporting cast, there’s no excuse for Love to have a single playoff win in three years. We’re still waiting for his signature moment as a Packer. And beating up on non-playoff teams isn’t what made Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, or Bart Starr legendary. If the Packers don’t go on a deep playoff run in 2026, it’ll be time to have a conversation about whether Love is really the guy. 1. Justin HerbertDec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs off field after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Chargers’ signal-caller put up all-world numbers over his first three NFL campaigns. He set numerous passing records, including the most yards through a QB’s first three seasons and most consecutive 4K passing seasons to begin a career. At first, the narrative was that he didn’t have a proper coaching staff or the right supporting cast. Okay, well, the Los Angeles Chargers corrected that by hiring Jim Harbaugh in 2024. He coached the league’s No. 1 scoring defense that year and the ninth-best unit in 2025. And yet, Herbert has not been able to take the Chargers to that next level. His first playoff loss? The Bolts blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars in the 2022 Wild Card Round. Then he threw four interceptions in their 2024 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. In LA’s 2025 playoff loss to the New England Patriots? 159 passing yards on 31 attempts. Zero touchdowns. Yippee… So you have a guy who put up all-world numbers at the beginning because he had to throw the ball a lot. Now you have a guy who can’t win a big game despite a top-tier head coach and an elite defense. What more does Herbert once? It’s time to stop treating Herbert like we’re in the early 2020s. He’s not young anymore. At what point do we wonder if he’s really the QB who can take LA all the way?

Read moreThe 10 Most Overrated QBs in the NFL Right Now — Ranked

5 Young NFL Stars Who Are Locks for the Hall of Fame — And 5 Who Will Bust

Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Jefferson are just a handful of young NFL stars who showed that you oughta believe the hype when they produce early.  Then again, former so-called “future stars” like Robert Griffin and Sam Bradford serve as cautionary tales that a hot start doesn’t mean long-term success in the pros. With that, let’s dive into five young NFL stars who will become Hall of Famers, and five hype machines that will fizzle out soon. Which young NFL stars will be Hall of Famers and which ones will not? Become A Hall Of Famer: Drake MayeDrake Maye (Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images) We know that the loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 was tough for New England Patriots fans to watch. Now, try imagining how painful it was for Maye. Maye stood no chance behind that vaunted Seattle defense, taking six sacks and turning the ball over three times. But you wanna know something funny? John Elway lost his first three Super Bowls before winning two of his own. The Patriots had zero expectations in 2025. Maye finished second in MVP voting behind Matthew Stafford after throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. His Pats were one win away from a seventh Lombardi Trophy. Don’t you think for a minute that this was peak Drake Maye? Folks, it was only the beginning. Maye and Mike Vrabel are just starting their operation together. And the Patriots’ offensive line can only get better after being ripped apart in the postseason. And yeah, the weaponry around Maye will get better. Stefon Diggs isn’t gonna be his only Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. It’s more than talent and stats. It’s poise, calmness, and swagger. Maye showed he had it all in year one. We would not be shocked if he won multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards. So, Canton members, feel free to get an early head start on that Hall of Fame bust. Fizzle Out: Jayden DanielsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) Daniels had arguably the greatest rookie quarterback season ever in 2024.  The former No. 2 pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner completed 69 percent of pass attempts for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions to go along with 891 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Daniels led Washington to a 12-5 finish, their best record since 1991. He led them to a thrilling Wild Card Round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington’s first playoff win in 19 years. Continuing the magic, the Daniels’ Commanders shocked the 15-win and top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. The magical run ended with a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, but it nonetheless appeared to be the start of something special in DC. Unfortunately, Daniels’s sophomore season was a nightmare in every aspect. He was limited to three games because of hamstring and knee sprains as well as a dislocated elbow. And don’t mind us for already fearing that Daniels could be the next Robert Griffin III in Washington. Like RG3, Washington showed zero concern or regard for Daniels’ well-being last season. And in hindsight, we should have realized that 2024 was a fluky year, where Washington broke the analytics with their unsustainable success on fourth-down plays. Also, the Commanders’ roster is lousy outside of Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Their three NFC East rivals all have much deeper rosters and more cornerstone pieces. So, don’t mind us thinking that 2024 was peak Jayden Daniels. Not like Washington’s got a rich history of developing star NFL QBs these days, too. Become A Hall Of Famer: Will Anderson Jr.Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) reacts after a play during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Houston Texans got bold at the 2023 NFL Draft. After using the No. 2 pick on Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, they traded up via the Arizona Cardinals to select Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall. While Stroud has been a model of…inconsistency…Anderson Jr. already looks like someone who’ll take JJ Watt’s status as the Texans’ franchise GOAT. No, it’s not too early to say that after three seasons. Anderson has been a game-wrecking menace, with 30 sacks, six pass breakups, and four forced fumbles over his first three seasons. Houston also reached the Divisional Round in each of Anderson’s first three seasons. No small feat for a franchise that only had four playoff wins over its first 18 years of existence. Credit head coach DeMeco Ryans for helping unlock Anderson’s potential. The 2025 Texans’ defense was one of the best ever, and Stroud’s lousy postseason performance doesn’t take that away. We’re still waiting to see what the deal is with Stroud. But Anderson, at this rate, looks like a lock for Canton. Fizzle Out: Jordan AddisonMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Matt Krohn-Imagn Images) Addison looked like a budding NFL star after a phenomenal 2023 rookie season. Even though the Minnesota Vikings had to use four different starting quarterbacks that year, Addison still finished with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. If Addison could post those numbers with guys like Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens throwing to him…just what could he do with a capable starting quarterback?  Not much, apparently. Before the start of the 2024 season, Addison was arrested in Los Angeles for suspicion of driving under the influence. It was only the start of his off-the-field issues. He missed two games in 2024, but the 63-875-9 stat line was still a disappointment, considering how excellent Sam Darnold was behind center for the Vikings in 2024. Addison struggled through a forgettable 2025 season, catching 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns. He was also credited with six drops.  A week after the Vikings’ 2025 campaign ended, Addison was again arrested for misdemeanor trespassing in Tampa. Another terrible look for a receiver whose production has declined in consecutive seasons. So, we’re just left thinking maybe Addison isn’t the star that looked to be in development in 2023. The production isn’t there. The off-field issues for a player this young are awfully concerning, too. Maybe Addison as an NFL superstar just wasn’t meant to be… Become A Hall Of Famer: Caleb WilliamsJan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Chicago Bears have been a quarterback graveyard for decades. But it looks like the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft will buck the trend as he’s a bona fide star. Williams had a superb rookie season despite coaching malpractice — hi Matt Eberflus! — and taking a league-high 68 sacks. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Of course, the party really started after the Bears hired Ben Johnson. He helped Williams take his game to another level in 2025, throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven picks. Williams had six fourth-quarter comebacks in the regular season. To say nothing of that epic comeback win over the archrival Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round — and the NEAR-MIRACLE comeback in an overtime loss to the Rams in the Divisional Round. Williams has displayed all-world quarterback play since coming to Windy City. He was this-close to getting them to the NFC title game in his sophomore year. And his partnership with Johnson is just getting started. You see the jaw-dropping quarterback play, clutch genesis, and ridiculous poise. Yeah, the Bears are gonna send a QB to the Hall of Fame in the 21st century, folks! Ya better believe it. Fizzle Out: Kayvon ThibodeauxJun 17, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images It’s easy to forget now, but Thibodeaux was once considered an early front-runner to go first overall in a relatively weak 2022 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars would use the top pick on Travon Walker, with Thibodeaux eventually going fifth overall to the New York Giants. Thibodeaux showed some flashes in his rookie year, but he looked like a future superstar with an excellent 2023 season. Thibodeaux finished with 11.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. But it’s been downhill for the Oregon product ever since. Injuries limited him to 22 games over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He was hardly noticeable with eight sacks in those games. And his Pro Football Focus metrics haven’t been pretty. Thibodeaux has had four years now to put it together. Instead, he looks like a rotational player at best. Become A Hall Of Famer: Kyle HamiltonNov 7, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) reacts after tips a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) pass during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Hamilton was considered a top-five prospect entering the 2022 NFL Draft. But fortunately for the Baltimore Ravens, other teams didn’t value the safety position that early. So, the Notre Dame product fell right into their laps at No. 14 overall. The fit has been perfect, as everyone expected. Hamilton has made a strong case as arguably the best defensive back in the NFL and certainly the best star safety by a country mile. Hamilton has been lights out in coverage, pass rushing, and run defense. Through four seasons, the three-time Pro Bowler had five interceptions, 36 pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and eight sacks with only a 76.8 passer rating allowed when targeted. All of this accomplished before his 25th birthday? Yeah, this kid is definitely in the Hall of Fame. But can he follow the footsteps of Ravens legend and Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed and eventually claim a Super Bowl championship ring? Fizzle Out: C.J. StroudHouston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) The year before Jayden Daniels went off, Stroud put together his own season that many viewed as the best rookie QB campaign in NFL history. Despite missing two starts, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks for a passer rating of 100.8. Stroud led Houston to the AFC South division crown and a wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns before bowing out to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Despite playing all 17 games in 2024, however, Stroud actually finished with fewer passing yards and touchdowns at 3,727 and 20, respectively. His passer rating fell to 87.0. Then in 2025? Stroud missed three games, had 19 touchdowns and eight picks. Then he wasted the Texans’ generational defense by self-destructing in their Divisional Round loss with four interceptions in a 28-16 loss to the Patriots. Houston’s got a stupendous defense and a good set of receivers. Stroud, however, has regressed more and more since his lights-out rookie year. And given his disappointing playoff performances up to this point, it’s safe to question if Stroud will ever become “the guy” in Houston. Or anywhere else… Become A Hall Of Famer: Puka NacuaJan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images What more can be said about Nacua that hasn’t already been said? He’s thriving off the field, too. The Los Angeles Rams struck gold when they drafted Nacua in the fifth round — 177th overall — in 2023. See? There’s a reason why GM Les Snead gets away with trading first-round picks as they grow on trees… In 2023, Nacua set the rookie records for receptions with 105 and receiving yards with 1,486. Despite missing six games in his sophomore year, Nacua racked up 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns. Nacua was instrumental in Matthew Stafford claiming his first NFL MVP award in 2025. Nacua recorded a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn the first of many First-team All-Pro selections. Through three seasons, Nacua has 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. In the postseason, he has 44 catches for 654 yards and three touchdowns. This is Justin Jefferson and Randy Moss-like production for a receiver before his 25th birthday, folks. NFL star, no doubt. Nacua is also in a good spot to keep on producing with Sean McVay running the offense. Honestly, three more seasons like this could be enough to get him in the Hall of Fame. Now, if Nacua could just get that Super Bowl ring while he has Stafford throwing to him… Fizzle Out: Rashee RiceKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Rice’s rookie season couldn’t have gone a whole lot better. The No. 55 pick of 2023 emerged as the Kansas City Chiefs’ top wide receiver, catching 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. Rice played a vital role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 run, catching 26 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime to repeat as Super Bowl champions, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Less than two months after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 triumph, Rice was involved in a Dallas hit-and-run while racing his friend on a highway. He later pleaded guilty to a pair of felony charges and was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Rice was also suspended for six games in 2025. In Week 4 of the 2024 season, Rice suffered a gruesome knee injury that required surgery. That sidelines him for the rest of the year. He performed well in the eight games he suited up for in 2025. But that might be the last we see of Prime Rashee Rice. After the season, Rice’s ex-girlfriend accused him of viciously assaulting her during their relationship. She even posted photos showing the gruesome injuries as well as damage in her home, allegedly inflicted by Rice. After the Super Bowl, the ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit against Rice. Rice clearly can’t be relied upon to have a clean act and focus on football. The Chiefs have faced plenty of criticism in the past for employing players with baggage like Tyreek Hill, Frank Clark, and Kareem Hunt. Can they really go through this again with Rice? It just feels like Rice’s problematic off-the-field behavior is bound to destroy what should have been a blossoming tenure in Kansas City. And sadly, the young star wouldn’t be the first player to throw away his NFL career with significant legal matters.

Read more5 Young NFL Stars Who Are Locks for the Hall of Fame — And 5 Who Will Bust