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This upcoming season for the Philadelphia Eagles could be huge when looking at the future of the organization, and all eyes are looking at Jalen Hurts. The quarterback has shown the ability over the past few years to lead his team to some of the biggest games of his career, but he’s also had times […] The post Eagles rumors: How rival execs feel about Jalen Hurts, potential trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.
For decades, NFL Thanksgiving meant two things: the Lions hosted somebody in the early afternoon, the Cowboys hosted somebody around dusk, and if you were still upright by the time the night game kicked off, that was a bonus. It was reliable in the way that family recipes are reliable — not because anyone sat…
Netflix's Quarterback Season 3 is set to premiere on July 14.
The 2026 NFL Schedule Release is on Thursday. However, the league has leaked a ton of primetime games, including Thanksgiving Eve, Week 1 of Monday Night, Sunday Night, and Thursday Night Football in Week 2. All of the international games have been leaked as well. So, it is now time for the Thanksgiving Day games. […] The post Lions, Bears land NFL Thanksgiving Day showdown at Ford Field appeared first on ClutchPoints.
A former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman was killed inside a homeless encampment earlier this year in a gruesome and horrific manner, officials revealed this week.
The Green Bay Packers are currently counting down the hours until their 2026 schedule is released, with some of the games already having been leaked by the media. While they have made some strides to replace him, the team is still missing the production of prime Jaire Alexander in the secondary, having released him prior […] The post How iPad incident revealed to Jaire Alexander that Packers were done with him appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The NFL revealed its 2026 international schedule on Wednesday, a day ahead of the full schedule release on Thursday. Nine games are on the slate this season across seven countries, the most in league history and the contractual maximum under a 2023 resolution that allows the league to play up to eight overseas games in…
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports One season. That’s all it took. One season of highlight-reel catches, jaw-dropping numbers, and Pro Bowl hype — and then… nothing. Gone. Like they never existed, not like the greats for each NFL team. Today, we’re counting down ten NFL wide receivers who had the entire football world convinced they were about to become superstars — and then completely fell off the map. If you’ve ever drafted one of these guys in fantasy football the year after their breakout, you already know the pain. This one’s for you. Stay until the end — because number one might genuinely surprise you. And look, we want to be clear about what we mean here. We are not talking about wide receivers who were never any good. We’re not dunking on career backups or practice squad guys who got a cup of coffee. We’re talking about players who had one legitimate, statistically dominant, make-you-a-believer season — a season where scouts were nodding, fantasy managers were celebrating, and front offices were drawing up massive contracts. And then the very next year, sometimes the year after that, they just… vanished. The league adjusted, production cratered, and those big seasons became outliers rather than launching pads. It happens more than you’d think. And every single time, it’s a story worth telling. Let’s count it down. Which wide receivers had one good season, then fell off the map? 10. TRAVIS TAYLOR The Baltimore Ravens selected this wide receiver out of Florida with the 10th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. First round. Top ten. The expectations were enormous from day one. Taylor showed flashes in his first few seasons but never quite put it all together — until 2003, when he finally delivered what Ravens fans had been patiently waiting for: 70 receptions, 942 yards, and 6 touchdowns. For one season, he looked like the player Baltimore had always believed they were drafting. But that was the peak. Taylor never topped 400 receiving yards in any season that followed. The big games stopped coming, the targets dried up, and he was eventually released. He bounced around the league before calling it a career. The cruel irony? His best season came in year four. Some guys just take time to develop — and then run out of time right after they do. 9. DEVERY HENDERSONNovember 28, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Speed kills — until it doesn’t. Henderson was a burner out of LSU who spent most of his early career as a role player and return specialist with the New Orleans Saints. He was always dangerous in the open field, but in 2008, something clicked. Drew Brees found him 40 times for 793 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defenses were genuinely terrified of him leaking behind the secondary. For one season, he was a legitimate deep threat in one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The following year, he dropped back down to 35 catches for 453 yards. By 2010, he was a part-time contributor, and by 2012, his career was effectively over. Here’s the thing about pure speed receivers — once defensive coordinators game-plan for you, once the film is out and corners know your tendencies, and once your legs lose even half a step, there is nowhere to hide. Henderson’s entire game was predicated on getting behind people. The moment the league figured out how to keep him in front of them, the magic disappeared. 8. IKE HILLIARDJan 6, 2002; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants receiver Ike Hilliard (88) in action against the Green Bay Packers at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK Playing alongside Amani Toomer with the New York Giants, Hilliard had a legitimate breakout campaign in 1999 — 72 catches, 996 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He was four yards shy of a 1,000-yard season and had established himself as a genuine playmaker on a team going places. Giants fans penciled him into the lineup for the next decade. He was young, productive, and looked completely comfortable as a starting wide receiver. Then the injuries came. And they didn’t stop. Hilliard battled through a string of physical setbacks that robbed him of his explosiveness and his availability. He never cracked 500 receiving yards in a single season after 1999. Think about that — one near-thousand-yard year, and then nothing close to it ever again. He eventually finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a long way from the player the Giants thought they had. His story is less about the league adjusting and more about the randomness of injury — how one wrong landing, one awkward tackle, can permanently alter the trajectory of a career that had every reason to thrive. 7. JERRY PORTERNov 18, 2007; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Jerry Porter (84) reacts after catching a 28-yard pass in the fourth quarter of 29-22 loss to Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports The Oakland Raiders wide receiver had what genuinely looked like a superstar breakout in the 2005 season — 74 catches, 942 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He was a big, physical receiver who won contested catches and generated yards after contact. He looked like the kind of player you build an offense around for the next decade. Raiders fans were excited. The league was on notice. Then came front office drama. Feuds with the coaching staff. A suspension. A total implosion that had nothing to do with his talent and everything to do with the chaos around him — and some of the chaos within him. Porter played only scattered games of note in the following seasons and never came anywhere close to replicating that 2005 output. He signed with Jacksonville, tried to revive things, and eventually faded out. His case is a reminder that football is a team sport in every sense — and when the organization around you is dysfunctional, even legitimate talent can get swallowed up. 6. DONTE' STALLWORTHJul 30, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth (14) runs onto the field prior to a morning walkthrough as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports In 2007, with the New England Patriots — yes, that Patriots offense, the one that nearly went 19-0 with Tom Brady breaking every record in sight — Stallworth hauled in 46 catches for 697 yards and an almost absurd 11 touchdowns. The touchdown total alone would make any receiver look elite. With Randy Moss commanding every safety and corner in the building, Stallworth was picking apart single coverage all season long. He was a genuine weapon and earned every penny of his reputation that year. The following offseason, the Cleveland Browns handed him a massive free agent contract worth over $35 million. The result? Three catches. In the entire 2008 season with Cleveland, Donte’ Stallworth caught three passes for 46 yards and played only eight games. It was one of the most jarring single-season collapses you will ever find in a wide receiver. The lesson here is hard but important: context is everything. System matters. Quarterback matters. When you go from Tom Brady and the greatest offense of a generation to a struggling Cleveland Browns squad, the numbers will not follow you. Stallworth’s talent was real. The situation in New England was just unrepeatable. 5. DAVID GIVENSFeb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver #87 David Givens runs after making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles defense during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots won the game 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports Another Patriots wide receiver on this list — and honestly, that’s not a coincidence. The New England system was incredible at making receivers look better than they were. Givens was a legitimate contributor during the dynasty years, but his true breakout came in 2004 — 56 catches, 874 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He was reliable, smart, ran clean routes, and had genuine chemistry with Brady. The Tennessee Titans looked at that production and rewarded him with a massive free agent deal worth up to $24 million. A huge payday. A fresh start. A new chapter. He played four games in his first Tennessee season before a serious knee injury ended his year. He managed six games the following year before another injury struck and ended his NFL career entirely. David Givens never played another snap in the league. One of the most heartbreaking entries on this entire list because there was no failure of talent, no drama, no system mismatch — just a body that couldn’t hold up when it mattered most. Football is violent and random, and sometimes the cruelest outcomes have nothing to do with anything a player could control. 4. SAMMIE STROUGHTERAug. 28, 2008; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Sammie Stroughter (19) reacts after wide receiver Darrell Catchings (not pictured) fumbled the ball for a touchback during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, CA. Stanford defeated Oregon State 36-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports In 2009 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroughter had a legitimate eye-opening rookie season — 56 catches for 680 yards, flashing open-field instincts and route-running ability that had people genuinely excited about where his career was headed. For a young receiver coming out of a smaller program, those numbers were impressive. Tampa Bay looked like they had found something. The following year: 3 catches for 26 yards. Not a typo. Three. The year after that, he was out of the NFL altogether. His rookie season now reads almost like a statistical anomaly when you look at the rest of his career. What happened? The league happened. Defensive coordinators studied his tendencies, corners stopped giving him free releases, and Stroughter couldn’t make the adjustments fast enough. It’s one of the most dramatic single-season disappearing acts you’ll find in recent NFL history. 3. FREDDIE MITCHELLFeb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell (84) is hit by New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi (54) and Roman Phifer (95) during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots won the game 24-21. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Oh yes. Number three is Freddie Mitchell — aka FredEx —, and if you watched Philadelphia Eagles football in the early 2000s, you already have strong feelings about this man. The Eagles selected Mitchell in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, and in 2002, he assembled a genuinely solid season: 55 catches, 750 yards, and 6 touchdowns. More importantly, he made one of the most memorable catches in Eagles playoff history — hauling in that miraculous reception on 4th-and-26 against the Green Bay Packers to keep Philadelphia’s season alive. In that moment, FredEx was a legend. What followed was one of the most spectacular collapses — both on and off the field — of that entire era for a wide receiver. His production fell off a cliff almost immediately. He feuded openly with the organization. He made bizarre and boastful quotes to the press. And he called out opposing players by name before games in which he contributed almost nothing. He thanked his own hands in a postgame press conference. Mitchell was released after the 2004 season, attempted a comeback with Kansas City that went nowhere, and never played meaningful NFL football again. The talent was real — that 4th-and-26 catch proved it forever. The rest of it? Not so much. 2. MIKE WILLIAMSDec 31, 2006; Irving, TX, USA; Detriot Lions wide receiver (88) Mike Williams celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports (c) copyright 2006 Tim Heitman Mike Williams was supposed to be Detroit’s next big-time weapon after dominating at USC, but his NFL career never came close to matching the hype. After sitting out the 2004 college season due to eligibility issues, Williams still went 10th overall to the Lions in 2005, joining a receiving corps that already included Charles Rogers and Roy Williams. But his lack of speed, conditioning concerns, and struggles separating from NFL defenders quickly became major problems. He lasted only two seasons in Detroit, catching just 37 passes before bouncing around the league. For a player once viewed as one of college football’s most unstoppable wideouts, Williams became one of the clearest examples of a receiver whose peak came before the NFL ever really began. 1. KELLEY WASHINGTONAug 19, 2005; Landover, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver #87 Kelley Washington celebrates his touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Fed-Ex Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Geoff Burke Now hear us out, because this is precisely what makes the one-hit wonder wide receiver so devastating. Washington was a big, physical pass-catcher for the Cincinnati Bengals who, in 2004, genuinely flashed the kind of versatility and contested-catch ability that makes scouts salivate. He was getting meaningful targets, producing in the run-after-catch game, and looked like he could be a legitimate long-term starter in that offense. The hype was real. The potential was real. Then came the slow fade. Injuries mounted, the opportunity window closed, and he bounced from Cincinnati to New England to Baltimore to Tampa Bay — barely a footnote in each city. No scandal, no enormous bad contract, no catastrophic single injury moment. Just a career quietly evaporating before it ever fully arrived. And that’s why he’s number one — because his story is the most common version of this tale. Not every burnout is dramatic. Most of them look exactly like Kelley Washington: a guy who showed you just enough to believe, and then disappeared before you could prove yourself right.
Young was a part of San Francisco's Super Bowl XVI squad The post Former 49ers Super Bowl Champion Charle Young Dies at 75 appeared first on HEAVY.
CBS Sports identified one thing the Steelers should be hoping for when the NFL unveils the 2026 schedule on May 14. The post Steelers Get Clear Wish List Ahead Of NFL Schedule Release appeared first on HEAVY.
The tight end was a first-round draft pick who went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in an NFL career that spanned more than a decade.
Former North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton revealed a connection with fellow former Bison star Carson Wentz recently. The post Cole Payton Reveals Significant Carson Wentz Connection appeared first on HEAVY.
After protesting during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025, the protester was arrested. However, that protestor has now been found guilty of another crime: resisting an officer. It’s being reported that the protestor, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, was found guilty of resisting an officer on the field at Caesars Superdome during Super Bowl 59 […] The post Protesting 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show performer during Kendrick Lamar’s set found guilty of resisting officer appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The NFL strength of schedule has been revealed. Here's a look at each of the 32 teams' expected difficulty of schedule.
New England Patriots WR Kevin Byard III is leading the charge to bring Eagles WR A.J. Brown. He is doubling down on that effort this week, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. Even though he didn’t say anything to him, Byard is hoping Brown will join the Patriots. “I hope he can come here and play […] The post What Kevin Byard just said about potential trade for friend A.J. Brown appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Emmanuel Acho gave a blunt reality check on the immense pressure the Philadelphia Eagles have heading into the upcoming season.
Few coaches in recent NFL memory have endured a baptism by fire quite like Kevin Patullo did in Philadelphia. His one season as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator was a rough one, a unit that ranked fifth in scoring in 2024 plummeted to 19th in 2025, the offense failed to eclipse 20 points in eight games, […] The post Much-maligned ex-Eagles OC Kevin Patullo sounds off joining the Dolphins appeared first on ClutchPoints.
While some NFL teams are running out of time to win it all with their respective cores, other clubs have done a masterful job in stockpiling young talent to create a long-term title contender. Here are five NFL teams whose Super Bowl windows are rapidly closing, and five whose will open real soon. Which teams should win the Super Bowl soon, and which ones will not? Closing: Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) It’s not only mind-boggling that the Bills have yet to win it all in the Josh Allen era. It’s baffling that they haven’t even gotten to the Super Bowl in the first place. Buffalo has won double-digit games every year since 2019. They’ve won the AFC East division crown five times. And yet… The Bills’ heartbreaking Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos was the final straw for GM Brandon Beane, who fired beloved head coach Sean McDermott. The Bills then promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, the latest desperation move to get this franchise over the hump. The problem is, the window in Buffalo can’t be considered wide-open anymore. Allen has entered his 30s, and it’s anybody’s guess how much longer he’ll be in his prime with his style of play. Wide receiver DJ Moore, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and edge rusher Bradley Chubb aren’t young guns, either. And while the Bills are trying to “win now,” the archrival New England Patriots have taken over as the team to beat in the AFC East. And if their rebuilds are done properly, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins could gain ground on Buffalo in a couple of years. At this rate, the Bills’ window has no more than three years. If they can’t get it done, then it’ll be time to start over. Opening Soon: New York GiantsOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images We know Giants fans haven’t had much to celebrate since their last Super Bowl triumph in the 2011 season. But for the first time since they last won it all with Eli Manning, the long-term future in New York is oozing with brightness and promise. They hit on their 2024 first-round pick of wide receiver Malik Nabers, and finally ended the failed Daniel Jones experiment. They found three potential franchise cornerstones in the 2025 NFL Draft with edge rusher Abdul Carter, quarterback Jaxson Dart, and running back Cam Skattebo. Dart showed promise in his rookie year despite season-ending injuries to Nabers and Skattebo. And decided to play behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines….with a terrible coaching staff at his side. Then something special happened for the Giants. The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons at the helm. So, the G-Men moved quickly to hire the future Hall of Fame head coach. And boom goes the dynamite. The Giants then aced the draft, snagging prized offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and linebacker Arvell Reese with their first two picks. So, the Giants now have one of the best coaches of the 21st century to maximize a roster loaded with offensive firepower and a ridiculous front seven featuring Carter, Reese, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. With their three NFC East rivals all facing long-term question marks across the board, the path is there for the Giants to emerge as the new kids on the block and rule the division. Bottom line: They’re about to enter a lengthy Super Bowl championship window. Much brighter days are coming, G-Men fans. Closing: Philadelphia EaglesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It’s a good thing the Eagles won the Super Bowl with this very core in 2024, because there’s a high probability that the group will never get that close to tasting victory champagne again. Only could a Philadelphia sports team win a championship one year, let locker room drama affect their title defense, and seemingly have half the fanbase demand a new head coach. That’s the state of the Eagles, folks. Everyone knows about the Jalen Hurts-AJ Brown drama that never got resolved. Despite winning the NFC East with an 11-6 record, the Eagles never found their rhythm. And nobody was shocked when they were upset by a short-handed San Francisco 49ers team in the Wild Card Round. Anyway, AJ Brown is gone, and we wish Makai Lemon luck in repeating his all-world production. Jalen Hurts is maddeningly inconsistent. Saquon Barkley could slow down at any time with all that mileage. Lane Johnson is likely retiring within the next two years. Jalen Carter has yet to put it all together, and mainstays on the defense from the Super Bowl 59 championship team, like Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Darius Slay, are long gone. There are just too many question marks for us to think that Philly can compete for a Super Bowl much longer. And honestly, the Eagles will probably fire Sirianni if they don’t at least reach the NFC Championship Game next season. If that happens, good luck replacing a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a .694 winning percentage. As we said, it’s a darn good thing the Eagles won it when they had their best chance in 2024. Opening Soon: Cincinnati BengalsDec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images It feels weird putting the Bengals under this entry, yes. Their last “championship window” was seemingly wide-open three years ago. Three straight non-playoff seasons unexpectedly followed. But sometimes, a retooling phase and short-term pain are necessary. The Bengals have worked through that, and now they’ve lined up what appears to be another window of opportunity with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow, Chase, and Tee Higgins are just in the midst of their prime years. Chase Brown emerged as the new lead RB with his first 1K rushing seasons. The defense was garbage last year, but it could be much better in 2026, even if Trey Hendrickson is out. They signed Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency before making a blockbuster trade for ex-Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Cincy also got great value with Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, a projected first-round pick who fell to them at No. 41. So, the Bengals have a top-five offense and a rebuilt D that just has to go from abhorrent to average for them to win. Why else are the Bengals on this list? Look at their AFC North rivals. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to take a big step back. The Baltimore Ravens face major question marks with John Harbaugh gone, and with Lamar Jackson facing longevity issues. And the Cleveland Browns? Yeah, a QB room with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel isn’t scaring anyone. Closing: Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) Sticking with AFC North teams… When Mike Tomlin made the right decision by stepping down as the Steelers’ head coach, this was the perfect time for the organization to sell its fans on a necessary rebuild. But of course, the Steelers just couldn’t bring themselves to it. Rather than bring in a young, energetic, and culture-building coach, the Steelers went with Mike McCarthy, who’s hardly different from Tomlin. He won a Super Bowl more than a decade ago. His teams are always in the mushy middle. Not a bad coach, but not one to get you over the hump again. The Steelers made a win-now move by trading for ex-Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr., because an overpaid and fading DK Metcalf wasn’t enough. They’re retaining pricey and rapidly aging veteran defensive players like TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey, who aren’t the same game-breakers anymore. And oh yeah, the QB thing. It’s sad that a fading and 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is still their best option. Otherwise, yeah, Mason Rudolph isn’t saving the day. And that Super Bowl dream remains far. If you’re a Steelers fan, you should just hope for 2026 to go off the rails. That will give this organization the long-overdue wake-up call to rebuild from scratch. At some point, 10-win seasons and wild-card berths should stop being the standard in Steel City. Opening Soon: 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 If the Panthers played in any other division, they wouldn’t be on this list. Fortunately, they play in the NFC South — football’s worst division by a country mile since 2021. Carolina won the NFC South with an 8-9 record last season. They also took the heavily-favored Los Angeles Rams to the wire in their Wild Card Round matchup, narrowly losing 34-31 to Matthew Stafford’s squad. 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young finally came into his own, thanks to the emergence of wide receiver and 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tatairoa McMillan. Seeing that his young roster was ready to take the next step, GM Dan Morgan completed an excellent offseason that has Carolina on the path to long-term contention. He bolstered the front seven by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, giving Dave Canales more game-changing juice. He landed a future star in Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 19 overall, before snagging Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II in the third round. Morgan filled Carolina’s last few remaining roster weaknesses with an excellent offseason. If Young, McMillan, Freeling, and the other young talents take that next step forward, Carolina will be more than the best of a weak NFC South division. They should soon enter “Super Bowl contender” status. Closing: 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 When Tom Brady lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl 55 championship in the 2020 season? We know it’s important not to be too greedy, but it sure felt like the Buccaneers could have won another before the GOAT retired. But it never happened. In fact, the Bucs won just one more playoff game over Brady’s final two years before he retired. Just when we all thought his retirement would destroy the team, Baker Mayfield stepped in and emerged as Tampa’s new star QB, leading them to NFC South division crowns in 2023 and 2024. But it’s all over now, folks. The Bucs just got too old and didn’t make the necessary roster upgrades to maximize their window of opportunity with Mayfield. And they’re going to be taking many steps back from here. Lavonte David retired, and Mike Evans left to sign with the 49ers. Chris Godwin, the No. 1 receiver, can’t stay healthy. The secondary has been a weak link for five years, and the Bucs have done nothing to fix it. While Tampa is built around a few aging veteran stars, their three NFC South foes have stockpiled plenty of young talent, with young QBs in place. The Bucs got their one Super Bowl with Brady, but the chance to add another in this decade has sailed away. Opening Soon: Arizona CardinalsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images We know this entry will surprise most of you. But do hear us out. The Cardinals just used the No. 3 pick on a can’t-miss running back prospect in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. He joins an offense with superstar tight end Trey McBride, 1,000-yard wideout Michael Wilson, and another hopeful star in Marvin Harrison Jr., who has yet to put it all together. Josh Sweat, 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson, and 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen headline an underrated front seven. Budda Baker is still a game-wrecker at safety, and Will Johnson has the tools to be Arizona’s next great All-Pro cornerback. So, why do we have Arizona on this list with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II leading their QB room? Because the Cardinals will probably have a top-five pick in 2027. That means getting an elite quarterback prospect like Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore. Add a young QB to that core, and the Cardinals will be ready to compete for a Super Bowl very soon. If they get Manning or Moore next year? Look out, league. Closing: San Francisco 49ersDetail view of the helmet for San Francisco 49ers (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images) Unlike the Bills, the 49ers have been to the Super Bowl with their current core. Franchise mainstays like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle led the 49ers to big-game appearances in the 2019 and 2023 seasons, both losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have done a remarkable job building up a sustainable title contender since they both came over in 2017. But the clock is ticking on this group to win it together, which is why it’s unfortunate that they were hit hard by the injury bug in 2024 and 2025. Kittle and newcomer Mike Evans are entering their age-33 seasons in 2026. Trent Williams is 38. Christian McCaffrey is 30, which is rather ancient for a running back in this day and age. Bosa and Warner, who’ve dealt with multiple significant injuries since 2020, aren’t getting any younger, either. Is there a time for Shanahan’s 49ers to finally break through and bring Lombardi Trophy No. 6 to the Bay Area? It has to be in 2026 or 2027. Their window will not be happening after that. Opening Soon: Chicago BearsNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Yes, they won the NFC North and were one play away from reaching the NFC North last season. But regression is inevitable for the Bears, who benefited from unsustainable one-score luck and improbable comebacks. Also, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions shall have better health luck next year. The Minnesota Vikings should contend as well if JJ McCarthy breaks out…or, more likely, if Kyler Murray takes over as the QB1. But folks, this would only be a temporary setback. The Bears are still set up nicely to dominate for the next half-decade-plus. Ben Johnson is the real deal as a head coach. Caleb Williams is THAT GUY. The young offensive nucleus of Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Rome Odunze is only going to get better. There’s a lot to like about a secondary of Coby Bryant, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and rookie Dillon Thieneman. The Bears may take a temporary step back in 2026, but their long-term setup is much better than that of their division rivals. 2025 was fun and all, but these Bears are still a year or two away from hitting their ceiling and really taking off.
An NFL analyst believes that the Philadelphia Eagles could part ways with quarterback Jalen Hurts after next year.
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Numerous active players compete in the NFL, from guys who are locks for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Pro Bowlers, Pro Bowl-caliber talent, and guys who are trying to make a name for themselves in the league. However, due to numerous injuries and certain NFL players struggling in recent years, we reflect on the guys who became Hall of Fame Icons from yesteryear and wonder whether they could still play today. The Colts convinced Phillip Rivers to briefly come out of retirement at 44 and help them out in the final stretch of the 2025 season, and he performed okay in today’s NFL. We’ve also seen other guys return to action on the field, like Eric Weddle, Jason Witten, and Darren Waller, who came out of retirement once and helped their respective teams out, and showed some effort during the second time around on the field. There are quite a few guys who could come out of retirement and dominate in today’s NFL, as we’ll go over here at TPS. Without further ado, here are 10 retired NFL Players That Could Ball Out Right Now If They Came Out of Retirement. Can these former players still play in today’s NFL? Tom BradyTom Brady (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Tom Brady, aka the “GOAT,” looks like a guy who can potentially come out of retirement right now and create a positive impact. He came out of retirement once in 2022 and played one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them win the NFC South and reach the Wildcard Round of the playoffs before losing to Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Sure, he’s 47, but if he were to somehow come out of retirement, he would help teams like the Arizona Cardinals or make a return to the Buccaneers and make things more competitive. Plus, he would continue to make NFL history and achieve feats that no other quarterback who steps foot in the league will ever break moving forward. Brady did consider a comeback, but his minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders prevents him from doing so. On top of that, Brady is happily retired and also in the FOX NFL Sunday broadcast booth. Just the thought of seeing TB12 returning to play would be a huge deal for the league, as ratings would increase, and stadiums would sell out just to see him play one more time. Not to mention, he would bring his winning ways to any team he suits up for, guaranteeing that team a spot in the playoffs. Rob GronkowskiOct 18, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of a NFL game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Similar to Tom Brady, Gronkowski was fun and exciting to watch during his heyday with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Gronk is happy to be retired, it would be a treat to enjoy seeing him spike the ball in the end zone during a regular-season game again and dominate opposing defenses. Gronk has joked about coming out of retirement in the past, but says he plans to stay retired. Well, except for playing flag football. Like TB12, Gronk came out of retirement once, which led to his trade from the Patriots to the Buccaneers in 2020, reuniting him with the latter. The only downside is that Gronk has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and the league is only getting more intense. And even if Gronkowski did come out of retirement, he would pass a physical with flying colors and make it on an NFL roster with ease and contribute on offense. If Gronk did come out of retirement, he would immediately be a great contributor on offense and incredibly challenging to tackle, thanks to his athletic build and strength. Aaron DonaldDec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Seeing Donald coming out of retirement would be a treat, as the former NFL player was a dominant force for the Rams from their final years in St. Louis to relocating to Los Angeles for his entire career. Donald would still strike fear into opposing offenses, make the current NFL’s defense more competitive in key games, and motivate the young guys to strive for much more. Seeing him paired up with Jared Verse and Byron Young would be very exciting to see, as it would add a fierce level of explosiveness to the Rams’ pass-rush and a potentially easy pathway to the Super Bowl. Another couple of teams who would love Donald’s services include the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles, who each have very talented defenses that would benefit from having Donald on their respective teams. Donald has stated that he’s happy with his 10-year career in the NFL and is burnt out from training camp, but he’ll be 35 by the start of the 2026 season, and could have room in the tank for one more season if he really wanted to come out of retirement. If he did come out of retirement, it would be incredibly entertaining to see him sack the current crop of quarterbacks in the league and prevent opposing running backs from making explosive plays on offense. Calvin JohnsonDec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and running back Ameer Abdullah (21) get ready for a play during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Johnson’s playing career was magnificent to watch, as he kept the Lions afloat in every game he played in from his rookie season in 2007 until his final season in 2015. Even though Johnson was burned out after his final season in 2015, he looks like he can still play and cook opposing secondaries. If he were to come back, he would have to pass a physical, but he wouldn’t play for the Lions, as he would want to play for a championship contender. Put Calvin “Megatron” Johnson on a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chiefs’ passing attack would be one heck of a show to watch with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball to Johnson every game. Especially when scoring touchdowns in Arrowhead Stadium in front of the home crowd. On top of that, Johnson broke numerous records during his time in the NFL, like in 2012 when he broke the record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,964. He would very likely break more records with a championship contender and potentially win a Super Bowl to finish the season off in the best way possible. Seeing Megatron dominate in today’s NFL would be incredibly exciting to watch in the year 2026 and beyond if he chose to come out of retirement. Marshawn LynchOctober 24, 2010, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during pregame warmups against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Lynch came out of retirement once and suited up for the Raiders when they were in Oakland from 2017 to 2018, and the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. It would be incredibly exciting to see Lynch come out of retirement. He would have to join a championship contender, like the current Seahawks, who would be in service for a new running back since Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Sure, Lynch will be 40 years old when the 2026 season kicks off, but the Seahawks have the team that would help Lynch earn that second Super Bowl championship, and we would be watching every second of it. Lynch would also be an upgrade over Cam Akers and Zach Charbonnet when going up against opposing defenses on the ground. Lynch’s agility, ability to push defenders off of him as a player, and versatility would be enticing to watch in the current state of the NFL. Other teams that would benefit from Lynch’s services include the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, who would be more than happy to make things work for “Beast Mode” if he chose to come out of retirement and lace up the cleats one more time. J. J. WattAugust 20, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Just like Aaron Donald, Watt dominated opposing defenses in his prime with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals and walked away from the game to prioritize his family and health. Although Watt is currently 37, he has the strength to come out of retirement and join a championship contender like the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills, who have rosters built around reaching and potentially winning the next Super Bowl. Seeing Watt paired up with the current defenders like Jared Verse, Ed Oliver, and Byron Young would be spectacular for football fans to tune in every week. Another team that would love J. J. Watt’s services would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would reunite with his brother, T. J. Watt, and dominate on the team’s defense. Plus, it would be a treat to have two different NFL Defensive Players of the Year award winners on the same roster. If anyone could come out of retirement and return to form on defense, Watt would have no problem doing so. Julian EdelmanPatriots receiver Julian Edelman dives into the end zone past Bills defender Aaron Williams for a 22 yard touchdown. Williams was injured on the play and left the game on a stretcher. The Patriots be a the Bills 40-32. Edelman may not be a Pro Bowler like everyone else on this list, but we do miss the incredible athleticism he displayed in games. Edelman won the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, then retired at 34 a couple of years later. He retired in the 2021 offseason due to a chronic knee injury that prevented him from performing at a high standard. If Edelman were to come out of retirement, he would still be a sneaky good slot receiver and deceive opposing defensive backs and create some outstanding trick plays since he was a quarterback at Kent State. He would also likely return to the New England Patriots or another championship contender and work with quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, or Jalen Hurts, throwing him passes instead of Tom Brady. Seeing a prime Julian Edelman dominate in today’s NFL would be an incredible treat to watch every Sunday. Especially when the lights are shining the brightest during a prime-time game. Luke KuechlyDec 15, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) looks back to the ref after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Now, Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly was a force to be reckoned with when he was with the Carolina Panthers. He was the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year back in his prime and made seven Pro Bowls. Kuechly retired from the league at 28 due to focusing on his long-term health and having a track record of multiple concussions. If Kuechly didn’t suffer from any of those concussions during his playing career, he could make a great comeback and dominate on any defensive unit. Kuechly would be a great addition to defensive-heavy teams like the Seattle Seahawks and their “Darkside” defense or the Houston Texans and their incredible defense for the 2026 season if he could come out of retirement, as the current Carolina Panthers are nowhere near championship contention. Seeing an in-prime Kuechly back in action would be incredible fanfare for fans and an exciting must-watch on TV. Especially dominating the current crop of opposing quarterbacks, trying to make a name for themselves in the league. Andrew WhitworthFormer Bengal Andrew Whitworth watches the final minutes in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 4 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins at PayCor Stadium in downtown on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The Bengals improved to 2-2 with a 27-15 win over the Dolphins. Miami Dolphins At Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 Whitworth was one of the best offensive tackles in the 21st century, thanks to his incredible football IQ, remarkable longevity, and elite proficiency during his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams. Whitworth retired from playing due to his age and wanted to go out on his own terms after winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams. If Whitworth came out of retirement and returned to playing in his prime, he would be an excellent fit for teams looking for a strong and reliable offensive line. Whitworth started in 234 out of 239 games in his legendary career. He has a 93.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, and he had one touchdown in the 2010 season with the Bengals. Whitworth also allowed very few sacks in his storied career, making him an incredible offensive lineman to have in today’s NFL on teams with strong or rebuilding offensive lines. Teams would love Whitworth’s professionalism, durability, and versatility, which he would bring to protect current quarterbacks in the league. Randy MossSep 17, 2006; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK Moss was a superstar wide receiver during his prime with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots back in the late 1990s and 2000s. Moss had video game-like stats, leaped over defenders, and broke several records throughout his career, like scoring a record-breaking 23 touchdowns in his debut season with the Patriots back in 2007. If Moss ever came out of retirement, he would be very impactful for a wide receiver-needy team looking for someone who could make a game-changing play, shifting everything in their favor. It would be incredibly exciting to see Moss catch touchdown passes from modern-day quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, or Jalen Hurts. On top of that, Moss would likely be a missing link to help a championship-contending team win that elusive Super Bowl they’ve been looking for.
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