Sophia
Every NFL season presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for players. For some, it’s a crossroads moment driven by age, contract disputes, salary cap concerns, lingering injuries, or simply a need to rebound from a subpar performance. These are the athletes who enter the season with something significant to prove, and their stories often become the most compelling narratives in professional football.
A prime example of a player who capitalized on such a moment is offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. After an All-Pro campaign in 2019, Stanley signed a lucrative five-year, $98.75 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. However, injuries severely hampered his career post-signing, limiting him to just 26 of a possible 61 regular-season games. In 2023, a shadow of his former self, he allowed five sacks and committed 11 penalties while battling a right knee injury.
Facing a pay cut and a restructured contract for 2024, Stanley embraced the challenge. Healthy for the first time since 2019, he delivered a Pro Bowl-caliber season, playing 98.11% of Baltimore’s offensive snaps. This remarkable comeback led to a new three-year, $60 million deal with $44 million fully guaranteed, proving that resilience often paves the way for redemption.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, a new crop of non-quarterback players finds themselves in similar situations. Here are 15 athletes poised to make a significant bounce-back statement, each facing unique pressures and opportunities.
Joey Bosa, EDGE, Bills: A Fresh Start in Buffalo
Once a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, Joey Bosa entered the offseason with the NFL’s second-largest 2025 salary cap number for a non-quarterback at over $36 million. His tenure with the Chargers ended in March when he was released, largely due to his inability to stay on the field. Bosa’s 14 games played in 2024 were his most since 2021, yet his five sacks were a career low for any season with at least 12 games played.
Now with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year, $12.61 million deal (up to $15.61 million with incentives), Bosa has a chance to reignite his career. A four-time Pro Bowler, a healthy and motivated Bosa could be a game-changer for the Bills’ pass rush, proving he still belongs among the league’s elite edge defenders.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Seahawks: A New Chapter in the NFC West
The emergence of Puka Nacua and persistent ankle and hamstring injuries led the Rams to release Cooper Kupp in March, despite two years and nearly $40 million remaining on his contract. Kupp, who turned 32 in June, hasn’t recorded a 1,000-yard receiving season since his triple-crown winning year in 2021.
In a surprising twist, Kupp remained in the NFC West, signing a three-year, $45 million deal with $26.5 million guaranteed with the Seattle Seahawks. This move sets up two emotional reunions against his former team each season. With Davante Adams, 33, signing a significant deal elsewhere, it’s clear age isn’t the sole deterrent for teams. Kupp’s mission is to prove his 2021 form wasn’t a fluke and that he still possesses the elite route-running and hands that made him a Super Bowl MVP.
Nick Chubb, RB, Texans: The Comeback King
Nick Chubb’s 2023 season with the Cleveland Browns was cut short by a devastating left knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. His return seven weeks into the 2024 season saw him struggle to regain his previous form, averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry before a broken left foot ended his year. His free-agent market was surprisingly soft, leading him to sign a one-year, $2.5 million deal (up to $5 million) with the Houston Texans in June.
With Joe Mixon sidelined by a foot injury, Chubb is expected to be Houston’s primary ball carrier. This presents a golden opportunity for the running back once considered among the NFL’s best. If he can return to his career average of 5.3 yards per carry, Chubb will not only boost the Texans’ offense but also secure a more substantial contract in the future.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots: A New Target in New England
Even before his ACL tear last October, it was clear Nico Collins had emerged as the Houston Texans’ primary receiving option. Still, Stefon Diggs managed 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. The 31-year-old receiver then signed a three-year, $63 million contract (up to $69 million with incentives) with the New England Patriots in March. The deal includes $26 million in guarantees, with $20 million fully guaranteed at signing.
The Patriots structured Diggs’ contract with protection against lingering knee issues, including $3.4 million in per-game roster bonuses. His 2025 incentives are tied to statistical thresholds like 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. If Diggs fails to meet these, his future in New England beyond 2025 becomes uncertain, as only $1.7 million of his $20.6 million 2026 base salary is fully guaranteed at signing. This season is crucial for Diggs to prove his health and elite production are still intact.
Marshon Lattimore, CB, Commanders: Reclaiming Pro Bowl Form
The Washington Commanders’ surprising 7-2 start in 2024 led them to acquire Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline. However, a hamstring injury sidelined him for the first four games after the trade, and he struggled against elite receivers like A.J. Brown and Mike Evans in the playoffs. The expectation is for a healthy Lattimore to regain the form that earned him four Pro Bowl berths in eight NFL seasons. If he doesn’t, the trade could prove costly for Washington.
Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens: Proving His Worth in a Contract Year
Mark Andrews had a 2024 playoff run to forget, highlighted by a crucial fumble and a dropped game-tying two-point conversion in the Ravens’ divisional-round loss to the Buffalo Bills. With Isaiah Likely emerging as a strong tight end prospect, the Ravens may have a succession plan in place. Andrews, who turns 30 in September and is in a contract year, is likely auditioning for his next team. It’s improbable the Ravens will make significant investments in two tight ends in 2026, making this season vital for Andrews to demonstrate his continued value.
Haason Reddick, EDGE, Buccaneers: A Chance at Redemption
Haason Reddick’s 2024 season was marred by a 90-day holdout with the New York Jets, who acquired him from the Eagles. Unhappy with his contract, Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler coming off four consecutive double-digit sack seasons, managed only one sack in 10 games after ending his holdout. His poor performance led to a soft free-agent market, and he signed a one-year, $14 million deal (with $12 million fully guaranteed) with the Buccaneers. Reddick, who turns 31 in September, must prove that 2024 was an anomaly to secure a significant payday in the future.
L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Titans: Returning to Shutdown Form
L’Jarius Sneed, acquired by the Tennessee Titans from the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2024, signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with $55 million in guarantees. However, a quadriceps injury limited him to five games last season, and he didn’t resemble the shutdown corner he was in 2023. If Sneed doesn’t return to his previous form, the Titans could save nearly $12 million in 2026 salary cap space by moving on from the deal. His performance this season is crucial for both his financial future and the Titans’ defense.
Deebo Samuel, WR, Commanders: Proving Elite Versatility
With Ricky Pearsall drafted, Brandon Aiyuk extended, and Jauan Jennings stepping up, Deebo Samuel’s time with the San Francisco 49ers was clearly winding down. He was traded to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick in March. Samuel’s last highly productive season was in 2021, where he had career highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (1,405), and total touchdowns (14), plus 365 rushing yards. Since signing his three-year, $71.55 million extension in 2022, his numbers have dipped significantly. Reports of an impressive Commanders training camp are promising, but Samuel, who turns 30 in January, needs that to translate to the regular season to avoid a pay cut on his next contract.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles: A Crucial Contract Year
Dallas Goedert has been a subject of trade rumors due to his inability to stay on the field, missing 17 games since signing his four-year, $57 million extension in 2021. Last season, he had his worst production since his rookie year, catching 42 passes for 496 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games. Goedert took a $4.25 million pay cut to remain with the Eagles for the final year of his contract. With $23.69 million in dead money if he hits the open market in 2026, a healthy and productive 2025 season is essential to secure a new deal before his contract years void.
Charvarius Ward, CB, Colts: A Fresh Start After Personal Tragedy
The 2024 season was incredibly challenging for Charvarius Ward, both personally and professionally, following the tragic death of his 23-month-old daughter. He admitted to checking out mentally due to the tragedy and a lack of interest from the 49ers in a contract extension. Ward, who earned Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2023, saw his performance decline sharply in 2024, with no interceptions and a 119.1 passer rating allowed when targeted. Now with the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year, $54 million contract with $34.98 million guaranteed, Ward has a fresh start. The Colts are banking on him returning to his 2023 form, where he had five interceptions and a league-leading 23 passes defended.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons: The Revolution That Wasn’t (Yet)
After a Pro Bowl rookie season in 2021 with 68 receptions and 1,026 receiving yards, many believed Kyle Pitts would revolutionize the tight end position. However, he has yet to come close to duplicating that production. Pitts is scheduled to play the 2025 season under a $10.878 million fifth-year option, but there’s a higher probability of him being traded than signing a contract extension. This season is critical for Pitts to prove he can consistently deliver on his immense talent.
Bryce Huff, EDGE, 49ers: Reuniting with Robert Saleh
The Eagles signed Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million deal, opting for him over addressing Haason Reddick’s contract. However, Huff was a major disappointment, recording just 2.5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures in 10 games before undergoing wrist surgery. He was a nonfactor upon his return and a healthy scratch for Super Bowl LIX. Now with the 49ers after a June trade, Huff reunites with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, his coach with the Jets in 2023 when he had a career-high 10 sacks. This reunion offers Huff a chance to rediscover his elite pass-rushing form.
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Chiefs: Living Up to the Contract
Jawaan Taylor surprisingly received a four-year, $80 million contract with $60 million guaranteed from the Chiefs in 2023 free agency, but he has yet to live up to the deal. With the Chiefs signing Jaylon Moore and drafting first-round pick Josh Simmons as a potential long-term left tackle, Taylor’s days in Kansas City could be numbered if he has another disappointing season. He needs to significantly elevate his play to justify his hefty contract.
Jaelen Phillips, EDGE, Dolphins: Battling Back from Injuries
Jaelen Phillips has been plagued by injuries, tearing his right Achilles in 2023 and his right ACL just four games into the 2024 season. Fortunately, as a 2021 first-round pick, the Dolphins picked up his fully guaranteed fifth-year option for 2025, worth $13.251 million, before his second major injury. Phillips’ challenge is to return healthy and prove he can be a consistent impact player after two consecutive injury-shortened seasons.
The 2025 NFL season promises to be a stage for these athletes to prove their doubters wrong, overcome adversity, and re-establish themselves as integral parts of their teams. Their journeys will undoubtedly add compelling storylines to the league’s narrative.
