10 NFL Players Who Need A Fresh Start ASAP! (2024 Edition)
Playing in the NFL is challenging. Building a long-term career takes it a whole step further. We have seen a number of extremely talented players over the years, who have burnt out after a couple of seasons—never to play another down in the NFL…
Conversely, we have seen a crop of equally talented players who were fortunate enough to get a second chance in a new city—and end up thriving—and revitalizing their careers.
Let’s take a look around the NFL and pick out ten players who need a fresh start ASAP to turn their story around!
Which NFL players should benefit from changing teams this season?
Tyree Wilson, Defensive End, Las Vegas Raiders
Tyree Wilson’s rookie season in Las Vegas wasn’t exactly the splash the Raiders were hoping for when they selected him seventh overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wilson was a dominant force in college at Texas Tech—and Vegas expected to bring that same fire and fury to a Raiders defense desperate for a spark. Instead, inconsistency marred his early days in the NFL—in part due to the Raiders’ chaotic coaching carousel and lack of defensive identity, which only compounded his struggles.
We are starting to think that it may not be Wilson but the Raiders who are the problem… Because Wilson’s situation is eerily reminiscent of Clelin Ferrell, another Raiders first-round defensive end who never quite found his footing in Sin City.
To avoid following that same dark path, Wilson needs a change of scenery—a fresh start in a more stable environment where he can develop at his own pace without the weight of immediate expectations.
And he needs it fast.
Imagine Wilson landing with a defensive mastermind like Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh or Robert Saleh with the Jets. Both could tap into his raw talent and mold him into the star edge rusher he was projected to be. For Wilson, a new team could be the difference between becoming a perennial Pro Bowler or another cautionary tale of wasted potential.
Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Washington Commanders
When Washington snagged Emmanuel Forbes with the 16th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they were betting on his ball-hawking skills to bolster a secondary that’s been in flux for years.
He became known for his knack for snagging interceptions and, really, his general playmaking ability at Mississippi State… And Washington expected Forbes to bring that same electricity to the NFL. But as it turns out, the transition hasn’t been smooth.
Forbes’ struggles can be attributed to more than just growing pains—a sentiment that I’m sure Washington fans are far too familiar with after watching their young talent struggle to acclimate over the years…
The Commanders’ defense has been a mess the last couple of years… The pass rush is inconsistent—and the coverage schemes have left their young corner on an island far too often.
It hasn’t helped that Washington’s offense has repeatedly put the defense in the crosshairs with turnovers and short drives.
A fresh start for Forbes isn’t just about finding a better fit—it’s about preserving his confidence and allowing him to grow into the dynamic playmaker he was drafted to be. In the right environment, Forbes could quickly shake off his rookie struggles and emerge as one of the NFL’s premier young players.
Forbes, who thrives in a more aggressive, turnover-focused system, would benefit immensely from a move to a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills—teams with strong defensive identities and veteran leadership that could help him refine his game and unlock his full potential.
Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
Skyy Moore’s arrival in Kansas City—immediately came with a lot of hype.
The Chiefs snagged him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he was immediately touted as the next potential breakout star in Andy Reid’s high-octane offense. Which… is understandable… After all, he has Patrick Mahomes tossing the rock to him!
His chemistry with his star quarterback, however, seemed off at times, and when he got opportunities, occasional drops prevented him from truly making a mark.
The Chiefs offense is one that demands precision and an almost telepathic understanding of Reid’s complex schemes and it is clear Moore has found himself struggling to keep pace—hence why he has been a repeat offender of mistimed routes and painful drops.
It’s not that Moore lacks talent—he might just need a simpler system to really shine… Or at least one where he can get more consistent opportunities to build confidence. In Kansas City, he’s competing with a deep roster of pass-catchers, and it feels like he’s constantly fighting for scraps.
Imagine Moore in a place like Green Bay or New Orleans—teams with a solid offensive structure that could really use a young, dynamic playmaker to fill a larger role. In the right situation, Moore could transform from a rotational piece into a key player—a receiver who not only shows flashes but becomes a reliable, game-changing presence on the field. A fresh start could be just what Moore needs to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Running Back, Miami Dolphins
Jeff Wilson Jr. is a classic example of a player who’s made the most of every opportunity he’s been given. He’s carved out a respectable career by being a tough runner who never backs down from contact.
But with his NFL team, the Miami Dolphins, he’s found himself in a backfield that’s simply too crowded with talented players. With Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane showing off their speed and explosiveness, Wilson has been left fighting for snaps.
Wilson’s running style doesn’t exactly fit Mike McDaniel’s preference for speed and agility in his backs, which has limited his role in Miami’s offense.
For Wilson, a move to a team that values his toughness and north-south running ability could reignite his career. Picture him with the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New England Patriots—teams that prioritize physicality and ball control. Granted… it might not be a ton of fun tote-ing the rock for the Pats this year, but it could give him a chance to showcase his skills and cash in before the final years of his prime expire.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs
When Clyde Edwards-Helaire was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, the expectation was sky-high. The Chiefs envisioned him as the centerpiece of their running game, a dynamic dual-threat who could thrive in Andy Reid’s creative offense, running and catching the ball.
But clearly, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. Edwards-Helaire has found it difficult to establish himself as a reliable option. He’s lost his starting spot to Isiah Pacheco, and even Jerick McKinnon has carved out a bigger role as a receiving back.
The writing seems to be on the wall for Edwards-Helaire in Kansas City. It’s becoming increasingly clear that he might be better suited for a team with a more balanced offensive approach—one where he can get consistent carries and be a focal point of the game plan. A fresh start with a team like the Arizona Cardinals could be exactly what he needs to regain his confidence and rediscover the form that made him a first-round pick—after all—he is still young, and the pedigree is still there.
Also Read: Top 10 NFL Players to Watch in the Next Five Years: Featuring Two-Way College Stars
Levi Onwuzurike, Defensive End, Detroit Lions
Levi Onwuzurike’s journey with the Detroit Lions has been a frustrating one—for both the defensive end and the team alike.
When he was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Onwuzurike was supposed to be a disruptive force on the Lions’ defensive line—a player who could wreak havoc in the trenches and be a cornerstone of their rebuild. But injuries have been a constant roadblock, preventing him from making the impact many expected.
A new city could be the answer for Onwuzurike because moving to a team with a strong defensive culture and a need for interior pass rush could give him the platform to finally showcase his talents. It might be too little too late for him in the Motor City…
Picture him on a team like the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles—organizations known for their strong defensive lines and rotational depth. That could change the entire narrative of his career!
Tutu Atwell, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Tutu Atwell’s time with the Los Angeles Rams has been the definition of a rollercoaster.
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Atwell was expected to inject some much-needed speed and explosiveness into an offense known for its big-play potential. But Atwell’s small stature and lack of physicality have held him back, and he’s struggled to find a consistent role in Sean McVay’s offense.
He did show some flashes last year—and ultimately a step forward, but still… 39 receptions for 483 yards is a far cry from the production they were expecting out of the young wideout. And heading into 2024, with Cooper Kupp fully recovered and eating up the bulk of the targets alongside Puka Nacua,there will be even fewer targets to go around.
That said… Atwell’s skill set is undeniable—he’s got blazing speed and can stretch the field like few others. In the right system, Atwell could become the dynamic playmaker he was drafted to be.
Davis Mills, Quarterback, Houston Texans
Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mills was thrust into the starting role earlier than expected due to the turbulent quarterback situation caused by the Deshaun Watson scandal.
And as quick as he ascended, he’s been usurped—as C.J. Stroud has come into town and taken the reigns of the Texans offense in a BIG way.
During his time as the starter, however, Mills showed that he has the ability to be a solid NFL quarterback. He needs the right situation to reach his full potential, but that is never going to happen for him in this NFL team with its current players on the roster.
It would be fascinating to see him throw his hat in the ring in Las Vegas or Minnesota, where there are jobs waiting to be won—rather than sitting in perpetuity behind Mr. Stroud.
Miles Sanders, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
Miles Sanders was supposed to be the centerpiece of the Carolina Panthers’ ground game when he signed with the team in the 2023 offseason.
And to be fair, he was coming fresh off an electric Pro Bowl season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns—so, of course, Sanders was expected to bring that same level of production to Carolina. But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Sanders has gotten crushed in the media, but c’mon… what could we even expect out of Sanders with that horrid Panthers offense… The offensive line got gashed all season, and their young quarterback, Bryce Young, wasn’t commanding any respect from opposing defenses—allowing them to stack the box against Sanders.
At 27, Sanders still has plenty of gas left in the tank, but he needs to be in the right situation to make the most of it.
Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Let’s face it… The New England Patriots aren’t going anywhere this year… At least not anywhere good—because there is a real chance that they’ll be one of the worst NFL teams in recent memory with their current crop of players.
Especially now that there appears to be a fire sale of sorts taking place with the recent move to trade star pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons.
While losing Judon won’t directly impact the offense, it is a clear indicator that the wheels have now completely come off New England.
This is all the more reason for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to get out of dodge and look for a new start. The 29-year-old wideout has proven to be a reliable target over his Patriots tenure, most notably snagging 55 catches for 800 yards and five scores in 2021… But it has been tough sledding for him the last couple of years as things have continued to deteriorate.
He hasn’t topped 435 receiving yards since!
At this point, it isn’t entirely clear who is going to be starting at quarterback for the Pats this year… but whether it is the questionable 2024 first round pick, Drake Maye, Joe Milton, or even Bailey Zappe—the reality is that there isn’t going to the kind of firepower that Bourne needs to revitalize his career.
Coincidentally, he would actually fit really well in Atlanta, too—where he can run routes underneath while Drake London and Kyle Pitts stretch the field for their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
Either way… one thing remains a cold, hard fact—Bourne needs to get out of New England if he wants to get back on track!
Also Read: 10 NFL Players Who Can BREAK The “BUST” Label In 2024
