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

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

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