The NFL unofficially stands for “Not For Long” as it only takes a season or two of inconsistent play for some of yesterday’s best players to be battling for a job. Whether it’s their next big contract or just the right to continue playing in the NFL, each of these five players has a lot riding on this upcoming season.
5 NFL Players With the Most to Prove in 2023
Odell Beckham
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham has not played a snap of football in over a year, is on the wrong side of 30, and is coming off a season-ending knee injury. Despite all this, the former first-round pick still managed to secure a massive paycheck, in large part due to how good he was in the back half of 2021. Beckham played a major role in the Los Angeles Rams championship run, and if he can play like that, he should earn another big contract in 2023. However, that was a long time ago, and that impressive playoff stretch followed 2.5 underwhelming years with the Cleveland Browns. So, if Beckham’s postseason success was nothing more than a flash in the pan, then he’ll join the ever-growing list of NFL players that can no longer get work in the league.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield’s NFL journey has been a wild one. The first-overall pick gave the Cleveland Browns some much-needed hope as a rookie and, following a disappointing 2019, led the team to their first playoff win since dinosaurs roamed the Earth back in 2020. Since then, however, Mayfield has looked like one of the worst quarterbacks in football, although he did show some signs of life during his short stint with the Los Angeles Rams. If he can adequately replace Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, then he should find work for years to come. If not, then he’ll probably have to accept life as a backup.
Austin Ekeler
The running back market is terrible right now, and Austin Ekeler is one of several NFL players struggling to get what he feels he’s owed. Ekeler will be back for at least one more season with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’ll need to have his best season yet if he’s going to earn the type of contract he wants. Despite being one of the best backs in the league since taking over for Melvin Gordon, Ekeler’s livelihood is on the line, so he cannot afford a bad season.
Chase Young
Remember when Chase Young was one of the best pass rushing prospects to ever enter the NFL? Following an impressive rookie season, injuries and underwhelming play have limited Young to just 1.5 sacks and 12 games over the past two seasons. Washington recently declined his fifth-year option, meaning that Young will be a free agent after the season. If he finally plays up to his potential, he could earn a massive payday and make the Commanders look like fools for letting a player of his talent leave the building.
Kadarius Toney
At his best, Kadarius Toney has looked like one of the most elusive and dangerous players in the NFL. Unfortunately, Toney is rarely at his best, as he has yet to eclipse 420 yards in a single season. However, with Juju Smith-Schuster gone, Toney has the opportunity to be the top wide receiver in the NFL’s most dangerous passing attack. The former first-round pick has the talent, but now he needs to prove that he can put it all together on the football field. If he can’t do it in this near-ideal situation, then it’s fair to wonder if he ever will.
Kadarius Toney on that slick field .. he must of have them unreleased cleats only sold in stores here in Kansas City .. Nike Water Resistance 3.0's 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/t3LnPSyRn2
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) July 7, 2023
Main Photo: Reggie Hildred – USA Today Sports
