15 NFL Veterans on Thin Ice After the 2025 Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft signaled the arrival of fresh faces but also put pressure on several seasoned veterans. Front offices across the league wasted no time stacking their depth charts with cheaper, younger options. For some vets, the writing’s already on the wall. Others could be a single misstep away from losing their starting jobs—or a roster spot altogether.
Sam Darnold – QB, Seattle Seahawks
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Darnold’s new $100 million deal appears secure on paper, but the Seahawks recently brought in Jalen Milroe, a dynamic runner who could make things interesting. Milroe’s accuracy still needs work, but Seattle has a history of letting young quarterbacks steal the spotlight.
Travis Etienne – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Last season was rough for Etienne, who struggled to find rhythm and ended the year with only 812 scrimmage yards. Jacksonville drafted Bhayshul Tuten, who is fast, compact, and hard to bring down. Etienne’s rookie contract is winding down, and Tuten might inject the backfield with energy.
Gabe Davis – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Davis hasn’t lived up to his contract since arriving in Jacksonville. He missed nearly half the season and barely made an impact when he was healthy. With Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Dyami Brown joining the WR room, Davis’ role in the starting lineup appears unstable.
Joe Flacco – QB, Cleveland Browns
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Flacco was the hero of 2023, but the Browns’ quarterback list has now become crowded with Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders joining the mix. At 40, Flacco could begin the season as QB1, but the odds of him finishing it that way are shrinking fast.
Tyler Higbee – TE, Los Angeles Rams
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Higbee enters the season at 33 while recovering from a major knee injury. The Rams brought in Terrance Ferguson, a speedy tight end with serious upside. Higbee’s also on the final year of his deal, and the Rams could be eyeing a quicker transition.
Jamel Dean – CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Dean’s injury history is catching up to him. He’s missed too many games over the past two seasons, and the Bucs aren’t waiting around. They drafted two cornerbacks—Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish—who may be ready to play meaningful snaps before Dean returns to full health.
Jawaan Taylor – RT, Kansas City Chiefs
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The Chiefs selected Josh Simmons and brought in Jaylon Moore. Taylor was overmatched in the Super Bowl, and the team doesn’t seem willing to bet on a bounce-back year. Taylor’s contract is large, but his play hasn’t matched the paycheck.
Marshon Lattimore – CB, Washington Commanders
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Lattimore’s trade to Washington didn’t fix his durability issues. His availability is now a liability, with more games missed than played over the past three years. The Commanders used a second-round pick on Trey Amos, a second-rounder who might replace him at a lower cap hit.
Kayvon Thibodeaux – OLB, New York Giants
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While Thibodeaux notched 11.5 sacks last year, his overall impact has been inconsistent. The Giants selected Carter with the No. 3 pick and extended Brian Burns. Thibodeaux still has time, but he’s no longer the only young edge rusher with upside in town.
Trevon Diggs – CB, Dallas Cowboys
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Diggs is flashy, but his aggressive style has become a liability. He’s also missed 21 games in two seasons and now carries a big cap hit. Dallas drafted Shavon Revel Jr., a physical corner who is poised to step in should Diggs underperform.
Justin Tucker – K, Baltimore Ravens
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Tucker’s resume is nearly spotless, but the Ravens spent a draft pick on Tyler Loop, and that says a lot. With off-field concerns swirling and a younger option on the roster, his job security suddenly looks shaky. His untouchable days might end if Loop delivers in preseason.
Christian Watson – WR, Green Bay Packers
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A torn ACL ended Watson’s 2024 season, and Green Bay brought in two high-upside receivers through the draft. His rookie deal runs through 2025, but if the new guys make an impact quickly, he could slide down the depth chart or be traded
Russell Wilson – QB, New York Giants
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Wilson’s one-year stop in New York could be his last chance to salvage a starting role. The Giants made it clear where the future lies by drafting Jaxson Dart. Jameis Winston is in the building, too, and Wilson’s grip on QB1 is already loose.
Nakobe Dean – LB, Philadelphia Eagles
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The Eagles signed Zack Baun to a long-term deal and used a first-rounder on Jihaad Campbell. Dean’s 2024 season ended with a torn patellar tendon, and he now enters a contract year. That leaves him as the odd man out unless he recovers quickly and dominates early.