NFL players may be under contract with their current teams, but that doesn’t mean that’s the best spot for them. There are several players across the league who could use a change of scenery, and we may see that unfold sooner than later for some now that training camps are underway.
Here are some players who fit that bill for each of the AFC’s 16 teams.
AFC Players Who Could Use a Change of Scenery
Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, EDGE
When the Baltimore Ravens drafted David Ojabo in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the pick was widely viewed as a steal. Ojabo was a potential top-15 pick before tearing his Achilles at Michigan’s Pro Day.
Ojabo, however, has had a difficult time staying healthy, and he’s now entering his third season with seven tackles and two sacks for his career. Therefore, 2024 could be a make-or-break season for him in Baltimore.
Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, EDGE
Few contracts in history have blown up in the team’s face quite like Von Miller’s with the Buffalo Bills. Miller was a complete non-factor in eight games last season and could probably use a new team to try and capture another championship.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR
Tee Higgins wants a new deal, but the Bengals don’t want to give him one while paying Joe Burrow and, eventually, Ja’Marr Chase in the coming years. Higgins deserves a chance to make the money he’s looking for while he’s still capable of serving as a top option for an offense.
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB
When you’re the first quarterback to demand and receive a fully guaranteed contract, the pressure falls immediately on you to perform. Thus, it’s not a good look when your backup takes your offense and plays even better with it than you do.
Joe Flacco’s success highlights the reality of Deshaun Watson’s career — his best days might be behind him if he continues to struggle in Cleveland.
Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton, WR
The Broncos are in the very early stages of a rebuild, and a quality receiver like Courtland Sutton doesn’t deserve to sit through the rolling cast of quarterbacks currently competing for a starting job. Denver should allow Sutton the chance to find a team that can maximize his skill set at this current stage of his career.
Houston Texans: Dameon Pierce, RB
When teams make moves during the offseason to either acquire or draft a running back, it’s usually a sign they aren’t entirely thrilled with the current one on their roster.
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For the Texans, they may like the idea of pairing Joe Mixon with Dameon Pierce, but logic dictates that one of them will get the bulk of the carries in 2024.
Spoiler alert: It won’t be Pierce. That’s why a change of scenery could be in order.
Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Moore II, CB
Kenny Moore II is still considered one of the elite slot cornerbacks in the NFL, but it’s fair to question how good the Colts will be on the defensive side of the ball this season. If Moore is looking to find a way to get a Super Bowl ring, the odds aren’t high in Indianapolis. They could be with a new change of scenery, though.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, RB
It’s only a one-season sample, but the idea of Tank Bigsby as an effective complement to Travis Etienne Jr. never materialized in 2023. Therefore, it seems he could really use a change of scenery to jump-start his NFL career.
Even if he stays put, the 2024 season will be pivotal for Bigsby’s future in the league.
Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
At one point, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was considered an up-and-coming RB who fit nicely with what the Chiefs try to do on offense. Since being overtaken by Isiah Pacheco, though, CEH has struggled to see the field at all. He’s a player who desperately needs a change of scenery as soon as possible.
Las Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams, WR
Davante Adams may have stuck his neck out for Antonio Pierce to get the head coaching job, but the reality is that the Raiders may not be competitive in 2024. Should that happen, Adams — who is already over 30 years old — should look to get out and try to join his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, in New York.
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Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR
To say that Quentin Johnston’s rookie season was a disaster would be an understatement. The TCU product dropped key passes during games, couldn’t get open, and struggled to see the field during his first season with the team. Jim Harbaugh is now the head honcho in L.A., and the change in coaching regime could lead to Johnston getting a chance for a fresh start with a new team within the next few months.
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Wilson Jr., RB
When given the opportunity, Jeff Wilson Jr. has been pretty good throughout his NFL career. The problem? He’s currently buried on the Dolphins’ running back depth chart.
Wilson may benefit from a move to a team that could use a player averaging over 4.5 yards per carry throughout his career.
New England Patriots: Matthew Judon, EDGE
Much like the Minnesota Vikings, the Patriots aren’t going anywhere this year with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. That means some of their aging stars — like Matthew Judon — would be better off moved to contending teams for additional draft picks to expedite the rebuild going on in Foxboro.
Therefore, Judon could eventually get a change of scenery, which he deserves after a distinguished first eight seasons.
New York Jets: Allen Lazard, WR
When the Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year deal in free agency last year, they hoped he could be the kind of quality second option behind Garrett Wilson they were searching for.
Lazard, however, struggled with drops, separation, and basic competency during the 2023 season and appears to be a borderline reserve player for 2024. He could really benefit from a change of scenery if things don’t work out in training camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB
There’s an argument to be made that Najee Harris is the best power running back in the NFL right now. Yet, that doesn’t mean he’s a perfect fit for Pittsburgh.
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As the Steelers develop a new offense with Arthur Smith, Harris could be the odd man out. A team better suited for his talents would make much more sense, especially after Pittsburgh declined to exercise Harris’ fifth-year option.
Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR
Treylon Burks had the dubious distinction of being the draft pick the Titans gained for trading A.J. Brown. However, he hasn’t been able to produce at a true level of competency through his first two years.
Tennessee has mentioned it wants Burks to compete on special teams this year, but a move off the roster could be in order.