NFL players may be under contract with their current team, but that doesn’t mean that’s the best spot for them.
There are plenty of those players across the league who could use a change of scenery, and we may see that unfold sooner rather than later for some now that training camp is underway.
Here are players who fit that description for each team in the NFC.
NFC Players Who Could Use a Change of Scenery
Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker, S
The Cardinals played well down the stretch in 2023, but they are still far away from contending. As impressive as their turnaround could be in 2024, it’s hard to see them competing for a playoff spot in a loaded NFC West.
Allowing a top safety like Baker to join a contender after years of playing for a bottom-feeder makes almost too much sense.
Atlanta Falcons: Avery Williams, RB/Return Specialist
Atlanta is a rare team that, despite not making the playoffs last season, has all the tools to end their drought. However, one player who could benefit from a move is Avery Williams, whose role as the designated returner may be gone due to the offseason arrival of Ray-Ray McCloud III.
Carolina Panthers: Miles Sanders, RB
When the Panthers signed Miles Sanders following the 2022 season, they felt they were adding a quality running back who could help set the tone for the top rookie quarterback they were going to draft.
Things haven’t worked out so well for the former Eagles starter.
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Sanders could use a change of scenery — especially to a team with a competent offensive line.
Chicago Bears: Khalil Herbert, RB
Before the offseason, Herbert and Chicago’s offense seemed poised for a breakout in the 2024 season thanks to the inclusion of Caleb Williams with the first-overall pick. The problem? Chicago also signed D’Andre Swift in free agency.
Herbert would benefit from being moved to a team in need of a running back more than anything else because he just won’t get the touches he needs in the Windy City.
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott, QB
Do the Cowboys actually want Dak Prescott as their quarterback? Because the constant need for the former fourth-round pick to prove himself worthy of a long-term deal is quite surprising overall.
Dallas can say all it wants about how important Prescott is to the organization, but it might just be time to allow him to succeed with another franchise that will appreciate him more.
Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, DT
Levi Onwuzurike is a 2021 second-round pick who has since been outplayed and replaced by third-round star Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader. He may not be the kind of high-upside player Detroit envisioned, but a change of scenery could do wonders here.
Green Bay Packers: AJ Dillon, RB
AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones were a part of one of the best running back duos in Green Bay’s illustrious history.
Now? Jones is in Minnesota, and the Packers have signed Josh Jacobs and drafted MarShawn Lloyd to form a new backfield tandem. Dillon remains a competent power back but would be best suited elsewhere.
Los Angeles Rams: John Johnson III, S
With Russ Yeast projected as the starting safety for Los Angeles this season, John Johnson III’s adequate play during 2023 could lead to him looking for a change of scenery once again. At a minimum, he could benefit from more playing time after logging the second-fewest snaps of his career (490) last season and recording only two interceptions.
Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith, S
There was talk before the offseason began that this could be it for star safety Harrison Smith in Minnesota. While a departure has not happened yet, the Vikings aren’t expected to be in playoff contention anytime soon. That could lead to Smith leaving for a contending team — especially later on in camp.
New Orleans Saints: Marshon Lattimore, CB
The Saints’ cap mess is one of the weirdest stories over the last few years, as void years continue to be punted into the future by the organization. Marshon Lattimore has been rumored to be on the trade block the last few years, and a clean break for both sides could be warranted as New Orleans decides to either stay in its current purgatory or try and begin a rebuild.
New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT
Are we sure the Giants’ Joe Schoen is a good general manager? His selection of Evan Neal hasn’t just been a bad pick, it’s completely caused a reshuffle of resources for the team over the last few years.
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It doesn’t look like New York trusts Neal to produce at a high level this season, so a change of scenery could be in order.
Philadelphia Eagles: James Bradberry, DB
After an All-Pro-caliber season in 2022, James Bradberry was one of the worst cornerbacks in the game in 2023 and may need a change of scenery after the Eagles dove deep into the defensive back class this past April. Bradberry still has some juice left, but training camp shapes up as a pivotal proving ground for him.
San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR
Similar to many players on this list, Brandon Aiyuk is named simply because he’s looking for a new deal, and it doesn’t sound like the 49ers want to give it to him. The 1,000-yard receiver can certainly lead a receiving room, but a change of scenery could be in order if contract negotiations don’t improve.
Seattle Seahawks: DK Metcalf, WR
It seems that one of Seattle’s dynamic receiving duo is going to be traded at some point over the next year. The question then becomes whether it will be Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf. Metcalf is looking for a new deal, and a change of scenery could mean that he gets the kind of contract he’s looking for.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is a 2021 first-round pick who’s had some bright spots but hasn’t produced the kind of results Tampa Bay has needed from a first-round edge rusher. A change of scenery could be useful as the Washington product still looks for his first breakout season.
Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes Jr., CB
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was seen as a reach for Washington in the 2023 NFL Draft, and his bad rookie season could be something that stays with him for a while. Dan Quinn could try to save him, but a change of scenery could be the best path forward for the young cornerback, especially considering this current regime didn’t draft him.