While every NFL team enters each season optimistic about their rosters from top to bottom, there’s always one player who’s facing the most pressure ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of 2024, the list of players here are facing one of the following: Returning from a season-ending injury, entering a contract year, or needing a breakout campaign to guarantee they have a future in the league.
We recently identified the hot-seat player on every NFL team entering the 2024 season; today, let’s zero in on which NFC North players fit this description.
NFC North Players Under the Most Pressure This Season
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, Quarterback
Now we get into the subsequent top overall selection. Chicago is putting a lot on the line by trading for Keenan Allen, then trading away Justin Fields to clear room for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Williams.
The USC star will be expected to ignite the Bears right away and prove he’s an instant upgrade at QB in the Windy City.
Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver
The NFC runner-up Lions took a swing in 2022 by trading up in the draft to nab Williams. But the 12th overall pick has since underwhelmed. He only caught 24 passes last season and faces a make-or-break Year 3.
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Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes, Cornerback
We have our first defensive player facing the hot seat. The 29th overall pick of 2021 has started in a combined 11 games over the last two seasons. He’s also snatched just one interception across 25 total starts and hasn’t delivered a pass breakup since his rookie season.
Oh, Stokes is in the final year of his rookie deal, too.
Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold, Quarterback
Darnold has managed to stay in the league for seven seasons after being selected third overall, but he’s never stayed healthy in any of those campaigns. The Vikings, even with rookie J.J. McCarthy on board, present his fourth and potentially final NFL chance as a starting quarterback.