Training camp is officially underway around the NFL. Each team is optimistic at this point of the year, and the impact of a potential wild-card player could be monumental.
While the definition of a wild-card player is up for interpretation, there are several different characteristics to watch for. As it pertains to training camp, a wild card could have an immense impact on roster construction and the potential of the team.
A star player returning from injury, a role player competing for a starting job, and an underrated rookie could all be potential examples of wild-card candidates. Now it’s time to highlight a wild card for each NFL team in training camp.
1 Wild Card for Every NFL Team in Training Camp
Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson
The Arizona Cardinals surprised many teams last season, as James Conner helped lead the team’s rushing attack. Yet, Conner’s success didn’t stop the Cardinals from drafting Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Benson was viewed by many as the top running back in this year’s draft class and could help take Arizona’s offense to another level, potentially creating a two-headed monster alongside Conner.
Atlanta Falcons: Darnell Mooney
After bursting onto the scene in 2021 by eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards, Darnell Mooney has underwhelmed in each of the last two seasons. Nevertheless, the Atlanta Falcons have signed Mooney to a multi-year contract.
If Mooney can showcase his explosiveness once again, he could help form a dangerous group of weapons around Kirk Cousins in Atlanta.
Baltimore Ravens: Trenton Simpson
Following the departure of Patrick Queen in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens suddenly have a notable void to fill at linebacker. However, second-year LB Trenton Simpson could showcase his skills during training camp and replace Queen in Baltimore.
After playing just 46 defensive snaps last season, Simpson could earn a much bigger role in 2024.
Buffalo Bills: Curtis Samuel
It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills have revamped the team’s wide receiver room this offseason. With that said, Curtis Samuel could be the ultimate wild card for Buffalo’s offense.
Given his versatility and experience working with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Samuel could prove to be a key target for Josh Allen and enjoy a career year in 2024.
Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn
When Jaycee Horn is on the field, there’s no denying that he has the potential to be a shutdown cornerback for the Carolina Panthers. But he’s struggled to stay healthy and has played just 1,230 total snaps in the first three years of his NFL career.
If Horn can stay healthy in 2024, he could help the Panthers bounce back from the team’s embarrassing performance last season.
Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter Sr.
When the Chicago Bears traded for Montez Sweat, the defense took a significant step forward. Lost in the hype behind Sweat’s arrival was the growth of rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.
As Dexter heads into his second year with the Bears, he’s projected to start and will look to build on his strong ending to last season, having totaled 2.5 sacks in four games.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is ultimately going to decide how far the Cincinnati Bengals go this upcoming season. But despite how important Burrow is to the Bengals, he’s also recovering from an incredibly rare wrist injury.
While it’s safe to assume that Cincinnati will be a Super Bowl contender if Burrow is on the field, he’ll need to prove that his wrist isn’t a concern.
Joe Burrow is back. 🐅 pic.twitter.com/jxgaNWGLEl
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) July 23, 2024
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns have assembled an impressive roster that reached the playoffs despite several different starting quarterbacks last season. Yet, Deshaun Watson should now be healthy and in a great position following the addition of Jerry Jeudy.
The Browns went 5-1 in Watson’s six starts last season and his availability is a huge wild card for Cleveland in 2024.
Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton
After moving on from long-time starting left tackle Tyron Smith, the Dallas Cowboys are heading in a different direction in 2024. Although the Cowboys are viewed as a contender in the NFC, the play of first-round pick Tyler Guyton could decide the team’s fate.
Guyton will have huge shoes to fill at left tackle, and he’ll need to step up from Day 1 in Dallas.
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams
Although Troy Renck of The Denver Post believes Javonte Williams could potentially be cut, I believe the fourth-year running back still has a ton of potential.
MORE: Simulate the 2024 NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
Despite additions that Denver has made to the team’s backfield this offseason, Williams still seems like the Broncos’ best RB. If he can return to the form that he showed as a rookie, Williams could make things interesting in Denver.
Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams
It’s time for Jameson Williams to live up to his draft slot for the Detroit Lions. While Williams was able to sneak through his first two NFL seasons, the Lions will rely on him as the WR2 in 2024. If he can showcase the blazing speed that he put on display at Alabama, Williams could help take the Lions even further this upcoming season.
Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard
The Green Bay Packers underwent a makeover at safety this offseason after signing Xavier McKinney to a massive deal in free agency. The Packers also added multiple safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft, headlined by second-round pick Javon Bullard. The 21-year-old was a force at Georgia and could take Green Bay’s defense to another level in 2024.
Houston Texans: Calen Bullock
The Houston Texans already had a promising safety duo in Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward, yet they opted to select Calen Bullock in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bullock was regarded as one of the top safeties in this year’s draft class and could make an immediate impact in Houston.
While the Texans’ offense is getting all of the attention, the defense could be just as strong this season.
Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods
Following the Indianapolis Colts’ surprising success last season, there is some hype around the team in 2024.
While several intriguing passing targets surround Anthony Richardson, Jelani Woods could be the team’s wild card. Woods is finally healthy and could showcase his absurd blend of size and athleticism at tight end in 2024.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr.
Once Calvin Ridley signed with the Tennessee Titans, the Jacksonville Jaguars knew it was time to acquire a new WR1 — which is exactly why the Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. in Round 1 this past draft cycle.
Thomas has legitimate star potential and could help Trevor Lawrence live up to his huge payday if he can thrive as Jacksonville’s top wide receiver in 2024 and beyond.
Kansas City Chiefs: Wanya Morris
Donovan Smith was the starting left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, who won their second consecutive Super Bowl last season. Yet, Smith is still a free agent, and the Chiefs are seemingly ready to hand the starting job to Wanya Morris.
The second-year OT allowed 20 total pressures in just four starts last season. It remains to be seen if Morris has improved in his second year, but he’s certainly the team’s biggest wild card in training camp.
Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Laube
Following the departure of long-time starting running back Josh Jacobs in free agency, many are expecting Zamir White to take over as RB1 in Las Vegas. However, rookie Dylan Laube could make things interesting for the Raiders, given his versatility and ability as a receiving threat.
Laube has the skill set to make an immediate impact in 2024.
UNH RB Dylan Laube had one of the single craziest games I’ve watched this season against Central Michigan:
12 catches, 295 yards, 2 TD. As an RB.
He’ll be at Holy Cross’ Pro Day on March 21st for NFL scouts to get more eyes on one of the best receiving backs in the class. pic.twitter.com/kgUmTicylS
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 19, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers: DJ Chark Jr.
The Los Angeles Chargers are embracing a bit of a youth movement at wide receiver in 2024. Despite all of the team’s young talent at the position, DJ Chark Jr. could be the wild card for the Chargers. The 27-year-old might be the older veteran of the group, but he could flourish with Justin Herbert throwing him the ball.
Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum
Kyren Williams took the fantasy football world by storm last season with his impressive performance. Yet, the Los Angeles Rams made a notable addition to the team’s backfield by selecting Blake Corum in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Corum proved that he can be a reliable workhorse at Michigan and could make things interesting for the Rams in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Calais Campbell
Pro Football Network’s Adam H. Beasley highlighted Calais Campbell as a potential wild card candidate for the Miami Dolphins. Following the departure of Christian Wilkins in free agency, the Dolphins were missing an interior presence along the defensive line. Although he’s 37 years old, Campbell is still a legitimate pass-rushing threat at this point in his NFL career.
Minnesota Vikings: Trent Sherfield Sr.
Although the Minnesota Vikings have a dynamic WR duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, things could get interesting at WR3.
K.J. Osborn left in free agency, and now many assume Brandon Powell will fill that void in Minnesota. However, the Vikings signed Trent Sherfield Sr. in free agency, and it’s possible he beats out Powell for the spot, given his flashes of potential in 2022 and his blocking ability.
New England Patriots: Jonathan Jones
PFN’s Dakota Randall highlighted Jonathan Jones as a potential wild card candidate for the New England Patriots. Although the Patriots are ready to embrace a new era, they’ll still be relying on Jones as the likely CB2 in 2024. If healthy, he’s one of New England’s better defensive players, but he did miss the team’s OTAs practices.
New Orleans Saints: Payton Turner
The New Orleans Saints selected Payton Turner in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Yet, in three years, he has just three sacks.
While his NFL career has gotten off to a rough start, Turner could make an impact in 2024. If healthy, he might be able to finally showcase the pass-rushing skills that enticed the Saints over three years ago.
New York Giants: Daniel Jones
Despite flirting with several quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Giants are rolling with Daniel Jones once again.
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Jones is still recovering from a major injury and will need to prove that he can stay on the field. Nevertheless, the Giants added several offensive linemen this offseason, while also adding a potential superstar wide receiver in Malik Nabers. If Jones can stay healthy, he could replicate the success that he had in 2022.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
Similar to Burrow with the Bengals, the New York Jets are relying on Aaron Rodgers being healthy in 2024. After missing essentially all of last season due to a torn Achilles, Rodgers is eager to prove he’s still an elite quarterback.
The truth is, though, that Rodgers hasn’t played at an elite level since 2021. If the Jets want to have any chance of reaching the postseason and making significant noise, he’ll have to prove he can be the same quarterback that he was three years ago.
Philadelphia Eagles: Mekhi Becton
When the Philadelphia Eagles initially signed Mekhi Becton, many believed he would be the team’s swing tackle. However, Becton has reportedly inserted himself into the competition to start at right guard.
The 25-year-old could revitalize his NFL career by winning the starting job and contribute on a likely elite Eagles unit in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson is one of the greatest kick returners in NFL history, and the rule change was the main reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him. Yet, Patterson’s ability to also play both RB and WR could make things interesting in Pittsburgh.
Given the team’s lack of depth at both spots, Patterson could have a larger role than many expect him to have this upcoming season.
San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall
While the San Francisco 49ers continue to work through the contract situation with Brandon Aiyuk, the selection of Ricky Pearsall is looking smarter and smarter.
Pearsall made plenty of highlight plays at Florida and will look to carry that success over to San Francisco. If he shines during training camp, he could make the team’s potential decision to trade Aiyuk a bit easier.
Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II
The Seattle Seahawks have several proven players along the interior of the team’s defensive line. Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones, and Johnathan Hankins are all notable names.
However, first-round pick Byron Murphy II could make waves during his rookie season. Despite all of the veterans seemingly ahead of Murphy on the depth chart, he could finish his rookie season as the Seahawks’ best defensive lineman.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell
It’s no secret that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been missing a legitimate pass-rushing threat in recent years. YaYa Diaby showcased potential as a rookie, but Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has been underwhelming.
Therefore, Chris Braswell could be in line for a significant role if the second-round pick has a strong performance during training camp and preseason action.
Tennessee Titans: Nicholas Petit-Frere
The Tennessee Titans have cemented the left side of the team’s offensive line with JC Latham and Peter Skoronski, but there are legitimate concerns at right tackle.
Nicholas Petit-Frere is the projected starter, but his underwhelming play is worrisome. If Petit-Frere continues to struggle, he could single-handedly ruin all of the positive moves that the Titans have made on offense.
Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman
Cornelius Lucas is currently projected to be the starting LT for the Washington Commanders in 2024. But he’s not the most exciting option, as rookie offensive lineman Brandon Coleman offers significantly more upside.
Coleman tested as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in NFL history and could steal the job from Lucas in 2024.
