We recently examined each NFL team’s most likely candidate to one day make the Hall of Fame. Who are the future Hall of Famers in the NFC?
Today, let’s break down who has the best case for Canton on each NFC team.
Each NFC Team’s Most Likely Player to Make Hall of Fame
Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker
Despite playing just seven NFL seasons, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has built up quite a résumé. Baker has already earned six trips to the Pro Bowl, while also being named an All-Pro three times. At just 28 years old, he’s established himself as a top safety in the league with the potential to create a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins
Despite not becoming a full-time starting quarterback until his fourth season in the NFL, Kirk Cousins is among the greats statistically. He’s currently 24th all-time in career passing yards, ahead of several Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Cousins is also 20th all-time in career passing touchdowns, trailing the great Joe Montana by just three scores.
Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown
The Carolina Panthers are a young team with plenty of promising talent. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown has posted some eye-opening numbers to start his NFL career, which makes him a potential Hall of Famer way, way down the road.
Despite playing DT, Brown recorded 103 total tackles and seven tackles for loss in 2023.
Chicago Bears: Keenan Allen
Following his departure from the Los Angeles Chargers, Keenan Allen represents the most likely current Hall of Fame candidate for the Chicago Bears.
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Allen is 26th all-time in total receptions, trailing Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce by just three receptions. Allen has earned six trips to the Pro Bowl and should flourish in Chicago over the next few years.
Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin
Many believed Zack Martin would be a Pro Bowl-caliber NFL guard, but he’s far exceeded expectations with the Dallas Cowboys. Martin has developed into one of the best guards in league history and has been named an All-Pro in nine of 10 professional seasons.
When Martin retires, he likely won’t have to wait long before making a trip to Canton.
Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell has earned several notable accolades despite only playing three NFL seasons. Sewell has emerged as the best right tackle in the league, earning two trips to the Pro Bowl and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023.
At just 23 years old, Sewell could certainly be enshrined in the Hall of Fame someday.
Green Bay Packers: Kenny Clark
Although the Green Bay Packers are loaded with young talent, it’s hard to pinpoint a potential Hall of Fame candidate. One candidate, 28-year-old DT Kenny Clark, has earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and continues to put up respectable sack totals. While it’s unlikely that he’ll be enshrined in Canton, Clark could be Green Bay’s best option.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford was quietly building a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé with the Lions.
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Once he was traded to the Rams, Stafford won the Super Bowl and established himself as an eventual Hall of Famer. Stafford is 11th all-time in both total passing yards and total passing touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is off to an absurd start to his NFL career. Despite playing just four seasons, Jefferson already has nearly 6,000 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. Even in his “down year,” Jefferson crossed the 1,000-yard mark, despite playing just 10 games.
New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan
As New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan nears the end of his career, he’s put together a legitimate Hall of Fame résumé.
Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and currently ranks 23rd all-time in total sacks. He ranks ahead of players such as J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald on that list.
New York Giants: Dexter Lawrence
Given that the New York Giants are embracing a youth movement, there aren’t any solidified Hall-of-Fame candidates on the current roster. Still, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is an intriguing option.
At 26 years old, “Sexy Dexy” is a two-time All-Pro who is becoming one of the best defensive interior threats in the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson
Following the retirement of both Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, Lane Johnson is next in line to become a Hall of Famer.
Johnson held the title of best right tackle in the NFL for several years before being unseated by Sewell in 2023. Regardless, Johnson is a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring on his hand.
San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams somehow ages like a fine wine while playing such a physical position. Despite being 35 years old, Williams is still regarded as the best offensive tackle in the NFL.
Williams has earned 11 trips to the Pro Bowl and four All-Pro nods. If the Niners can manage to win the Super Bowl, it could be the cherry on top of his Hall-of-Fame career.
Seattle Seahawks: DK Metcalf
The Seattle Seahawks lack a clear-cut Hall of Fame option on the current roster. Therefore, 26-year-old WR DK Metcalf represents the best Hall of Fame chance in Seattle.
Metcalf has eclipsed the 900-yard receiving mark in each of his first five NFL seasons while also earning two trips to the Pro Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is one of the most underappreciated players in NFL history. Since arriving in 2014, he’s been the definition of consistency at the position.
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Evans has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in all 10 seasons of his career. He’s 13th all-time in receiving yards and should be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he retires.
Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner
Although Bobby Wagner just joined the Washington Commanders, he’s easily the best Hall of Fame candidate on the team’s roster.
Wagner has put together a Hall of Fame résumé, including a Super Bowl title with the Seahawks. The 34-year-old linebacker is a 10-time All-Pro with nine trips to the Pro Bowl.