6 Players Who Would Benefit Most from Change of Scenery in 2024 NFL Offseason
A new atmosphere often provides a sense of optimism. For some, a change can give some long overdue fresh air into the lungs of their career.
While the focus for half of the league remains on fine-tuning their respective rosters for the playoff run to come, a list of players could have their eyes up toward the horizon where new surroundings (and new opportunity) could await.
Whether it's been a failed experiment as a veteran offseason addition, lack of development as a draft pick or just a flat-out drop in production, the following are a few names that could use a change of scenery before next fall.
Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
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A three-time All-Pro, Davante Adams remains one of the NFL's premier three-level threats.
A name that was thrown around at the trade deadline, he's been open about his frustration with Raiders brass. A departure this offseason could be best for both parties.
While a potential out in his contract doesn't come until 2025, there are plenty of teams that could use Adams' skills to take their offense to the next level, and many wouldn't hesitate if given the chance to grab one of the all-time best to lace them up.
Adams will have a long list of potential suitors, but finding the spot where he can win his first Super Bowl ring will likely earn the right to deploy his skill set.
Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
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The former second overall pick, Zach Wilson's departure from New York will mark the end of a failed experiment from top to bottom.
While he won't hit free agency for another few seasons should the Jets decide to keep him around, it's been a failed development process from his first days in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Although Wilson has played musical chairs with the bench and starting job this fall in trying to prove something to Jets brass, it remains Aaron Rodgers' job once he returns and a fresh start for Wilson looks more than warranted.
Similar to the approach San Francisco took with trading former third overall pick Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys, finding a suitor that will allow Wilson to come in with zero expectations could see him, potentially, compete for a starting gig should the necessary improvement come.
Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
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One of the league's best stories just a few short seasons ago, Elijah Mitchell has fallen into the shadow of Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.
A former sixth-round pick out of Louisiana-Lafayette, his 1,000-yard plus campaign in 2021 showcased him as one of the top young backs in the game. However, after team general manager John Lynch pulled the correct strings to acquire McCaffrey at the deadline last fall, Mitchell's workload has been nothing more than to provide a breather for his all-world teammate.
Although he remains just a play away from an uptick in volume should McCaffrey miss any time, Mitchell has proven he can holster a three-down workload of his own at the NFL level.
While another year remains on his rookie contract, a team in need of fresh legs could see Mitchell as the jolt of youth-infused energy they need to take a step on offense.
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Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
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Initially looked upon as a sparkling weapon to take Denver's offense to new heights, Jerry Jeudy has failed to live up to expectations.
The surroundings to produce in bunches are friendly with quarterback Russell Wilson and perimeter running mates Courtland Sutton and rookie Marvin Mims to draw attention away, but the production simply hasn't been enough.
While he remains near the top of all major receiving categories for the surging Broncos, he has yet to record a 100-yard game this fall and has just one touchdown catch to his name.
A fresh start for Jeudy, in the right situation, could see him evolve into the player many thought he'd be as a dynamic perimeter threat out of Alabama.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Commanders
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The final four games of the 2023 campaign could, and should, be Antonio Gibson's last in Washington.
A former Day 2 pick that was looked upon as the newfound three-down threat in the nation's capital, Gibson's inability to take care of the football ultimately moved him down the depth chart over the last few seasons (second-most fumbles (11) among all RBs since 2021).
While his athleticism and unique ability as a pass-catcher flashed in moments over the last few seasons, consistency lacked and the selection of Brian Robinson Jr (2022) ultimately spelled the end to a heavy workload.
Washington has attempted to use Gibson in a variety of ways to keep him active on game day (including as a kick returner) but a proven inability to take care of the football is the easiest way to find yourself on the sideline. With rookie sixth-rounder Chris Rodriguez also now in the fold for carries, exploring outside opportunities looks like the clearest path to volume for Gibson.
Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
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One of the NFL's premier free safeties, seven seasons in Arizona has seen the well run dry for Budda Baker.
With just one playoff appearance since his arrival, he wants to compete for a title, and playing out another full rebuild, this time under Jonathan Gannon, doesn't look to be in the cards.
While a trade failed to come to fruition after officially requesting one prior to this year's draft, or at the trade deadline in October, allowing Baker to pursue greener pastures could provide healthy capital to either side of a potential deal (free agent in 2025).
Still just 27 years old, he's as talented as they come at the safety spot and someone that deserves an opportunity to land within a unit ready to compete for a Lombardi Trophy.
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