One Former Player Each NFL Team Would Bring Back in a Dream World

Imagine, for a moment, if the San Francisco 49ers could solve their problems at quarterback not with an unproven rookie, but with a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer in his prime?

Or that the Chicago Bears could solidify a leaky defense with arguably the greatest linebacker of all time instead of hoping a veteran can rehab a torn patellar tendon?

Or that the Cincinnati Bengals could replace the departed Andrew Whitworth with one of the best left tackles to ever play instead of hoping that Cedric Ogbuehi starts acting more like a football player and less like a matador.

OLE!

That's what we're going to do. With a combination of a time machine and a healthy dose of wishful thinking, we're hopping back in the wayback machine to pluck one player from each franchise's past who would best help each NFL team in 2017.

And that's the thing. We aren't just looking for the best player in each franchise's history. Fit and team needs are just as important. Johnny Unitas was a great quarterback, but with Andrew Luck on the roster, the Indianapolis Colts don't so much need a quarterback.

With that caveat in mind, the AFC East is up first.

AFC East

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Buffalo Bills

Quarterback Jim Kelly (1991)

Since this is a “dream world,” we’ll operate under the fantastic assumption that wide receiver Sammy Watkins will be able to stay healthy for more than 20 minutes this season.

And with that being the case, with all due respect to Tyrod “Hey It Could Be Worse” Taylor, the biggest benefit the Bills could get from a trip down memory lane is an upgrade at quarterback.

In 1991 Kelly had arguably his best season, topping 3,800 passing yards and leading the NFL with 33 touchdown passes. It was the lone season he was named a first-team All-Pro.

The “K-Gun” returns!

Now stay healthy, Sammy!

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback Dan Marino (1984)

Now, if you looked at this from a pure need standpoint, the Dolphins could use an offensive lineman like guard Bob Kuechenberg or Ed Newman, who combined made 10 Pro Bowls over their respective careers.

But come on, folks. With the skill-position talent the Dolphins have, there’s only one choice here.

It has to be Dan Marino.

More specifically, Dan Marino from 1984. That season (Marino’s second), he turned the NFL on its head, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 48 touchdowns and leading the Dolphins to a Super Bowl appearance. 

Those numbers would be great now. Then, they were just bonkers.

New England Patriots

Defensive End Richard Seymour (2003)

What do you get for the team that has everything?

It’s a testament to just how good the 2017 Patriots are that adding one of their all-time greats feels like a luxury.

Still, the Patriots could (like any other team) always use a boost on the offensive line, and despite adding Kony Ealy in a trade, the team’s defensive line is also a bit of a question.

A question Seymour would answer emphatically.

Capable of playing up and down the line in either a three- or four-man front, Seymour was a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and piled up 57 tackles and eight sacks during an All-Pro season in 2003.

New York Jets

Quarterback Joe Namath (1972)

I had the opposite problem with the Jets that I had with New England. Even an all-time Jets great isn’t saving this turkey of a team in 2017.

Not even Joe Willie.

In fact, Namath would be as likely as not to struggle on this Jets team. Even at his best, Namath had a penchant for throwing interceptions. During the season he’s known best for (1968), he threw more picks (17) than touchdown passes (15). In the two seasons preceding that Super Bowl year, Namath tossed a staggering 55 picks.

I went with his lone Pro Bowl season (1972), and even then Namath had more interceptions (21) than touchdowns (19).

But for all his faults Namath remains easily the most beloved player in Jets history (something about a game against the Colts), so at least the fans would get another chance to cheer for him.

NFC East

Ray Stubblebine/Associated Press

Dallas Cowboys

Cornerback Mel Renfro (1969)

The Dallas Cowboys have no shortage of talent on offense, but the team can use some help on defense, both up front and in the secondary.

It’s the latter we’ll focus on—although not with the player many will expect.

Mel Renfro spent his entire 14-year career prowling the back end for the Dallas Cowboys, first at safety and then as a cornerback. His first 10 seasons ended with Pro Bowl trips, including a 1969 campaign in which he led the NFL with an eye-popping 10 interceptions.

And lest you think that Renfro’s skills wouldn’t translate to today’s NFL, consider this: Renfro was a track star at the University of Oregon, and at 6'0" he has the size modern NFL teams covet at defensive back.

New York Giants

Linebacker Lawrence Taylor (1986)

Yes, the New York Giants defense was vastly improved in 2016 thanks to additions like defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. There might be more pressing needs on the offensive side of the ball.

But it doesn’t matter. Lawrence Taylor would provide a far bigger lift than any other former Giant. 

We aren’t talking about just any defensive player. We’re talking about arguably the most dominant defensive force in the history of the NFL.

Taylor was a 10-time Pro Bowler who redefined how we view his position. He tallied 132.5 sacks over his career, including an eye-popping 20.5 in a 1986 season that ended with Taylor winning the NFL MVP award and the Giants winning the Super Bowl.

You think that defense is good now? Add LT and see what happens.

Philadelphia Eagles

Cornerback Eric Allen (1993)

I know, I know. Reggie White. The “Minister of Defense.” Possibly the best defensive lineman to ever play in the NFL.

But there’s no denying that the secondary is a much more pressing need than the defensive line. Up front the Eagles have Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Vinny Curry, Chris Long and rookie Derek Barnett. In the defensive backfield the Eagles have, um, well…

See where I’m going with this?

Allen spent the first seven seasons of a standout NFL career in the City of Brotherly Love, racking up 34 interceptions and five Pro Bowl trips. That’s a hefty average of nearly five picks a season, and he ran back four for touchdowns in the 1993 season. 

Allen’s the only player to return at least three interceptions for scores in multiple seasons.

Washington Redskins

Cornerback Darrell Green (1991)

I thought about Joe Theismann here, but if you write his name three times, he appears like Beetlejuice and talks for an hour about Super Beta Prostate.

(Shudder)

The Redskins don’t have a glaring deficiency. However, there isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t like to have a pair of lockdown cornerbacks.

Like, say, Josh Norman and Darrell Green.

Green spent two full decades in the nation’s capital establishing himself as one of the best cornerbacks ever to play the game. He wasn’t the biggest player on the field (5'9"), but the seven-time Pro Bowler more than compensated for a lack of size with physicality and blazing speed.

Did I mention he was fast?

Man, was he fast.

AFC North

Anonymous/Associated Press

Baltimore Ravens

Tackle Jonathan Ogden (2002)

The Baltimore Ravens are at a bit of a disadvantage in this exercise, having only existed as a franchise for only 21 seasons.

But there still is a Hall of Famer who is an easy call for the team—and it isn't Ray Lewis.

Over 12 NFL seasons, Jonathan Ogden was a Pro Bowler 11 times. Per Bleacher Report’s Andrea Hangst (via the Baltimore Sun), Trent Dilfer said of playing behind the big man, “It would be an understatement to say playing behind him was a good feeling.”

That’s a feeling I think Joe Flacco could get used to—just as Ronnie Stanley will have to get used to playing on the right side.

Cincinnati Bengals

Tackle Anthony Munoz (1988)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is two entirely different quarterbacks if he has a clean pocket versus defenders in his face. He was the latter all too often in 2016, and the Bengals lost their two best offensive linemen in free agency this spring.

I can’t patch both holes in that line, but I can get one of them—and then some.

Nine times in 13 years Anthony Munoz was a first-team All-Pro. He made the Pro Bowl 11 times and was named a member of both the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and the league’s 75th Anniversary team.

Some consider Munoz the greatest left tackle to ever play the game. He is definitely on the shortlist.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback Otto Graham (1953)

As a Browns fan, I almost feel like I’m committing blasphemy by not selecting Jim Brown. He is the greatest player in the history of the NFL—at any position.

However, here’s a news flash for you—the Browns need a quarterback. They’ve needed one sine re-entering the NFL almost two decades ago.

And Otto Graham is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play.

A three-time NFL MVP, Graham was the first quarterback in league history to operate from the new-fangled invention head coach Paul Brown called “the pocket.” Graham and Brown completely changed the way pro football was played.

Graham played in 10 straight championship games in the AAFC and NFL from 1946 to 1955, and he still holds NFL records for yards per pass attempt and winning percentage by a quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cornerback Mel Blount (1975)

For many years the Steelers were defined by their defense, and that all started with the “Steel Curtain” teams of the 1970s. In recent years though, that defense has slipped.

Let’s give it a boost.

Mel Blount was all about getting physical with receivers—so much so that the league changed the rules in 1977 to prevent him from slapping them silly as they made their way down the field.

That five-yard window for contact? That’s the “Mel Blount Rule.”

Still, the 1975 Defensive Player of the Year is a Hall of Famer who spent 14 years in the Steel City.

If I’m going to give the Steelers secondary help, it’s gotta be Blount Force Trauma.

Now behave, Mel.

NFC North

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Chicago Bears

Linebacker Dick Butkus (1969)

There will no doubt be criticisms of this pick. The Bears have a pair of veteran inside linebackers in Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. What they don’t have is a quarterback. Or a Walter Payton.

However, Jordan Howard ranked second in the NFL in rushing as a rookie, and the sad truth is the Bears don’t have a quarterback in their franchise’s history that screams “all-time great.”

Or even mumbles it.

Dick Butkus did plenty of screaming over nine seasons in the NFL. So did the people he chased down and either tackled or beat up—depending on who you ask.

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro, Butkus would have to dial back the aggression a touch in 2017. But the Bears could use some mean.

Detroit Lions

Running Back Barry Sanders (1997)

This is another no-brainer.

Last year, the Detroit Lions ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing. The team gained 1,310 yards on the ground over the course of the season, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt.

Barry Sanders topped that number all by himself in eight of his 10 NFL seasons. The lowest average of his career was over half a yard higher, and Sanders averaged five yards a carry for his career.

Sanders’ 1997 campaign was the finest year of a career filled with finery. That year, Sanders piled up 2,053 rushing yards at a gaudy 6.1 yards a pop on the way to winning the league’s MVP award.

He was, as Dennis Hopper put it so well, “A cannonball loose inside a pinball machine.”

Green Bay Packers

Cornerback Charles Woodson (2009)

This was one of the more difficult calls in this article. Leaving Reggie White off a second team just seems…wrong.

But as was demonstrated clearly in last year’s NFC Championship Game, the Green Bay Packers need help in the secondary more than they need pass-rushers.

And when you talk about the Green Bay secondary, one name tops the list.

In 2009, Charles Woodson had the finest season of a career that will land him in Canton. Woodson piled up 74 total tackles, intercepted nine passes and forced four fumbles for the Packers. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

Oh, and three of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receiver Randy Moss (2003)

Sorry, Vikings fans. No Adrian Peterson circa 2012. I decided that active players aren’t eligible.

Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford will just have to console himself with another nearly unstoppable offensive weapon.

In each of his first six seasons with the Vikings, Randy Moss went over the 1,000-yard mark. In five of those years, Moss scored 10 or more touchdowns. He led the NFL in that category three times over that stretch, made four Pro Bowls and was the 1998 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

2003 was the high-water mark statistically—111 receptions, 1,632 yards and a staggering 17 touchdowns.

All Bradford would have to do is drop back and chuck it in Moss’ general direction.

He’ll take care of the rest.

AFC South

Patric Schneider/Associated Press

Houston Texans

Wide Receiver Andre Johnson (2009)

The Houston Texans have only been in existence for 15 years. Many of those seasons are best forgotten. And it can be argued (persuasively) that the best player in franchise history is not only still on the team but just now hitting his prime.

His name’s Justin, but his friends call him J.J.

However, the Texans can still look to their past for some help in the passing game, even if that past is pretty recent.

One of the constants through much of Texans history was the play of seven-time Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson, who piled up three seasons of over 1,500 receiving yards with the team despite often sketchy play under center.

The best of those years was 2009, when Johnson amassed 101 catches, 1,569 yards and nine scores.

Indianapolis Colts

Safety Bob Sanders (2007)

What could have been—that will always be the epitaph for the career of Bob Sanders.

Back in 2007, Sanders appeared to be on his way to superstardom with the Colts. That year he did a little bit of everything—96 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts that season.

But injuries derailed Sanders' career. From 2008-2011, Sanders managed just 54 tackles and two picks. He missed 53 of a possible 64 games over that span, and by 2012 his NFL career was over.

The Colts took all kinds of steps to get better on defense in 2017, but imagine the difference a healthy Sanders could make for the team on the back end.

Now that’s a dream scenario.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tackle Tony Boselli (1998)

Speaking of dream scenarios, we’ll assume Blake Bortles will be able to recapture his 2015 form and get his career back on track. Upgrading his protection would undoubtedly help.

And to do that, the first-ever draft pick made by the expansion Jaguars in 1995 would be ideal. 

Much like Bob Sanders, Tony Boselli’s career was cut short by injuries. But from the time the Jaguars selected him second overall in 1995 through his last full season in 2000, Boselli was one of the best blind-side tackles in the game.

From 1996-2000, Boselli made five consecutive Pro Bowls. Three times over that stretch Boselli was also named a first-team All-Pro, and in 1998 he was the NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Tennessee Titans

Guard Bruce Matthews (1992)

In tackles Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin, the Tennessee Titans already have a pair of fine young bookends.

Adding Bruce Matthews in the middle of that line would take things to another level.

Over a phenomenal 19-year Hall of Fame career, Matthews did it all. He was a 14-time Pro Bowler playing both guard and center.

Matthews was also one of the most durable players at any position in NFL history. Over those 19 seasons, Matthews played in all 16 games in 18. The only year in which he missed time was 1987, when he was abducted by aliens.

He escaped. After conquering their entire planet.

NFC South

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Atlanta Falcons

Cornerback Deion Sanders (1991)

Another tough call. It’s tempting to reunite Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and tight end Tony Gonzalez. We’ve seen what they can do together. But “Gonzo” was on the downslope of his fantastic career by the time he got to Hotlanta.

I do that because a friend told me it makes the locals nuts.

What we haven’t seen, however, is an Atlanta secondary featuring Desmond Trufant on one side and the man many consider the best ball hawk in NFL history on the other.

Back in the halcyon days of 1991, Deion Sanders was a still a pup—bouncing back and forth across the Atlanta sports landscape from the Braves in the summer to the Falcons in the fall.

In his third NFL season, “Prime Time” truly arrived. Sanders picked off six passes that year, made his first Pro Bowl and even registered his only career sack.

Carolina Panthers

Wide Receiver Steve Smith (2005)

This is a movie we’ve seen before. And it didn’t end well.

In fact, Smith himself told the NFL Network’s A Football Life that his time in Carolina ended in part because he had no interest in helping a young Cam Newton work though his growing pains.

But in Dreamland there are no hurt feelings. No personality clashes. Just talent.

And in 2005, Smith had boatloads of talent. He led the NFL across the board that year with 103 receptions, 1,563 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Besides, I’ll wager Smith can whip Kelvin Benjamin into shape in no time.

Possibly literally.

Better ice up, son.

New Orleans Saints

Linebacker Sam Mills (1992)

If you’ve watched the New Orleans Saints play much over the past few years, then you know their defense is, um, yeah.

So it’s time to get them a little help.

Get it? Little? Come on! That’s Gold, Jerry! GOLD!

Sam Mills may have been 5’9” and 229 pounds (standing on a brick with two more in his pockets), but the former Saints and Panthers great didn’t play little. Over 12 NFL seasons, Mills was named to five Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro squad.

His 1992 season was his best in the Big Easy. That year, Mills tallied a career-high 130 tackles, adding three sacks and four forced fumbles.

The late '80s and early '90s was when I became well and truly hooked on the NFL. And during that time, there wasn’t a more fun player to watch than the little linebacker with the huge chip on his shoulder.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Safety John Lynch (1999)

Sorry, San Francisco 49ers. You’re going to have to find a new general manager. Yours was just recalled to active duty.

There may well have been better players on the Buccaneers' Super Bowl team than safety John Lynch. Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks leap to mind.

But the Buccaneers have a three-technique tackle in Gerald McCoy and a pair of immensely talented young linebackers in Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David.

What they don’t have is a safety close to the talent level of Lynch, who received both of his first-team All-Pro nods while with the Bucs.

Lynch had any number of great seasons in Tampa, but we’ll go with the 1999 campaign, when he set a career best with 117 total tackles.

AFC West

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Denver Broncos

Quarterback John Elway (1993)

You can look at this one of two ways. If you trust in Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch at quarterback, it makes sense here to give them a Hall of Fame tailback with a 2,000-yard season on his resume in Terrell Davis.

Or you can do the right thing and give the Broncos back the best quarterback in franchise history.

I’m well aware that Elway’s MVP season (1987) and best statistical year passing (1993) pale when compared to Peyton Manning’s onslaught on the record books in 2013. Elway had one 4,000-yard season in his career. Manning had 14.

But there’s no way I’m reaching into Denver’s past for a signal-caller who isn’t No. 7.

No way.

Kansas City Chiefs

Linebacker Derrick Thomas (1990)

There was plenty of temptation to go another direction with the Chiefs—in no small part because they already have a pair of excellent rush linebackers in Justin Houston and Dee Ford.

But when I first started considering which Chief to add to the team, one name leapt into my head and just flatly refused to leave.

Derrick Thomas was just that good.

Over 11 seasons in the NFL, Thomas made it to nine Pro Bowls. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989, led the NFL with 20 sacks in 1990 and finished his Hall of Fame career with 126.5.

He’s also the only player in NFL history to have seven sacks in a single game.

Does Thomas fix Kansas City’s wide receiver issues? Nope.

But there isn’t one in their history worth passing on one of the best pass-rushers to ever lace them up.

Los Angeles Chargers

Linebacker Junior Seau (1992)

It’s deeply saddening that, for many fans, Junior Seau will be remembered more for how he died than how he lived.

Because when he prowled between the lines for the Chargers there was no one quite like him. Seau could do everything. Fight off blocks and stuff the run. Cover backs and tight ends. Rush the passer.

And he did it all at an elite level.

1992 was just a typical season for the 12-time Pro Bowler—102 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

As John Elway tweeted after Seau's death, “He played the game the way it was meant to be played” (h/t San Diego Union-Tribune).

That’s one heck of an understatement.

Oakland Raiders

Defensive End Howie Long (1985)

The Oakland Raiders are set on offense. Whether it’s at quarterback with Derek Carr, the offensive skill positions or along the offensive line, the Silver and Black has as much talent on that side of the ball as any team in the NFL.

Defense is another story. The Raiders have a DPOY candidate in edge-rusher Khalil Mack, but as good as Mack is, he can’t do it alone. He needs a playmate.

Khalil, meet Howie. Howie, this is Khalil.

Over 13 seasons in Los Angeles and Oakland, Howie Long made it to eight Pro Bowls and was a two-time first-team All Pro. He piled up 84 sacks over that span, including 10 in his co-Defensive Player of the Year season in 1985.

Long was much more than just a pass-rusher. He was also ferocious against the run, and paired with Mack?

Just win, baby.

NFC West

TOM GANNAM/Associated Press

Arizona Cardinals

Cornerback Aeneas Williams (1994)

The Arizona Cardinals have a Pro Bowl cornerback in Patrick Peterson. However, the team also has a sizable hole opposite him.

A Hall of Fame corner who is one of the more underrated players at the position of his generation should remedy that quite nicely.

Before moving on to the St. Louis Rams, Aeneas Williams spent the first 10 years of his NFL career as one of the few bright spots on some bad Cardinals teams. Six of those seasons ended with an invitation to play in Hawaii, and Williams snared 46 of his 55 career interceptions in the desert—including a career-high nine back in 1994.

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback Kurt Warner (1999)

Sorry Jared. I know you were the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. But it just isn’t going to work out. It’s not you, it’s me.

Well, actually, it’s Kurt.

You see, the Rams were able to bring back the man who led the team from the wastelands of NFL mediocrity to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. The maestro of The Greatest Show on Turf, an offensive onslaught unlike anything the NFL had ever seen before.

In 1999, the Rams thought their season was toast when starter Trent Green tore his ACL in a preseason game. Over 4,300 passing yards and 41 touchdowns later, the Rams were holding up the Lombardi Trophy and Warner had completed the most unlikely ascension to greatness in NFL history.

Now that he’s back, Jared, have a seat.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Joe Montana (1990)

I have a newsflash for you. A shocking revelation so astounding you should probably sit before continuing lest you fall over and bonk your head.

The San Francisco 49ers need a quarterback.

The Niners are in something of a unique position in that regard. In Steve Young and Joe Montana, the team has not one but two signal-callers on the shortlist of the best to over throw a football in the NFL.

But I didn’t consider Young for even a second. Because he isn’t Joe Montana.

Montana didn’t have Young’s wheels. Or Dan Marino’s arm. What he does have are eight Pro Bowl trips, three first-team All-Pro selections and two NFL MVP awards.

Oh, and four Super Bowl wins in four tries with three game MVP nods and two comeback wins in the final minutes.

Joe Montana won football games. At a 72 percent clip during his time in San Francisco.

Seattle Seahawks

Tackle Walter Jones (2005)

The Seattle Seahawks are a good football team. Their offensive line is not. Last year, Football Outsiders ranked Seattle 26th in run-blocking and 25th in pass protection. Neither of those numbers inspires cartwheels.

We’ve reached the point where the Seahawks signed Luke Joeckel because they think he’ll make things better for Seattle’s offensive line.

Walter Jones would actually accomplish that improvement. In a big way. Jones is easily the best lineman in franchise history, a nine-time Pro-Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro who was consistently dominant in all facets of the game.

A member of the NFL’s All-2000s team and the NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2005, Jones’ arrival via the wayback machine would be Christmas come early for Russell Wilson and Eddie Lacy.