Last season, Jordan Love had a pivotal season in his career. Even halfway through, we didn’t know which direction it was headed.
Love struggled early in his first season as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback, then caught fire late. He went from a question mark in early November to a tie for the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history this summer. His four-year, $220 million deal is a good lesson for all the players whose careers are at a crossroads this season.
Here are 10 high-profile players facing make-or-break seasons.
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson
Here are the stakes: Either Watson plays well this season or we can start talking about the Browns’ trade for him being the worst in NFL history. And his contract being one of the worst in NFL history. Watson hasn’t come close to living up to what Cleveland gave up for him in a trade or his $230 million fully guaranteed contract. He has had legitimate excuses, but those are going to wear very thin in Year 3 if he plays poorly again. He’s coming off shoulder surgery and that could affect him, but the Browns can’t wait forever to see a return on their investment. If Watson struggles again, the Browns are going to have to figure out what to do with him and his ridiculous contract. The Browns have the type of roster that can win a Super Bowl. They need their quarterback to be at that level too.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces a big 2024 season. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Carolina Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
The question with Horn isn’t really talent but health. Over the 2021 and 2023 seasons, Horn missed 25 of 34 regular-season games. He has played well when he has been on the field and the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option, which speaks to his ability. But durability matters too, and this is the season Horn has to show he can stay on the field.
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
Darnold couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. The former third overall pick of the draft didn’t succeed with the Jets…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nfl-preview-10-make-or-break-seasons-including-deshaun-watson-and-geno-smith-130029808.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-08-30 13:00:29
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