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With NFL training camps now underway, teams are gearing up for the 2024 season, and several veteran players might face the risk of losing their starting spots. Here’s a look at 12 such veterans, covering both offensive and defensive positions.
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While most quarterback positions are relatively stable, there’s a notable competition in Las Vegas between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Minshew, a recent addition with a two-year, $25 million contract, has a more established track record compared to O’Connell, who started 10 games for the Raiders last season. Although Minshew offers considerable experience, O’Connell showed promise, particularly in his last six starts of 2023. Head coach Antonio Pierce has hinted that O’Connell deserves the opportunity to prove himself as the starter. The Raiders may choose to give him this chance while keeping Minshew as a backup option if needed.
Najee Harris: By the end of last season, Jaylen Warren was increasingly sharing the workload with Harris and even outperformed him on a per-touch basis. Despite Harris' consistent role as the starter, the Steelers have not picked up his fifth-year option, and Warren’s rising role could lead to a shift in the backfield dynamic. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s emphasis on involving running backs in the passing game might further highlight Warren’s versatility over Harris.
Javonte Williams: Although Williams currently leads the Broncos' running back depth chart and has received praise for his slimmed-down physique, he’s facing competition from younger and potentially more dynamic backs. Williams is coming off a challenging season and is just two years removed from an ACL injury. The Broncos have drafted Audric Estimé and signed undrafted rookie Blake Watson, both of whom could challenge Williams for his starting role. Additionally, Jaleel McLaughlin is expected to get more opportunities this season. Given Williams' past struggles and the presence of these competitors, his position might be at risk.
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These training camps will be crucial as teams finalize their rosters and make key decisions about who will start in the upcoming season.
The 2023 first-round pick had an up-and-down rookie season, starting 10 of 17 games and finishing strong with eight starts in the final nine contests. Although expectations were high, especially after the Chargers released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen, Johnston's rookie year was underwhelming. New head coach Jim Harbaugh, who witnessed Johnston’s college prowess firsthand, had hoped for a breakout performance. Johnston famously caught six passes for 163 yards and a game-winning 76-yard touchdown against Harbaugh’s Wolverines in the 2022 College Football Playoff.
However, this summer’s reports suggest that Joshua Palmer has emerged as the leading receiver, with rookie Ladd McConkey potentially securing the slot position and DJ Chark possibly surpassing Johnston for the WR3 role.
With the Chargers expected to focus on a run-heavy game plan and utilize multiple tight-end formations, Johnston's chances to secure a significant role could be slim unless he quickly impresses the new coaching staff or if injuries create opportunities.
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This year is pivotal for Pierce, who has shown flashes of big-play potential but has yet to establish consistency in his first two NFL seasons. Despite playing 95% of the Colts' offensive snaps last year, he was targeted just 65 times (3.8 per game) and caught only 32 passes. These numbers are particularly low for a starting receiver, even with the quarterback instability the Colts faced. The team values Pierce’s blocking, but they need more production from their second receiver opposite Michael Pittman Jr.
With the addition of Adonai Mitchell in the second round, Pierce faces increased competition. Mitchell's raw talent and playmaking ability make him a strong contender for a significant role. Although Pierce’s affordable contract and the lack of depth at receiver could keep him on the roster, his future as a starter is uncertain, especially with second-year pro Josh Downs expected to handle the slot and Pierce having logged just four career special-teams snaps.
Smith-Schuster’s first season with the Patriots was less than stellar, marred by knee issues and a lack of chemistry with the offense. The Patriots’ overall struggles in 2023, coupled with Smith-Schuster’s underwhelming performance, have raised questions. Despite turning 28 in late November, he didn’t look much better during the offseason workouts.
With Pop Douglas and Kendrick Bourne (returning from an ACL tear) likely securing two spots, and draft picks Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker making the roster, there will be competition for remaining spots. Smith-Schuster will vie with Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton, and Jalen Reagor for one of the final roster spots. Given the Patriots' recent roster changes, a shift towards younger talent at the position wouldn’t be surprising.
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Believe it or not, Alie-Cox has been with the Indianapolis Colts since 2018, enduring three head coaches and ten different starting quarterbacks. Despite his longevity, he’s known for being inconsistent and has a few weaknesses in his game. With the Colts' tight end depth improving, the question arises: Is it time for the Colts to move on from him?
Last season, Drew Ogletree and Kylen Granson began to eat into Alie-Cox's playing time and starts. Additionally, Will Mallory had some standout performances toward the end of the season, suggesting he might deserve more snaps. The potential return of Jelani Woods, who showed promise in 2022 before injuries sidelined him last year, could also affect Alie-Cox’s role.
In 2023, Alie-Cox did not exceed 35 snaps in any game, which might make his "starter" designation more about title than function. While the Colts have kept him near the top of the depth chart, the $5.9 million owed to him in 2024 seems steep for a player who could face serious competition from younger, more affordable players.
For Conklin, there are two key factors that could help him reclaim his starting spot with the Cleveland Browns: his substantial salary from a big contract signed in late 2022 and his recent claim of being fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2023 season early.
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All three of the Browns' potential starting tackles are coming off significant knee injuries. Dawand Jones, who stepped in for Conklin last season, impressed as a rookie and might keep his spot, especially since the line seemed more cohesive with him at right tackle.
Conklin will have to compete with Jones for the right tackle spot or with Jedrick Wills Jr., who is entering a contract year, for the left tackle position. However, Conklin has mainly played right tackle throughout his career. Both Wills and Conklin need to come off the PUP list before any decisions are made. Conklin's $10.6 million cap hit this season could make him a trade candidate if Wills and Jones secure their spots.
Davenport has been listed as a starter for the Saints and Vikings in recent seasons, but injuries have frequently derailed those plans. He’s missed 21 of 51 games over the past three years and has only once played more than 13 games in a season.
The Lions signed Davenport with hopes that he could upgrade their defensive front, but his health is a major concern. Davenport started training camp on the PUP list, and the Lions are in need of a solid counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson. While Davenport is a well-rounded end with the potential to excel, his injury history opens the door for other candidates like Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston (another injury concern), and reigning CFL Defensive Player of the Year Mathieu Betts.
During his tenure with the Ravens, new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was known for his effective use of defensive versatility. Macdonald's innovative approach helped the Ravens achieve 108 sacks over 34 games, thanks to a collaborative effort that included standout performances like Justin Madubuike’s 13 sacks in one season. In 2022, the Ravens had 10 players with at least two sacks, and nine players reached that mark in 2023.
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Jones had a tough debut season with the Seahawks, finishing with just 4.5 sacks and frequently shifting roles from the interior to the edge. However, Macdonald values Jones' flexibility and plans to cross-train him at various positions, including linebacker, in the new defensive scheme.
Despite this, Jones might not secure a starting role. Jarran Reed and Leonard Williams are expected to handle most of the interior snaps, with rookie Byron Murphy II also slated for significant playtime. On the edge, Boye Mafe led the team with nine sacks last season, and Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor each had 9.5 sacks in 2022. Additionally, 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall will be vying for a spot with the new coaching staff.
Jones will likely play a role, but it might not be as a starter. This shift could actually increase his value per snap compared to last season.
For the Saints, Taylor was assigned starting nickel duties last season but struggled with coverage and tackling. He often gave up too much space and had inconsistent performances, revealing that he might not be the ideal fit for the nickel position.
With Marshon Lattimore expected to return to form and Paulson Adebo emerging as a standout, Taylor could remain in the nickel role, although he will face competition from second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry. Taylor's performance during camp will be crucial, especially if McKinstry makes an early impact.
Taylor seemed to perform better as an outside corner during his rookie season in 2022. Although the Saints don’t have exceptional depth at cornerback, Taylor could end up as the fourth cornerback by the start of the season.
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Grant, a former second-round pick, has underperformed despite earning a starting role for the past two seasons. His coverage issues and tackling inconsistencies have been problematic, leading to his benching in favor of seventh-round rookie DeMarcco Hellams toward the end of last season.
With the arrival of Raheem Morris and the new coaching staff, Grant will have the opportunity to prove himself. He is currently making starter’s money and is expected to compete for the position next to Jessie Bates III. Hellams, who was more reliable in coverage and tackling last season, will be a significant competitor. His praised intangibles also add to his value.
Grant’s cap hit of nearly $4 million makes him a high-cost player for the Falcons. If he does not perform well early in his fourth year, the new staff may not hesitate to make a change.
