Some gamers are already feeling the warmth by means of 13 weeks of the NFL season.
At this level, most groups in all probability know whether or not they need to make roster modifications in 2025. Listed here are 5 gamers on the most popular seats and a prediction for every:
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
Is it time for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. to switch Cousins?
In Sunday’s 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Cousins threw a season-high 4 interceptions. In his postgame news conference, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris mentioned he is not planning on benching Cousins. If the QB retains struggling, the coach could change his thoughts.
Atlanta (6-6) has misplaced three straight video games. During this stretch, Cousins has six interceptions and no TD passes, posting a subpar 38.8 QBR.
The Falcons in all probability will not launch Cousins — who’s within the first yr of a four-year, $180M deal — this upcoming offseason. Per Spotrac, chopping him with a post-June 1 designation would incur $40M in useless cap in 2025 and $25M in 2026.
Still, don’t be surprised if No. 8 overall pick Penix debuts sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Falcons bench Cousins and have him battle with Penix for starting job in 2025.
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers, 41, recently told ESPN’s Pat McAfee he is uncertain whether or not he’ll play in 2025. The QB mentioned the Jets can be his “first choice” if he does. New York, nonetheless, could divorce him.
Rodgers underwent Achilles surgical procedure in 2023. Clearly, the damage may nonetheless be affecting him. By 12 begins, he has a 3-9 document and has the fourth-lowest QBR (48.5) of his profession.
The four-time MVP additionally appears to be dropping his arm energy. In accordance with Pro Football Focus, he has accomplished 41.1% of his passes between 10-19 yards, thirty eighth out of 40 eligible QBs (min. 22 makes an attempt).
Spotrac estimates chopping or buying and selling Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation would yield $14M in useless cap in 2025 and $35M in 2026. Count on the Jets to maneuver on from him regardless of the bills.
On a Sunday episode of “NFL GameDay,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport mentioned Rodgers returning to the Jets subsequent season is a “lengthy shot.”
Prediction: Jets minimize Rodgers, and he indicators with a QB-needy group, maybe the Raiders or Titans.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker
Tucker appeared automated by means of his first 12 seasons, however he is not one of the vital correct kickers within the league.
In Sunday’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tucker missed an additional level and two area targets.
Following the loss, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told the media he is not planning on changing Tucker. Except Tucker snaps out of his funk, Harbaugh ought to rethink.
Tucker’s kicking woes may price Baltimore (8-5) within the playoffs. By his first 13 video games, the five-time first-team All-Professional has made a career-low 70.4% of his field-goal makes an attempt.
Prediction: Ravens bench Tucker earlier than common season ends and transfer on from him in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers edge-rusher Joey Bosa
Bosa — who agreed to a $7M pay minimize and $15M assure this previous offseason— has didn’t solidify his future with the franchise. By his first 9 video games, he has three sacks and 10 pressures, via Pro Football Reference.
The injury-riddled pass-rusher can not seem to keep wholesome, both. Bosa, 29, has battled hip and again points this season.
Bosa’s contract features a potential out this offseason. If the Chargers activate it, it is going to lead to $11.1M in dead cap. L.A. ought to attempt to commerce him earlier than chopping him.
Groups that need assistance at edge-rusher (Cardinals and Bengals?) could also be within the former Professional Bowler.
Prediction: The Chargers commerce or launch Bosa.
New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr
By his first 9 begins, Carr has accomplished 68.1% of his passes for 14 TDs and 4 interceptions, however he is 4-5.
Carr is within the second yr of a four-year, $150M deal, making him a possible minimize candidate in 2025. If he is nonetheless on the roster on the third day of the league yr in March, his 2025 salary ($30M) turns into absolutely assured. (His contract comprises a no-trade clause.)
Saints backup QB Spencer Rattler did not seem like the reply when he crammed in for an injured Carr earlier this season. The rookie out of South Carolina and Oklahoma went 0-3 in three begins, tossing one TD and two picks.
Spotrac projects the Saints can be $77.39M over the cap in 2025. As an alternative of signing a free agent, they might draft a QB, maybe Texas’ Quinn Ewers or Georgia’s Carson Beck.
Prediction: Saints launch Carr and draft his substitute.