In the NFL, a change of scenery can sometimes lead to revitalization for a player's career. One notable example is Sam Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick, who shifted from a struggling tenure to receiving MVP votes and earning a Pro Bowl selection while playing for the Minnesota Vikings last season. Darnold's transformation is a reminder that players often find renewed success through relocation, and as training camps begin and the regular season approaches, a look at veterans who could gain from a fresh start is timely.

Focusing on players who remained with their teams from the previous season, one intriguing case is Kayshon Boutte of the New England Patriots. Despite a rocky start—including a significant drop in production during his college career and legal troubles that caused him to fall to the sixth round of the NFL Draft—Boutte's 2024 season showed promise with 43 receptions and 589 yards. However, the Patriots have added significant depth to their wide receiver corps, signing both Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins while also drafting Kyle Williams. With competition from other returning players, Boutte could find himself buried on the depth chart, prompting speculation that a trade might benefit both him and the team.

Another veteran to consider is Kirk Cousins, who has recently found himself in a challenging position with the Atlanta Falcons after Michael Penix Jr. was named the starter. At 36 years old and coming off a season plagued by injuries and performance issues—including leading the league in interceptions—Cousins may need a change to continue his career as a starter. While the Falcons have kept him, a trade might better serve his aspirations if another team's starter goes down with an injury.

Dallas Cowboys' Sam Williams has exhibited notable talent with 8.5 sacks over his first two seasons, but he has primarily played as a backup. The addition of players such as Donovan Ezeiruaku and the return of established starters could limit Williams’ opportunities. As he enters a contract year, he might benefit from a move to a team with less depth on the edge to fully showcase his ability and earn a more lucrative deal in the offseason.

JuJu Brents, selected by the Indianapolis Colts, was once seen as a promising cornerback prospect due to his impressive size and potential yet has faced significant injury setbacks, missing 23 games in two seasons. With the Colts bolstering their cornerback lineup by signing Charvarius Ward and drafting Justin Walley, Brents may find his path to a starting role challenging. A trade could provide him with a better opportunity to capitalize on his abilities in a more favorable environment.

Additionally, Bralen Trice has potential, demonstrated through his performance at Washington, where he recorded 16 sacks over two seasons. However, after tearing his ACL in his rookie preseason, his prospects for playing time with the Atlanta Falcons seem bleak following their investments in established pass-rushers. A fresh start elsewhere might help Trice develop into the player scouts envisioned.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a first-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, has also struggled in his early NFL career, accumulating only three sacks over two seasons. Given the Chiefs' recent investments in their defensive line, including a contract extension for George Karlaftis, Anudike-Uzomah may find it difficult to secure a role in Kansas City. Seeking a new opportunity could unlock his potential as a cornerstone pass-rusher.