The NFL is known for its star-driven nature, yet even the most prominent players can struggle without the proper environment to showcase their talents. Saquon Barkley's revitalized performance with the Philadelphia Eagles exemplifies this dynamic. Previously, Barkley had enjoyed two Pro Bowl seasons with the New York Giants but took a step back last year, a decline influenced by injuries and the overall ineffectiveness of the Giants' offense. In a standout outing on Thursday night, the 27-year-old amassed 198 scrimmage yards and scored two touchdowns, guiding the Eagles to their sixth consecutive victory. With his current trajectory suggesting he could surpass 2,200 scrimmage yards in 2024, Barkley has benefited from a robust offensive line, a solid supporting array of teammates, and effective coaching. His resurgence serves as a compelling reminder that some players may not be past their prime but merely in unfavorable situations. This perspective raises the question: which impending 2025 free agents, who have underperformed this season, might experience a similar revival with new teams? This analysis will explore the challenges they have faced and identify potential opportunities for a return to prominence.

Injuries have hampered Keenan Allen's career at 32 years old, yet he managed to deliver strong numbers in the 2023 season, with 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns despite participating in only 13 games. After being traded to the Chicago Bears in the offseason, Allen has found himself in an uncharacteristically quiet situation. He has battled a heel injury, adding to his challenges, and the Bears' failure to build a cohesive offense around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has limited Allen's involvement. Although he has received 48 targets, he has only managed to convert 26 of those into receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns. The coaching woes under recently dismissed offensive coordinator Shane Waldron have further complicated matters. Allen shared insights on the struggles during training camp, remarking on the pitfalls of accountability in the coaching staff. If Allen were to join a more organized team with better coaching, alongside a more efficient quarterback, he could regain the production levels previously seen during his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers. He might find the Philadelphia Eagles to be an attractive destination, as they seek a reliable third receiver to complement A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Additionally, a reunion with Kellen Moore, who served as the Chargers' offensive coordinator before moving to Philadelphia, could further facilitate his transition.

Nick Chubb's absence from the national spotlight stems from the severe knee injury he sustained in the second week of the 2023 season. The 28-year-old running back has only participated in three games since that injury, averaging a career-low of 2.7 yards per carry—a decline likely influenced by the need for time to heal. Chubb has also faced hurdles due to an inconsistent and injured offensive line, along with Cleveland's struggling quarterback situation. While there remains potential for the four-time Pro Bowler to rejuvenate his career in Cleveland, the Browns would need to stabilize their offensive line and find a competent signal-caller. As he heads toward free agency, Chubb may be disinclined to remain involved in a tumultuous situation, making a move to a contender like the Kansas City Chiefs appealing. His former teammate, Kareem Hunt, has thrived behind a formidable Chiefs offensive line, recently recognized as the fifth-best by Pro Football Focus. Although Kansas City has Isiah Pacheco recovering from a broken fibula, pairing Chubb with him could provide a robust backfield without overburdening either player, creating a multifaceted rushing attack to support their dynamic aerial offense.

Matthew Judon, a prominent pass rusher, recorded impressive statistics in 2022, tallying 15.5 sacks and significant pressures. However, his 2023 season has been derailed by a biceps injury that has sidelined him for most of the year. After being traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason, Judon has struggled to make an impact, registering only 1.5 sacks and six quarterback pressures through 10 games. His challenges have been exacerbated by the lack of support from his Falcons teammates, as the team has collectively not excelled at generating pressure, recording merely nine sacks in total. Judon's best avenue for resurgence could involve a return to the Baltimore Ravens, where he previously garnered recognition during his two Pro Bowl appearances. Baltimore has shown proficiency in utilizing veteran edge rushers effectively, as evidenced by Kyle Van Noy’s productivity at an increased age. A return to a franchise that understands his strengths could help bolster Judon's performance and provide ample opportunities to disrupt opposing offenses, especially considering Baltimore's still-improving defensive strategies.

DeMarcus Lawrence has continued to be a capable defender for the Dallas Cowboys amidst an overall decline in the team's defensive reputation. The 32-year-old has missed substantial time this season due to a Lisfranc injury but has made his presence felt during the games he has played, contributing three sacks and ten quarterback pressures. However, the likelihood of Lawrence’s future with the Cowboys appears to be diminishing as the team navigates challenges under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. With Dak Prescott sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Cowboys could be entering a rebuilding phase, leaving little room for Lawrence to shine upon his return. The Washington Commanders may present an enticing option for Lawrence; their trajectory has improved significantly, benefitting from the emergence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, even though their defense is still evolving. Lawrence’s ability to exert pressure and disrupt plays might be highly coveted by the Commanders, especially under head coach Dan Quinn, who knows how to maximize player strengths from their previous time together in Dallas. With projected considerable cap space heading into 2025, Washington could afford to significantly bolster their defensive lineup, positioning Lawrence for potentially impactful contributions.

Despite limited visibility due to a contract holdout, Haason Reddick’s presence has not been prominent with the New York Jets this season, as he has participated in just three games. His performance has been hindered, yielding only three tackles and a half-sack. The holdout has certainly affected Reddick's readiness, but the larger concerns lie in the jets' disarray, characterized by poor offensive output and a decline of their previously strong defense following the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh. The likelihood of Reddick enhancing his production with the current setting appears bleak. For a resurgence, a return to the Arizona Cardinals, the team that originally drafted him, could provide an optimal environment. The Cardinals have demonstrated signs of improvement, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, while still needing enhancement in their pass-rushing capabilities. Under head coach Jonathan Gannon, who previously benefitted from Reddick's standout 2022 season as Philadelphia's defensive coordinator, reuniting with the Cardinals may offer the perfect setting for Reddick to revive his career and bring his once-elite pass-rushing ability back to the forefront.

Lastly, while serving as a notable mention, Javonte Williams is unique on this list as the only player lacking Pro Bowl accolades. Nevertheless, the young running back showcased considerable potential during his rookie season in 2021, recording 1,219 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns despite limited starting opportunities. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury sustained during his second year curtailed his emergence as a star. Williams has faced a convoluted backfield situation under head coach Sean Payton since his return, impacting his chances to regain pre-injury form. Despite leading the Denver Broncos in rushing attempts and yards, Williams’s performance has been diluted by contributions from teammates. With another year of recovery, there is significant hope he could rediscover his earlier explosiveness, but he requires a consistent, high-volume role that remains elusive in Denver. A move to the Minnesota Vikings could be beneficial for Williams, as the team has effectively utilized running backs in various capacities. Should Williams replace soon-to-be free agent Aaron Jones, he would likely benefit from a wealth of opportunities to shine as a featured player alongside quarterback J.J. McCarthy and a strong ensemble of pass-catchers.