The NFL landscape often highlights the benefits of a change in scenery for players seeking to revitalize their careers. One notable example from last season is Sam Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick, who transitioned from a perceived draft bust to earning MVP votes and achieving his first Pro Bowl selection while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold’s turnaround exemplifies how a fresh environment can positively impact a player’s trajectory, a scenario that numerous athletes experience each year across various positions in the league. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun emerges as another example from the 2024 campaign, as training camps commence and the regular season approaches. This analysis will explore several veterans who might benefit from departing their current teams. The focus will remain on players who are still with the same club as last year, rather than those already traded or signed elsewhere in free agency. The criteria include younger players with potential who are projected to have limited roles, along with one exception for an older veteran facing minimal playing time this fall.

Kayshon Boutte's career arc has been a roller-coaster journey. After a sophomore season at LSU where he averaged nearly 85 yards per game and scored nine touchdowns, expectations were high for him to be a first-round pick in 2022. However, his production fell dramatically during his junior year to under 50 yards per game with just two scores. Subsequently, Boutte faced underage gambling and computer fraud charges, which were dropped post-draft, contributing to his slide to the sixth round. His rookie year with the New England Patriots yielded limited results, managing only two catches for 19 yards. Fortunately, Boutte rebounded last season with 43 receptions, 589 yards, and three touchdowns over 15 games, including 13 starts. His connection with rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed promise heading into 2025. However, with the arrival of a new coaching staff, highlighted by head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, coupled with the signing of free-agent wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, as well as drafting Kyle Williams, Boutte finds himself in a crowded position group. Considering New England's depth at wide receiver and potential roster adjustments, a trade might be beneficial for both the player and the team.

Kirk Cousins stands out as an exception among the list of players discussed, given his age and recent performance challenges. Following the naming of Michael Penix Jr. as the starter, Cousins slid down the depth chart for the Atlanta Falcons, which makes his continued presence with the team surprising. Ideally, the organization would have secured a trade partner to offer him one more starting opportunity. Last season, Cousins experienced one of his worst performances, leading the league with a career-high 16 interceptions, while managing only 18 touchdowns—his least in a season where he started nine or more games. Compounding these challenges, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in 2023. For the 36-year-old, recovery from such an injury while navigating the realities of mid-career is complex. Nevertheless, as a four-time Pro Bowler, Cousins deserves another chance to prove his viability as a starting quarterback in the league, but this may require a change of scenery, possibly contingent on another team's quarterback suffering an injury in the upcoming training camp or season opener.

Sam Williams has demonstrated considerable potential in his NFL career thus far, accumulating 8.5 sacks in just two seasons. While this may not seem significant, the 26-year-old has only served as a backup for the Dallas Cowboys, logging zero starts and slightly over 350 pass-rush snaps throughout his tenure, as indicated by Pro Football Focus. He has proven to be an effective pass-rusher, amassing a total of 45 pressures and achieving PFF pass-rush grades of 74.4 and 73.2, despite limited chances. Following the departure of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler during last offseason, expectations were high for Williams heading into the 2024 season. Unfortunately, his prospects were derailed by an ACL and MCL tear at the start of training camp, sidelining him for the entire year. Now, as a healthy player, Williams hopes to regain the momentum built during his initial seasons. The challenge remains that with Fowler's return in free agency and the drafting of Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round, alongside 2024 second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland and three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons, Williams could find himself further buried on the depth chart. Given that he enters a contract year, a chance to play a more significant role elsewhere could be advantageous for both Williams and the Cowboys.

JuJu Brents was a notable cornerback prospect during the 2023 draft, possessing rare size and length for his position at nearly 6'3" and 198 pounds, with 34-inch arms. His statistics are impressive, placing him in the higher percentiles among cornerbacks. Notwithstanding his intriguing physical attributes, Brents has faced adversity with injuries, missing 23 games over the past two years, jeopardizing his potential for a starting role. The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their cornerback lineup this offseason by signing second-team All-Pro Charvarius Ward and selecting Justin Walley in the third round. Additionally, fellow 2023 draftee Jaylon Jones returns after starting 10 games as a rookie and all 17 games last year. Despite a chance to compete for a starting position during training camp, Brents faces a challenging path against both Jones and Walley. Consequently, he might find a greater opportunity for playing time with a different franchise.

Bralen Trice, following an impressive season with the Washington Huskies, emerged as an intriguing edge prospect in the 2024 NFL draft. With a strong track record of 16 sacks over his final two seasons and the physicality to develop as a versatile player, Trice's scouting report highlighted his strength and ability to engage effectively against opposing tackles. However, Trice's inaugural campaign with the Atlanta Falcons was abruptly cut short due to an ACL tear sustained during the preseason, leading to his absence for the entire regular season. Although a recovery seems plausible for year two, the Falcons have made significant investments at the edge position, including signing Leonard Floyd and selecting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in early rounds. The depth chart poses a significant obstacle for Trice, who may benefit from a fresh start with another team, allowing him the opportunity to leverage his strengths more effectively in a more suitable role.

The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to select Felix Anudike-Uzomah with a first-round pick was not without reason, as he was among the top pass-rushers available in the 2023 draft class. With 19.5 sacks in his last two seasons at Kansas State, coupled with traits indicating his potential to thrive at the next level, expectations were moderately high. However, his first two seasons in the NFL have yielded disappointing results, with only three sacks and 25 pressures accrued, alongside challenges in securing consistent playing time according to Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, it appears his situation is unlikely to improve in Kansas City, where the Chiefs recently extended George Karlaftis' contract and have Mike Danna secured through 2026. Moreover, the team re-signed Charles Omenihu and drafted Ashton Gillotte, leaving Anudike-Uzomah seemingly out of the long-term plans. A change in environment could serve him well, enabling him to realize his full potential in a more conducive setting.