25 NFL players who could retire after the 2025 season

The 33-year-old Allen returned to the Chargers this season after a year away in Chicago. He showed he had plenty left in a strong Week 1 game vs. Kansas City, but the six-time Pro Bowler could still opt to call it quits soon.

Bosa is only 30, but injuries have been a theme for him in recent seasons. He moved on from the Chargers after nine seasons, only recording five sacks in 14 games last year. A continued decline could prompt Bosa to consider retirement.

This season is a homecoming for the 39-year-old Campbell, who was drafted by Arizona and played his first nine seasons with the team. He's still played at a high level during his eight seasons away, and his return to the Cardinals could be a fitting end to his career.

Cousins joined the Falcons after suffering an Achilles injury in 2023, but he was benched for Michael Penix Jr. late in the season. Now 37, he's been relegated to a backup role behind Penix, and could retire following 2025.

Dalton has had a strong NFL career, starting nine seasons for the Bengals with three Pro Bowls before stays with four other teams. He's served as Carolina's backup quarterback recently and enters his age-38 season.

David has been a staple on the Bucs roster since 2012, putting together a remarkable year with over 1,600 tackles. The 35-year-old linebacker has at least one year left, but retirement is knocking.

Davis broke into the league the same year as Lavonte David (2012) and has been similarly productive. He's been a late bloomer, making the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023, and he had a career-high 136 tackles last season. Despite his terrific recent play, Davis is 36 and likely to retire soon.

Ertz has had a late-career resurgence in Washington after missing significant time with Arizona in 2022 and 2023. The long-time Eagle had over 8,000 yards and 53 touchdowns for his career, but is one of the league's oldest players at age 34.

Flacco is being tasked with leading a rebuilding Browns squad at age 40. He won Comeback Player of the Year with Cleveland only two years ago, but the 18-year veteran is surely approaching the end of his career.

Folk is entering his 18th NFL season, rejoining the Jets after having success in New York from 2010-2016. He's still shown plenty of range recently, but Folk will turn 41 in November.

Heyward has been a leader of the Steelers' defense since 2011, and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler last season at age 35. Still, Heyward showed some dismay with his contract during training camp, and has seen some injuries in recent seasons. The Steelers could be in a position to rebuild after this season, making retirement for Heyward likelier. 

Hopkins was arguably the best wideout in the game during his prime, with three consecutive All-Pro seasons in Houston. However, he showed a major decline between Tennessee and Kansas City last season, and enters 2025 as a role player in Baltimore. The 33-year-old could be entering his final season as he tries to win a Super Bowl.

Johnson has made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons and six times during his career. He's featured as arguably the top right tackle in his career, but has a lot of tread on his tires at age 35.

Jordan has had an arguably Hall of Fame career with eight Pro Bowls and 121.5 career sacks. His play has fallen off over the last two years, just as the Saints' performance has declined. At age 36, this could be the final season of his career.

The writing is on the wall for Kelce to retire after this season, with whispers of retirement last year and his recent engagement to music superstar Taylor Swift. Kelce showed some decline last season, but remains an important piece of the Chiefs offense in his age-36 season.

Miller is a two-time Super Bowl champ with 129.5 career sacks, but he last made the Pro Bowl in 2019. The long-time Denver Bronco joined Washington this year after three seasons in Buffalo, and could be entering his final season at age 36.

The 18-year veteran Prater is still hanging onto his NFL career by a thread, signing to the Bills' practice squad prior to Week 1 and kicking a game-winner. Prior to 2025, he made over 400 career field goals for four different teams, and is now age 41.

Ramsey joined the Steelers this season after two years in Miami. His streak of four straight Pro Bowls ended last season as his play began to fall off in his early 30s.

Rodgers has already hinted that 2025 is his final season, as he looks to go out on a high note with Pittsburgh. The future Hall of Famer has won four MVPs but only one Super Bowl, and he will turn 42 in December.

The 34-year-old Slay moved on from a four-year stay in Philadelphia, moving across the state to Pittsburgh. He will start at corner opposite fellow veteran Jalen Ramsey, attempting to show he can still play at an elite level after missing out on the Pro Bowl last season.

The gray-haired veteran of a revamped Vikings defense, Smith enters his 14th season with the team at age 36. His play has started to deteriorate somewhat in recent seasons, but Smith remains a key part of the defense in the twilight of his career.

There were rumblings the Rams would move on from Stafford in the offseason, but the veteran returned for at least one more go at it. He missed the preseason due to a back injury, a negative sign for his durability at age 37. If the back ailment continues to hinder Stafford this season, it could make a retirement decision easier.

Thielen played nine seasons in Minnesota, where he grew up, before going south to Carolina for two years. He's back with his hometown team after a preseason trade, and this could be a perfect swan song at age 35.

Wagner has shown remarkable consistency and longevity in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 11 straight seasons. He enters his second year with Washington at age 35, with retirement drawing closer.

Williams finally showed signs of breaking down last season after 11 Pro Bowls, only playing 10 games due to injury. He has remained an elite player on the field, but the physical toll of the game could cause him to hang up his cleats soon.