10 NFL Comeback Player of the Year candidates

The NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award is given to the player who has shown "perseverance in overcoming adversity, in the form of not being in the NFL the previous year, a severe injury or simply poor performance." Here are 10 candidates who are looking to rebound from their 2018 seasons.

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Jets

Bell's absence last year was of his own making after holding out for a new contract in Pittsburgh. He found that new contract with the Jets this offseason, and while Adam Gase might not be thrilled with the price tag, there's little doubt Bell will see his fair share of touches in his new digs. He finished 2017 as an All-Pro with more than 1,900 yards from scrimmage and is a nice bet to bounce back at age 27.

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars

Fournette's 2017 rookie season wasn't great by every measure, but he did have more than 1,000 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He played only eight games last year due to injuries and a one-game suspension and also averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. The Jaguars have a new offense led by quarterback Nick Foles, which could allow Fournette to garner less attention from opposing defenses and have a breakout third NFL season.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons

A dynamic star early in his career with Atlanta, Freeman has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons. He played only two games last year, but the Falcons are counting on him after losing Tevin Coleman in free agency. Freeman made the Pro Bowl in both 2015 and 2016 and should enter training camp fully recovered from his groin injury.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals

Injuries have become more common for Green in recent seasons, as he played 13 games in 2014, 10 games in 2016 and nine games last year. His 2018 season was clearly the worst of his career, with a career-low 46 receptions and 694 yards. With new head coach Zac Taylor adding some inspiration to the Bengals offense, the hope is that Green can bounce back at age 31.

Everson Griffen, DE, Vikings

Mental health issues limited Griffen to only 11 games last season, and his sack total fell to 5.5 after making three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015-17. Griffen played well after returning, including two sacks in December, and there's certainly reason to pull for a complete rebound in 2019.

Deion Jones, LB, Falcons

Jones established himself as one of the league's top linebackers in his first two seasons, but he suffered a foot injury that limited him to only six games last season. Atlanta's run defense suffered without Jones, and the team desperately needs a healthy Jones to compete for a playoff spot in the highly competitive NFC South.

Marvin Jones, WR, Lions

Jones had a career year in 2017 with 1,101 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, leading the league with 18.0 yards per reception. A knee injury limited Jones to only nine games last year, though he did still have 508 yards receiving and five scores. While Detroit's offense has become more balanced recently, Jones is still a highly capable deep threat with regular big plays.

Marqise Lee, WR, Jaguars

Jacksonville counted on Lee as its No. 1 wide receiver last season after losing Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns in free agency, but he missed the entire year with a torn ACL. The Jaguars are hoping for a rebound season, which will be made easier by the addition of quarterback Nick Foles. Lee had consecutive 700-plus yard seasons before his injury.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills

Does McCoy have anything left? It's a valid question after he averaged only 3.2 yards per carry and had 514 rushing yards in 14 games last year. The addition of Frank Gore and rookie Devin Singletary gives McCoy ample competition, but an improved offensive line should help the Bills running game. If McCoy can outplay his competition, he has a real shot to be the Comeback Player of the Year.

Keanu Neal, S, Falcons

Neal made the Pro Bowl in his sophomore season, but he followed that up by tearing his ACL in Week 1 last year. It was a disappointing year after consecutive 100 tackle seasons in Atlanta. Neal should be ready for training camp and could make a statement after the Falcons defensive regression last year.