NFL players who could retire after the 2017 season

Perhaps the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Brady continues to defy age now at 40. He's in search of his sixth Super Bowl win this season after a spectacular 2016 season.

Brees is still playing at an extremely high level as he approaches his age 38 season. He's led the NFL in passing yards in five of the last six seasons.

Bryant is aging like a fine wine, making 92 percent of his field goals and a league-high 56 extra points last season. Entering his age 42 season, Bryant is still close to retirement.

Charles is trying to extend his career with Denver after having surgery on both knees last season. He's had quite a career, averaging 5.5 yards per carry over nine seasons, and while Charles is just 30 years old, he turns 31 in December with knees that have continued to suffer injury.

The Dolphins convinced Cutler to come down from the broadcast booth during training camp after Ryan Tannehill's second knee injury. A perfect set of circumstances caused him to return to the field, but the 34-year-old could go back to the broadcast booth following the season.

After spending last season in Cincinnati as more of a role player, Dansby is back where his career started at age 35. He's one of the oldest defensive players in the league and could be in his swan song.

Davis has played some of his best football in his 30s. The linebacker made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons but is still approaching the end of his career at age 34.

Forte's stats continue to wane, and it's unclear why the rebuilding Jets kept him around for 2017. He averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season and will turn 32 in December.

One of the greatest tight ends in the history of the NFL, Gates has started just 13 games over the last two seasons. He made the move with the Chargers to L.A. but has seen his production quickly decline as he enters his age 37 season.

While still extremely durable, Gore has failed to averaged four yards per carry in consecutive seasons. He enters his age 34 season with the Colts.

Hali seemed disgruntled during the offseason due to his lack of playing time late last year. Still productive when on the field, the writing is on the wall for Hali due to knee issues and limited snaps turning 34 in November.

Harrison has taken his career year to year, but he's remained very productive through his age 38 season. He had five sacks last year and enters 2017 at 39 years old.

Arizona brought back Johnson this season to serve as depth at running back for star David Johnson. A former 2,000-yard rusher early in his career with the Titans, Johnson played only four games last season due to injury and will turn 32 in September.

Johnson is returning from his second Achilles injury in three years. While still a very effective player at age 34 last season, the Chiefs have built plenty of depth behind him.

Marshall moves from the Jets to the Giants this year after a down year. He had only 59 receptions last season and certainly has a future on television ahead of him if he continues to decline this year.

McCown has struggled to stay on the field in recent seasons due to injuries, but the Jets are trusting him to be their starter. At age 38, that seems like a potential nightmare.

Newman will be 39 in Week 1, easily the oldest defensive back in the league. He was still very effective as a role player last season, but the end is near if history is any indication.

Palmer's play declined last season at age 37, and Arizona's wide receiver corps has declined along with him. The Cardinals need a big year from Palmer, or they could look elsewhere next offseason.

It's clear that Peppers is approaching the end, rejoining the team that drafted him this offseason. Peppers was still effective at age 36 last season with 7.5 sacks.

A surefire Hall of Famer, Peterson played only three games in Minnesota last season due to a knee injury. He's trying to prove he has something left at age 32 in New Orleans, beyond the normal shelf life of a running back.

Big Ben seemingly contemplates retirement every offseason, and the injuries have piled up in recent years. Pittsburgh drafted Joshua Dobbs as a possible long-term replacement this year.

Still one of the most versatile backs in the league at age 34, Sproles could take a step back this season with a crowded running back room that includes LeGarrette Blount, Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey.

The oldest player in football at 44, Vinatieri is a surefire Hall of Famer who could retire any year now. He remained strong for the Colts last season, making 87 percent of his field goal attempts.

Wake returned from injury last season to record 11.5 sacks and earn a Pro Bowl nod, but Father Time is against him. He's one of the oldest defensive players in the league at 35.

It's hard to find a player more durable and consistent that Witten. A favorite in Dallas, the tight end enters his age 35 season and could decide to hang up his cleats soon.