NFL players who could retire after the 2023 season
Every pro athlete has to call it quits eventually. These 30 NFL players could be entering their final season in 2023.
Duane Brown, LT, Jets
Brown enters his 15th NFL season, manning Aaron Rodgers blindside in New York. The 38-year-old's play started to falter in 12 games last season, and his play will be under the microscope this season after the Jets offseason.
Calais Campbell, DL, Falcons
Campbell has played some of his best football in his 30s and continues to be going strong going on age 37. He went south to Atlanta after recording 5.5 sacks in 14 games with Baltimore last season, but is quickly approaching the end of his career.
Randall Cobb, WR, Jets
Cobb followed former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers to New York, with the duo having a well-documented friendship. Still, Cobb hasn't been very productive over the last three seasons and enters his age 33 season. He could opt to call it quits soon.
Mason Crosby, PK, Packers
Entering his age 39 season, Crosby is one of the oldest players in the NFL. He rebounded from a poor 2021 to have a strong year last season, making 86% of his field goal attempts, but could hang up his cleats soon.
Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
There was speculation Donald would retire in the offseason after an injury-plagued 2022, but the perennial Pro Bowler has returned. He had the worst season of his career last season with only five sacks in 11 games, and could retire if his performance continues to decline.
Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles
Cox came so close to winning his second Super Bowl with the Eagles last year, and continues to play at a high level with seven sacks last season. However, Cox will turn 33 this season, so the clock is ticking.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Patriots
Elliott looked like a shell of his former self with the Cowboys last season, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry. The Patriots signed him to spell Rhamondre Stevenson, but there might not be a market for his services next offseason if the decline continues.
Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals
Returning from an injury-shortened 2022 season, Ertz hopes to rebound this year while turning 33. The former star Eagles tight end is now one of the oldest players in the league at his position, and could look at retirement if he's unable to rebound this year.
Robbie Gould, PK, Free Agent
Gould is waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity after San Francisco moved on from him. At age 40, he still made a strong 84% of his field goal attempts, but Gould's leg strength is somewhat limited. He should find a job at some point this year for teams looking for a reliable veteran, but the end of his career is near.
Brandon Graham, DE, Eagles
Drafted by Philadelphia all the way back in 2010, Graham enters his 14th season with the team. He had a successful rebound from injury last season with a career-high 11 sacks, but Graham is one of the oldest players in the league at 35.
Justin Houston, OLB, Panthers
Houston signed with his fourth team this summer, joining the upstart Panthers after spending the last two seasons in Baltimore. He remained very productive last season with 9.5 sacks, but has entered a pass-rush situational role in his mid-30s. The Georgia native is 34 and could retire soon.
Brian Hoyer, QB, Raiders
Hoyer rejoined Josh McDaniels after spending time as the backup in New England for several years. Now age 37, Hoyer is severely limited by lack of mobility and arm strength, and could retire soon.
Jerry Hughes, DE, Texans
Hughes joined the Texans last season after a long stay in Buffalo, recording nine sacks as a starter. His role is set to be smaller this season for the young Texans, and the 35-year-old could ride off in the sunset soon.
Kareem Jackson, S, Broncos
Jackson has been a key starter for the Broncos over the last four seasons. However, age and a new coaching staff could mean a much smaller role for Jackson at age 35 this year. The cornerback turned safety could retire soon.
Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Lions
Jones showed signs of decline with the Jaguars last season, but it set to have a prominent role in Detroit in 2023. There are clear signs of waning speed with Jones' recent decline in yards per reception, and the market for the 33-year-old wideout could be limited after this year.
Jason Kelce, OC, Eagles
Kelce is seemingly on a year-to-year contract as he ponders his future each offseason. Now 35, the future Hall of Famer continues to play at an elite level, but will likely ponder his future again after 2023.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, Bears
Great blocking ability has allowed Lewis to remain in the NFL through his age 39 season, but a 40-year-old tight end is almost unheard of in the league. The former Jaguar and Packer is set to provide veteran leadership in Chicago this season, a campaign that could be his last.
Colt McCoy, QB, Free Agent
McCoy was cut by Arizona late in the preseason but hasn't officially retired. Unfortunately, the former college star at Texas has been plagued by injuries for most of his career.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs
McKinnon has been a key player in Kansas City over the last two years, returning from major knee issues. The Chiefs enjoy having McKinnon around as a third down back, but age 30-plus is usually nearing the end for NFL running backs.
Von Miller, OLB, Bills
Miller won his second Super Bowl two years ago after getting traded to the Rams, and signed with the Bills last year in part to win another ring. He was limited to only 11 games due to a knee injury, and it remains to be seen if he will lose a step in his age 34 season. There aren't many pass rushers older than Miller in the league.
Latavius Murray, RB, Bills
The powerful Murray adds depth to the Bills running back room, but isn't likely to have a significant role at age 33. Despite a strong 2022 season with the Broncos and Saints, Murray is nearing retirement.
Jason Peters, OT, Seahawks
Health has been an issue for Peters in recent seasons, but the veteran's size, experience, and versatility has allowed him to find jobs into his 40's. He signed early in the season with Seattle, but Peters can't keep playing forever.
Marcus Peters, CB, Raiders
Peters missed the 2021 season due to injury, and seemed to lose a step with the Ravens last year. His aggressive style has allowed for 32 career interceptions, but Peters could be on his last leg with the Raiders.
Patrick Peterson, CB, Steelers
Peterson isn't a regular Pro Bowler that he was early in his career in Arizona, and enters his age 33 season with Pittsburgh. The Steelers are happy to have his veteran presence, but this could be the veteran's swan song.
Matt Prater, PK, Cardinals
Prayer is known for his strong leg and accuracy, including an 88% field goal conversion rate last season. Arizona is happy to have the kicker as he enters his age 39 season, but Prater is nearing the end of his career.
Allen Robinson, WR, Steelers
Robinson had his second consecutive disappointing season in 2022, and the reports in camp with the Steelers this summer haven't been great. He adds veteran leadership for the team's young wideouts, but the writing is on the way with injuries and mediocre production over the last two seasons.
Matthew Slater, WR, Patriots
Slater is a throwback as a special teams ace with a specialized role. He's made 10 Pro Bowls in that role with the Patriots, but will likely retire sooner than later as he enters his age 38 season.
Harrison Smith, S, Vikings
Smith has been the heart and soul of the Vikings defense for several years, but that defense has taken a hit in recent season. The six-time Pro Bowler saw his play slip somewhat at age 33 last season and could retire if the trend continues.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
Stafford is just one year removed from winning the Super Bowl, but he managed to play only nine games last year due to injury. The 35-year-old quarterback has seen some significant injuries since 2019, a factor that could play into a retirement decision if he struggles this year.
Al Woods, DT, Jets
Woods has been a productive run stuffer for most of his career, and is now with his sixth team. The 36-year-old has a chance to win with the Jets after his second stint in Seattle, but is likely to retire soon.
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