The longest tenured player on every NFL team

Larry Fitzgerald's lack of interest in suiting up to start the season, and the Cardinals seemingly moving in another direction with their A.J. Green and Rondale Moore additions, leaves Humphries as the team's longest-running employee. The Cards made the interesting move of drafting Humphries in the 2015 first round and essentially redshirting him, making the tackle a healthy scratch throughout that 13-3 slate, before deploying him in 2016. Humphries played right tackle in 2016, switched positions with then-left tackle Jared Veldheer in '17 and remains there into the Kyler Murray era.

This will be Year 14 for Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in 2008. His 205 starts long ago passed Steve Bartkowski for the most by a Falcons quarterback. While passing numbers mean less and less, for the purposes of across-era comparisons, Ryan has moved into the top 10 all time for touchdown passes (347). Ryan has not made the Pro Bowl since his MVP 2016 season, but he is signed through 2023 on a contract that still ranks third in fully guaranteed money. The Falcons' new regime passed on drafting Justin Fields and Mac Jones, leaving Ryan in charge of a rebuild -- one that will transpire without Julio Jones.

Koch represents the Ravens' final link to the heart of the Ray Lewis-Ed Reed era. He has been the Ravens' punter since 2006. The former sixth-round pick has never missed a game. The 39-year-old specialist will work with potential Hall of Famer Justin Tucker for a 10th season in 2021. With Koch also a former Pro Bowler, it is not a secret why the Ravens annually deploy elite special teams units.

Acquired via trade from the Colts in 2013, Hughes is entering his 12th NFL season. The Colts used a first-round pick on the ex-TCU defensive end, but he did not become the franchise's Dwight Freeney successor alongside Robert Mathis. Hughes started just seven games as a Colt. He is back for his eighth season as a starter in Buffalo and will be tasked with mentoring a host of highly drafted defensive ends. He has missed just one game with Buffalo and has racked up 51 sacks during his time in western New York. That total places Hughes fifth in franchise history.

The 2021 offseason saw several long snappers' tenures end, but Jansen is still going. Jansen dates back to the Panthers' Jake Delhomme years, having been the team's deep snapper since 2009. Carolina made the rare long snapper trade that year, acquiring Jansen from Green Bay. In terms of games as a Panther, Jansen's 192 trails only John Kasay's 221. The 35-year-old specialist has a Pro Bowl on his resume and is now playing for a third GM and a fourth head coach.

O'Donnell has now signed three extensions to stick around as the Bears' punter. Chicago drafted O'Donnell in the 2014 sixth round out of Miami, and the eighth-year veteran is the last remaining player brought in by previous GM Phil Emery. O'Donnell has never missed a game as a pro, punting in both Bears playoff games during his tenure. The 30-year-old specialist signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal in March to stay with the team. 

The Bengals' punter since 2009, Huber signed another one-year contract in 2021 to extend his run for a 13th season. Huber beats long snapper Clark Harris by a few games, with the veteran debuting for the Bengals in October 2009. A fifth-round pick in '09, Huber has missed just two career games. He made the Pro Bowl in 2014. Although the Bears expressed interest in signing him as a free agent in 2018, Huber re-upped with the Bengals. He has now signed four contracts with the franchise.

Taking the baton from Joe Thomas as the Browns' cornerstone offensive lineman, Bitonio has been in place as a Cleveland guard since 2014. Bitonio teamed with Thomas on some historically woeful teams and played for more unremarkable squads after the left tackle's exit, but he is now part of one of the league's top O-lines. The former second-round pick has three Pro Bowls to his credit and is signed to a now-bargain five-year, $50 million deal. Bitonio is on head coach No. 5 and GM No. 4, though this is obviously far and away the most successful Browns regime of his career.

Chosen ninth overall in the loaded 2011 draft, Smith remains in place as the Cowboys' starting left tackle. The Cowboys made a prescient move in 2014, signing Smith to an eight-year extension. That eight-year, $97.6 million deal has aged remarkably well, and Smith remains attached to it. No active NFLer has been tied to a contract as long as Smith. Even Rob Gronkowski has a new deal now. One of the reasons Dallas' seven-time Pro Bowler has not been in strong renegotiating position: he has missed 26 games over the past five years, including 14 last season. The contract runs through 2023.

Going into his 11th season, Miller is the last man standing from the Broncos' dominant 2015 Super Bowl champion defense. Bound for the Hall of Fame, the former No. 2 overall pick has been one of the game's premier players throughout his career. Despite entering the league in 2011, Miller recorded 106 sacks in the 2010s -- 10 more than anyone else. The 32-year-old outside linebacker, however, enters a crossroads season after suffering a torn ankle tendon just before the 2020 season. His six-year contract expires in March. The Broncos are stacked on defense, but Miller is certainly paramount for the unit hitting its ceiling. 

Launching another rebuild, the Lions jettisoned two cogs who had been through multiple retooling efforts. The trade of Matthew Stafford ended the longest QB run in franchise history, but Dan Campbell cutting ex-teammate Don Muhlbach -- Detroit's long snapper since 2004 -- on his 40th birthday halted a top-10 all-time streak for games played with one team. Decker, a 2016 first-round pick, enters his sixth season as the Lions' left tackle. The Ohio State product signed an extension last year, tying him to the franchise through 2024.

Although Rodgers sought to avoid a 17th season in Green Bay, he is back and set to surpass Brett Favre and Bart Starr for Packer QB longevity. The disgruntled superstar will lead the Packers offense for a 14th season. Rodgers' 11th-hour return keeps the Packers as a Super Bowl contender, and a second straight spite rampage may be in store. The 24th overall pick in 2005 is now a three-time MVP who buried the notion of 2020 first-rounder Jordan Love threatening his job status. If this is truly a "Last Dance"-esque season for Rodgers, whose 2022 status is murky, it will be one of the most fascinating years in QB history.

Even with J.J. Watt's exit, Weeks remains as Houston's longest-tenured player. The long snapper arrived in 2010, a year ahead of Watt. Weeks has only played with the Texans, joining the team as an undrafted free agent 11 Aprils ago. Like Jansen, he has one Pro Bowl on his resume (2015). Weeks has snapped in all 10 playoff games in Texans annals and surpassed Andre Johnson for most games played in franchise history last season, running his total to 176. Amid wholesale Texans changes this offseason, Weeks at least offers some continuity amid a grim stretch for the franchise.

Anthony Castonzo's retirement leaves Hilton as the longest-serving Colt, but the veteran wide receiver nearly bolted for Baltimore. In their quest to convince a big-name wideout to take their money and play in the NFL's run-heaviest offense, the Ravens out-offered the Colts. But Hilton re-signed to stay in Indianapolis for a 10th season. The 2012 third-round pick may be set to cede the WR1 reins to 2020 second-rounder Michael Pittman Jr., but the Colts will need their flagship target this season. Carson Wentz will be Indy's fourth starting QB in four years.

Despite Linder playing fewer than 10 games for the third time in his seven-year career, the Jaguars are sticking with their longtime center. Linder is coming back after a season-ending ankle injury. The 2014 third-round pick is an ex-Miami Hurricane and a Florida lifer, but he likely faces a prove-it 2021 from an availability standpoint. Urban Meyer's regime, however, will count on the 28-year-old snapper -- who played well when healthy last season -- to lead the Trevor Lawrence protection effort.

Although Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to opt out of the COVID-19-marred 2020 season, his Chiefs contract tolled to 2021. The guard has been a Chief since being chosen in the sixth round of the 2014 draft. Kansas City used the Canadian doctor as a starter from 2015-19. He is the only lineman left from Kansas City's Alex Smith years. Duvernay-Tardif has his next career lined up, but he has been fairly successful in this one. The Chiefs used LDT as a starter at right guard during their 2019 Super Bowl championship season and clearly missed him during their blocking debacle a year later.

Somewhat surprisingly making it to Year 4 with Jon Gruden, Carr is going into his eighth as a Raider. Gruden has gutted the roster of previous-regime holdovers, nearly finishing off that effort this offseason by trading veteran offensive linemen Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson. But Carr remains. While the second Gruden era has underwhelmed, Carr as made strides. The 2014 second-round pick has quietly posted top-11 QBR figures in 2019 and '20. The veteran's $25 million-per-year contract -- an NFL-record deal in 2017 -- is now wildly outdated, giving the Raiders some flexibility amid Gruden 2.0's turbulent ride.

Allen proved to be a quick study in 2013, becoming an impact player for the Chargers despite being a 21-year-old rookie chosen in Round 3. Now 29, Allen has started 95 regular-season games with the Bolts and helped Justin Herbert win Offensive Rookie of the Year acclaim. After injury-marred 2015 and '16 seasons, Allen has only missed two games over the past four years. The slick route runner has made the past four Pro Bowls during that stretch and is now attached to a $20 million-per-year contract that runs through 2024.

A top-tier NFL punter throughout his career, Hekker has been with the Rams since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The Rams revamped their kicking corps that year, drafting Greg Zuerlein in Round 6 and subsequently signing Hekker. The latter is one of two pure punters to be named a first-team All-Pro four times. The 31-year-old's $3.75 million-per-year contract, however, complicates his status on a Rams team that continues to add high-priced outside talent to the top of its payroll.

Chosen in the 2015 first round, Parker had been declared a bust by the time he began to play for his fourth head coach and third personnel boss in 2019. But the 28-year-old wideout remains tied to an extension authorized by the current Miami regime. The former trade candidate is signed through 2023 and set to team with his best set of receiver mates this season. The Dolphins now have Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle joining Parker, providing the seventh-year vet with vital support. That figures to be vital for Tua Tagovailoa, whose rookie year did not go smoothly.

One of the best players left off the 2010s' All-Decade team, Smith has made five Pro Bowls and has been a starter since Week 1 of his rookie season. The 2012 first-round pick signed a big-ticket extension in 2016, but he has seen his $10 million-per-year deal -- then the safety high-water mark -- lapped in the years since. Smith is going into a contract year and will be seeking a raise more in line with where the now-Jamal Adams-topped market currently sits. After the Vikings let safety Anthony Harris walk, they will rely on Smith's veteran presence this season.

Having succeeded Tom Brady as the longest-running Patriot, Slater is now in his 14th season with the franchise. Playing for one of the most special teams-obsessed head coaches in league annals, in Bill Belichick, Slater is one of the best pure special-teamers in NFL history. The second-generation NFLer has nine Pro Bowls and two All-Pro first teams on his resume, along with three Super Bowl rings. Jackie Slater's son has made 161 career tackles and, despite being listed as a wide receiver, one career catch.

One of the NFL's most bankable players, Jordan is going into his 11th Saints season. The perennial Pro Bowl defensive end has never missed a game. Jordan, 32, takes the longest-tenured Saint mantle from Drew Brees, who retired after 15 seasons with the franchise. Jordan was there for 11 of the Brees-led squad's playoff tilts and is 5.5 sacks away from 100 for his career. Having employed Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson and former Defensive Player of the Year Pat Swilling, the Saints have a storied edge rusher history. Jordan's consistency places him right up there with New Orleans' greats.

The Giants revamped their receiving corps this offseason, adding the likes of Kenny Golladay, John Ross and first-round pick Kadarius Toney. They also released Golden Tate. Still, Shepard is on track to have a key role in New York's offense for a sixth season. The former second-round pick was a quick study, becoming a starter on the 2016 team that ventured to the playoffs. Team success has eluded the Giants in the years since, and most of ex-GM Jerry Reese's draft picks are gone. Toney's presence injects some doubt about Shepard's post-2021 status, but amid the changes, the veteran should be Daniel Jones' security blanket.

This appears set to be a short-lived status, with Maye on the franchise tag after an ugly offseason negotiation did not produce an extension. Although the fifth-year safety appears headed out of New York after 2021, a Jets team with arguably the NFL's worst cornerback contingent will rely on Jamal Adams' former sidekick in coverage this year. A 2017 second-round pick, Maye successfully bounced back from a season-ending injury in 2018. He has started all 16 Jet games in each of the past two seasons. 

Though the Eagles look to be in between contending periods, they have several veterans still around from the Super Bowl LII-winning team. The defensive hero from that storied contest -- for stripping Tom Brady to deny the Patriots on a fourth-quarter drive -- Graham has been with the Eagles since 2010. It took the former first-round pick 11 seasons to make his first Pro Bowl, however, which he did in a year when the NFL did not hand out alternate invites. The late-bloomer may be an attractive trade chip soon.

No team has employed an active player longer than the Steelers, who are going into Year 18 with Roethlisberger. While the Steelers signed ex-first-rounder Dwayne Haskins and extended Mason Rudolph, they have not formed a definitive post-Big Ben plan. Roethlisberger recovered from elbow surgery to throw the second-most TD passes of his career in 2020 (33), but his short-passing tendencies and sluggish finish invited scrutiny about his viability. The future Hall of Famer took a pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh for at least one more season.

It looked for a bit like Ward was falling out of favor in San Francisco, frequently bouncing between cornerback and safety and playing out his fifth-year option season in 2019. But Ward is now entering his eighth 49ers slate and is attached to a long-term contract. The 2014 first-round pick has settled at safety and will be a pivotal player for a 49ers team looking to recover from 2020's injury carnage. While Robert Saleh's exit means many 49er defenders are on their second career defensive coordinator, this is old hat for Ward. DeMeco Ryans is DC No. 5 for him.

Yes, this list will separate Wagner and 2012 draft classmate Russell Wilson. The Seahawks chose Wagner earlier that Friday night, selecting the linebacker 47th overall. Wilson went off the board 75th. Both will end up in the Hall of Fame, but Wagner has compiled one of the 21st-century NFL's best resumes. He has been named a first-team All-Pro six times, including in each of the past five seasons, and has anchored Seattle's front seven for nearly his entire career. The Seahawks disbanded the Legion of Boom years ago but prioritized Wagner, giving him two contract extensions to lead their defense into the 2020s.

After spending the 2010s as one of the best players in NFL history to never play in a playoff game, David saw his career change in 2020. The veteran off-ball linebacker collected a Super Bowl ring and is now signed to a third Buccaneers contract. The defending champions went all out to retain their championship core, meaning David will continue to team with ascending star Devin White at inside linebacker. A second-round pick in 2012, David has been one of the more unsung standouts. His Super Bowl effort against Travis Kelce and another slew of primetime games this season should continue to enhance his Q rating.

Kern spent the entirety of the 2010s with the Titans, morphing from October 2009 waiver claim to one of the league's best punters. A UDFA out of Toledo in 2008, Kern made the interesting ascent after leaving Denver's thin-air punting paradise. Tennessee's punter has received All-Pro or Pro Bowl acclaim in three of the past four seasons. Kern's 49.7 yards-per-punt average in 2017 ranks seventh in the 21st century. The Titans have run into issues at kicker, but they have the punter spot locked down. Kern is signed through the 2022 season.

A Bears undrafted free agent in 2013, Way did not beat out Pat O'Donnell for the 2014 team's punting job and hit the waiver wire. Washington claimed him that August. Way has been with the team since, punting in every WFT game for the past seven seasons. The 31-year-old specialist earned his first Pro Bowl honor in 2019, when he led the NFL in yards per punt (a career-high 49.6) for the second time. Way is signed through the 2023 season.