10 NFL players who could use a fresh start elsewhere in 2025

However, it may be in the best interest of both parties if Cleveland cuts its losses sooner than later.

San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel

After getting 64 targets through 12 games this season, Samuel complained on X (since deleted) about his usage. When asked about the tweet in an interview, Samuel backed it up, saying, "You read what you read... a little frustrated for sure."

With 569 receiving yards, Samuel will likely fall short of the 900-yard mark for a third consecutive year. He has only two touchdowns this season (one rushing, one receiving) this season. The 28-year-old wideout could benefit from a trade to a team that will use him as a No. 1 option — perhaps the New England Patriots or Carolina Panthers.

Baltimore Ravens K Justin Tucker

Tucker is enduring the worst season of his career by far, connecting on only 70.4% of field-goal attempts, including 4-of-9 from 50+ yards — his former specialty. His future in Baltimore seems to be in serious jeopardy.

Perhaps a change of scenery can help the all-time great find his groove again. A handful of teams could use an uptick in consistency in the kicking game, something Tucker was familiar with before this season. He ranks first in career field-goal percentage (89.032%).

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr

In New Orleans, inconsistent Carr has as many games with a 130+ passer rating as games with a passer rating below 75 (four). After suffering a probable season-ending injury to his left hand in Week 14, Carr may soon be done in New Orleans.

Following the early November trade deadline, CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin suggested the Saints could move on from Carr and initiate a rebuild. Because of a no-trade clause in his contract, Carr holds control over where a fresh start could occur.

New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson

Rumors of a potential Wilson trade have heated up recently, with ESPN's Rich Cimini saying that people in the receiver's circle think he will request a trade after the season. Wilson is just 67 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark for a third consecutive season, but he has dealt with lousy quarterback play each season in the NFL — likely the reason for a potential trade request.

The 24-year-old pass-catcher, who has two years remaining on his rookie deal, would be in high demand if he hits the market, assuming his fifth-year option is picked up. A fresh start with an elite QB would serve Wilson well.

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne

A first-round selection in 2021, Etienne was expected to build on consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and help lead Jacksonville to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Instead, Etienne hasn't rushed for more than 68 yards in a game this season and only has 640 yards from scrimmage.

With second-year RB Tank Bigsby getting the majority of carries this season, the Jaguars could soon move Etienne before his rookie contract expires (Jacksonville picked up his fifth-year option in April 2024). Etienne likely wouldn't carry a hefty asking price on the trade market, providing leeway for him to land in a favorable situation.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins

Higgins has been one of the best No. 2 options in the league over the past four seasons, but he has struggled with injuries and missed 10 of Cincinnati's past 31 games. Before his injury-riddled spiral, Higgins ranked in the top 20 in receiving yards in 2021 and 2022 and tallied 13 touchdowns over that stretch.

Luckily for Higgins, he may get the opportunity to become a team's primary option with a clean slate when he enters free agency this offseason. 

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Despite being just 14 games into a four-year, $180M contract, Cousins, 36, may not be in Atlanta much longer. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday that rookie first-round selection Michael Penix Jr. would take the reins for Cousins.

Cousins' benching came after a five-game stretch in which he tossed one touchdown pass and nine interceptions. If his tenure with the Falcons ends following this season, Cousins would probably get a final chance at revitalizing his career -- perhaps with either the Vikings, Colts, Steelers, Browns or Titans.

Los Angeles Chargers DE Khalil Mack

A year removed from tallying a career-high 17 sacks and earning his eighth Pro Bowl nod, Mack is battling Father Time in his 11th season. Mack is tied for the 24th-most quarterback pressures (45) this season (according to Next Gen Stats) and has only five sacks.

At 33, Mack is set to test free agency this offseason — an opportunity to choose his destination for the first time in his career. In a recent article by The 33rd Team, NFL analyst Tyler Brooke listed the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams as potential new homes for the veteran pass-rusher.