Three NFL stars who could be playing their final season in 2026

Every NFL season brings a few familiar names who may be preparing for one final run, even if they have not announced it yet. Some candidates are so obvious that including them almost feels like cheating

Aaron Rodgers would be the easy choice here. So would Travis Kelce. Matthew Stafford belongs in just about every retirement conversation now that he is 38.

Let’s skip the usual suspects.

There are other recognizable veterans entering 2026 with retirement creeping closer. Two have practically admitted the end is coming. The third plans to stick around a little longer, but football has a habit of changing plans.

Cameron Jordan gets his New Orleans farewell

Cameron Jordan did not return to chase one final payday with a random team. He came back to finish where he started.

Jordan signed a one-year contract with New Orleans after describing 2026 as “one final season.” Unless he changes his mind, this will close a 16-year career spent entirely with the Saints.

The farewell is not being given to a player who stopped producing years ago. Jordan led New Orleans with 10.5 sacks last season. He can still help the defense, even if the Saints are unlikely to give him the storybook championship ending every veteran wants.

Jordan has made eight Pro Bowls and played more games for New Orleans than any other defensive player in franchise history. Saints fans have watched him go from a first-round selection in 2011 to one of the most important players the organization has ever had.

Now they get a season to appreciate the ending before it arrives.

Calais Campbell keeps delaying the inevitable

Calais Campbell has been talking about retirement for a while. Then another team calls, his body cooperates and he decides that hitting quarterbacks still sounds more enjoyable than sitting at home.

This time feels different.

Campbell will turn 40 in September as he begins his 19th season. He returned to Baltimore on a one-year deal and said he feels more strongly than ever that 2026 will probably be it.

There is still a little escape clause buried in that statement. Campbell wants to perform well enough that another job would be available if he changes his mind. Apparently, retiring is difficult when teams continue offering money to a 6-foot-8 defensive lineman who recorded 6.5 sacks last season.

Baltimore also gives Campbell one last legitimate opportunity to pursue the Super Bowl championship missing from his résumé. If the Ravens make a deep postseason run, there may not be a better time for him to walk away.

Of course, Campbell has fooled us before.

Trent Williams could have his plan changed for him

Trent Williams expects to play through the 2027 season. He recently signed a two-year contract with San Francisco and admitted that the second year will probably be his last.

That makes him the gamble on this list.

Williams is still one of football’s best offensive tackles when healthy. The trouble is that he turned 38 in July and has missed time in each of the past several seasons. Offensive line is not exactly a relaxing retirement hobby, either.

Williams has spoken openly about whether he should continue until his body forces him out or leave while he can still dominate. He currently prefers the first option. One significant injury could make the choice for him.

The 12-time Pro Bowl selection may return in 2027 and receive a proper goodbye tour. Nobody should be shocked, however, if 2026 becomes his last season without anyone planning it that way.