Comeback Player of the Year: Five players who should actually win the award

The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award should be about more than simply having a better season than the one before.

A true comeback should require a player to overcome a significant setback, whether that means missing most of a season because of injury or returning from circumstances that kept him off the field. That's the standard that makes the award meaningful.

That is also why players such as Micah Parsons and Patrick Mahomes aren't included here. Both are prominent names on 2026 comeback lists, but neither missed more than half of the 2025 season. Both Mahomes and Parsons played 14 games before suffering season-ending injuries.

The award should recognize players who truly had to come back, not simply stars looking to bounce back.

With that in mind, these are the five players who should be at the top of the 2026 race.

1. Fred Warner

Warner is the clearest choice.

The All-Pro linebacker would be a massive addition to a 49ers defense with Super Bowl aspirations. He suffered a season-ending ankle injury after just six games in 2025, abruptly ending another outstanding season. Now healthy, he has an opportunity to return to the level that made him one of the NFL's premier defensive players.

If he returns to All-Pro form and helps San Francisco become one of the league's best defenses, the award should be his.

2. Kyler Murray

Murray has the opportunity for both a physical and career comeback.

After missing most of 2025, Murray gets a fresh start in Minnesota with an offense built around his strengths. He'll work with Kevin O'Connell and get to play with a talented supporting cast, which includes Justin Jefferson.

If he can stay healthy and become the best version of himself in O'Connell's system, he has the talent to lead Minnesota into contention and make a strong case for MVP.

3. Malik Nabers

Nabers played only four games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

The former No. 6 overall pick had already established himself as one of the NFL's most dangerous young receivers before the injury. A healthy return could give the Giants a legitimate offensive centerpiece.

4. Nick Bosa

The former Defensive Player of the Year has already done this before. He had 15 ½ sacks in 2021 after missing all but two games in 2020.

Bosa played only three games last season before tearing his ACL. Another dominant season would give him a compelling narrative, particularly if San Francisco contends for a championship.

5. Jayden Daniels

Daniels might have the highest ceiling of anyone on this list.

The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year missed 10 games last season because of multiple injuries, including a dislocated elbow. A healthy Daniels could immediately return to elite quarterback play and put Washington back in playoff contention.