Veteran Comebacks: NFL Players Poised for a Resurgence
Seeing veterans return to form in the NFL is a rarity, but when it happens, the impact is undeniable. The 2023 season saw several established players struggle due to factors unrelated to injuries. However, as we approach the new season, a handful of these seasoned talents find themselves in optimal situations to re-establish their dominance on the field. Here, we spotlight four veterans poised to make a significant impact in 2024.
Curtis Samuel: A Fresh Start in Buffalo
Curtis Samuel’s time with Washington was fraught with challenges, including injuries and system issues that hindered his performance. Despite these setbacks, Samuel managed to average around 60 catches and 600 yards over the past two seasons. Now, with a move to the Buffalo Bills, he could be on the brink of a career revival.
The Bills’ offense, orchestrated by quarterback Josh Allen, promises ample opportunities for Samuel. With the departure of Stefon Diggs, Samuel's role in the offense is set to expand significantly. Moreover, the presence of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, under whom Samuel thrived in 2020, further bolsters his prospects. This promising alliance has the potential to rejuvenate Samuel's career and make him a key contributor to Buffalo's offensive strategy.
Saquon Barkley: A Robust Offensive Line in Philadelphia
The 2023 season was a challenging one for Saquon Barkley, as he averaged only 3.9 yards per carry (YPC) behind the New York Giants' struggling offensive line. However, his transition to the Philadelphia Eagles marks a significant upgrade. Joining an offense that saw D'Andre Swift average 4.6 YPC in 2023, Barkley is expected to flourish behind one of the NFL's most formidable offensive lines.
Barkley, who has not yet reached the age-28 decline often seen in running backs, is set to be a focal point in the Eagles’ run-heavy offense alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts. Philadelphia's commitment to the running game should provide Barkley with the ideal platform to return to his best, potentially transforming the Eagles’ ground attack in 2024.
Jeremy Chinn: Versatility in Washington
Jeremy Chinn burst onto the scene as a rookie, showcasing remarkable versatility and productivity. However, injuries and playing on a subpar Carolina defense hampered his performance in 2023. Now, Chinn finds himself with Washington, under the guidance of head coach Dan Quinn, who has a proven track record of maximizing the potential of hybrid safeties.
Chinn's ability to adapt and thrive in multiple defensive roles will be crucial for Washington's defensive resurgence. His presence is expected to play a vital role in the team's efforts to improve their standing in the league, offering a fresh start for a player with undeniable talent.
Carlton Davis: A Premier Cornerback in Detroit
Carlton Davis has consistently performed at a high level for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, notching 19 pass breakups in his second season and maintaining double-digit breakups in subsequent years. Despite the Buccaneers' struggles with generating a consistent pass rush, Davis recorded two interceptions in 2023, his best tally since 2020.
Now with the Detroit Lions, Davis steps into a much more favorable situation. Detroit boasted one of the NFL’s best pass-rush rates last year, which should allow Davis to showcase his skills as their No. 1 boundary defender. The improved defensive line pressure will give Davis more opportunities to make plays, helping him re-establish himself as a premier cornerback.
Impact on the 2024 NFL Season
The exceptional talent and past performances of these players suggest that their new environments could significantly enhance their trajectories. Curtis Samuel, Saquon Barkley, Jeremy Chinn, and Carlton Davis each have the potential to return to their peak form, providing their respective teams with much-needed boosts.
The upcoming NFL season could very well be marked by these veteran comebacks, each driven by the right combination of talent, opportunity, and circumstance. As they step onto the field in 2024, keep an eye on these seasoned pros, whose resurgences could shape the narratives of the NFL's ever-evolving landscape.
"Established veterans returning to their previous star form doesn't happen often in the NFL, but when it does, it's a huge boost for any team," said an NFL analyst. Curtis Samuel, now catching passes from Josh Allen—who has been QB1, QB1, QB2, and QB1 in fantasy football over the past four seasons—illustrates the kind of potential impact these comebacks can have.
Philadelphia will undoubtedly want to run the ball frequently with Barkley and Jalen Hurts, aiming to leverage the former’s talent behind a superior offensive line. Meanwhile, Jeremy Chinn's versatility and Carlton Davis's ability to capitalize on improved pass rush dynamics in Detroit make them critical players to watch.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the journey of these veterans will be one of the most compelling stories in football, proving that sometimes, the best is yet to come.