The 2025 NFL Draft brings an exciting group of players, but their opportunity often comes at the expense of proven veterans. The NFL unofficially stands for “Not For Long,” and the fate of these five veterans could change dramatically depending on what happens during the draft.
5 Players Who Could Lose Their Jobs During the 2025 NFL Draft
Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs found a good enough left tackle in free agent signing Jaylon Moore, but that shouldn’t stop them from addressing the position in the draft. Despite making two Super Bowls during his time with the team, Jawaan Taylor has not justified his massive contract during his time with the club. The Chiefs can save $20 million in cap space by trading him after June 1st, and they might be tempted to do it if someone like Oregon’s Josh Conerly lands with the Chiefs and impresses throughout the offseason.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers (Presumably)
Technically speaking, Aaron Rodgers does not have a job at the moment. However, everyone expects him to eventually sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he comes with his own circus, the four-time NFL MVP is easily the best quarterback remaining on the free agent market and could be a good fit for a playoff-caliber roster like the Steelers. Rodgers is not the player he once was, but he’s still a top-32 quarterback who would be an upgrade on current starter-by-default Mason Rudolph.
However, the closer we get to the NFL Draft, the more likely it is that Pittsburgh grows tired of Rodgers’ act and instead goes one of the many talented players in the class. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is reportedly sliding down draft boards, which means the Steelers might be in position to trade up for his services. Alternatively, the team could select someone like Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. If that happens, Rodgers might not start next year, as there aren’t many other openings around the league.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr has not met expectations during his two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. While he hasn’t been an active liability by any stretch of the imagination, first-year head coach Kellen Moore could look for better players in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Miami’s Cam Ward will probably go to the Tennessee Titans, the team has a realistic shot at the other top quarterbacks in the class. Carr’s contract suggests the team will part ways with him in 2026, but they could trade him in the offseason if they land their franchise quarterback with the ninth overall pick.
Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
If the season started tomorrow, Najee Harris might have the best season of his career. After four solid but unspectacular seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former first-round pick should thrive behind a great offensive line while paired with one of the game’s better head coaches in Jim Harbaugh, and an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert. Unfortunately, the season doesn’t start tomorrow, and the run-obsessed Chargers could invest in one of the many talented players in the NFL Draft. While they don’t stand a shot at Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, they might land someone like Omarion Hampton who could win the starting by midway through the season.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
This is a bit of an asterisk, as 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is not Carolina’s starting running back. However, instead of sending him to the bench, a highly-drafted rookie could effectively end his career. Following his second ACL tear in as many seasons, Carolina spent big to retain running back Chuba Hubbard and signed veteran Rico Dowdle after another 1,000-yard season. With reports that the Panthers are interested in drafting another running back, perhaps the team believes Brooks will never find his pre-injury form.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – Imagn Images
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