In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where careers can rise and fall with the turn of a season, a select few veterans are poised to reclaim their former glory in 2026. These players, once at the pinnacle of their craft, have faced adversity, whether it be injuries, coaching changes, or a myriad of other challenges. But with a fresh start and a new environment, they are ready to rewrite their narratives and restore their legacies. Let's delve into the stories of these veterans and explore what makes their potential resurgence so intriguing.
The Resurgence of Veterans: A New Chapter
In the world of sports, development is not always linear, and career trajectories can be as unpredictable as the game itself. Several NFL players have had productive starts to their careers, only to face adversity along the way. How they respond to these challenges sets the course for the remainder of their careers. Who are the candidates to restore their legacies in 2026?
It's important to note that this list does not include players who could surge for the first time. For example, Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter Jr. is one who has more to give this season. Chargers center Tyler Biadasz and Eagles safety Reed Blankenship were also considered, due to public narratives. Biadasz was outright released by Washington, whereas Blankenship had been a sacrificial piece to the Eagles defense. Those are two good candidates to break through prior narratives, but neither had been down so bad last season that it would justify a 'resurgence'.
Without further ado, here are the veterans who could experience a return to glory in 2026:
OG Spencer Burford: A New Beginning
After starting 29 regular-season games over his first two seasons, Burford has been limited to just nine starts between the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the 49ers. Playing alongside Trent Williams had been a good situation, but Burford now steps into a better situation sandwiched between Kolton Miller and Tyler Linderbaum. There are deficiencies in Burford's game, but new head coach Klint Kubiak had done a good job relieving some of the stress his offensive line shouldered through the scheme.
Personally, I think Burford's move to a better situation, with improved coaching and a more supportive cast, could be the catalyst for a resurgence. The new head coach's ability to relieve stress and improve the overall scheme could help Burford shine. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Burford to excel in a more supportive environment, which could lead to a significant improvement in his performance.
WR Tank Dell: Stretching the Field
Dell averaged 49 receptions each of his first two seasons out of Houston, but suffered a significant injury that cost him all of the 2025 season. He had been an explosive threat in the Texans' offense and was a popular outlet for C.J. Stroud. There are suddenly more mouths to feed in the pass game after the team sunk Day 2 picks into Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel last offseason to go along with Nico Collins.
In my opinion, Dell's return to the field could be a game-changer for the Texans' offense. While the expectation should not be for Dell to be a high-volume target in his first season back, the hope is that he can stretch the field and set the table for the rest of his career. What this really suggests is that Dell's return could provide a much-needed boost to the Texans' passing game, which has been lacking since his injury.
LB Dre Greenlaw: Returning to the System that Developed Him
Greenlaw parlayed a fruitful career with the 49ers into a lucrative contract from the Broncos. In his lone season with Denver, Greenlaw missed nine games, but had been productive in his limited availability. Durability has been an issue for the 29-year-old, but returning to the system that developed him, alongside Fred Warner, may help get back on an upward trajectory.
From my perspective, Greenlaw's return to the 49ers system could be a significant advantage. The familiarity with the system and the support of a strong defense could help Greenlaw regain his form and durability. What this raises a deeper question: Can Greenlaw's return to the 49ers system be the key to unlocking his full potential?
CB Kader Kohou: A Slot Role to Fulfill
Kohou had been a bright spot in a deficient Miami secondary but he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from an injury. He had missed just four combined games over the first three seasons of his career. The Chiefs' supporting cast will be better than his time with the Dolphins, so that could lead to more opportunities to turn over the ball. Kohou will be asked to fulfill a slot role that had previously been filled by Trent McDuffie and Chamarri Conner.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Kohou to excel in the slot role. With a better supporting cast and a more supportive environment, Kohou could be the key to unlocking the Chiefs' secondary. What this suggests is that Kohou's return to the slot role could be a significant advantage for the Chiefs' defense.
TE Sam LaPorta: Revitalized by New Offensive Coordinator
LaPorta's production has declined each year in the NFL following his breakout rookie season when he managed 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last season, he missed eight games and finished with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. The entire Detroit offense suffered a setback last season post-Ben Johnson, but LaPorta should be revitalized by new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Personally, I think LaPorta's return to the field could be a significant advantage for the Lions' offense. With a new offensive coordinator and a more supportive environment, LaPorta could be the key to unlocking the Lions' passing game. What this really suggests is that LaPorta's return to the field could be a significant boost to the Lions' offense.
WR DJ Moore: Closer to the End of His Career
Moore was a feature outlet for the Bears prior to Ben Johnson's arrival. He averaged 97 receptions in his first two seasons with the franchise. Johnson leaned more into the youth on his roster with Rome Odunze and, more recently, Luther Burden III. Over the first eight games of the 2025 season, the Maryland product had at least three receptions in each game. Over the last nine regular-season games, he had just three games with at least three receptions.
In my opinion, Moore's move to Buffalo could be a significant advantage. With a new head coach and a more supportive environment, Moore could be the key to unlocking the Bills' passing game. What this raises a deeper question: Can Moore's return to the field be the key to unlocking his full potential?
QB Kyler Murray: A New Head Coach and a Fresh Start
Between the 2023 and 2025 seasons, Murray missed a combined 21 games. Despite Arizona releasing him for future salary cap relief, the Oklahoma native turns just 29 in August and now joins a head coach (Kevin O'Connell) who has been credited with rejuvenating the careers of Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold.
Personally, I think Murray's move to Minnesota could be a significant advantage. With a new head coach and a more supportive environment, Murray could be the key to unlocking the Vikings' offense. What this suggests is that Murray's return to the field could be a significant boost to the Vikings' passing game.
CB Mike Sainristil: A New Role and a Fresh Start
Sainristil had a positive rookie season. Despite being small in stature, he spent a little less than 15% of the 2025 season working out of the slot, according to TruMedia. The team's investment in Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos was disrupted by injuries, which forced Washington to abandon its plan to play Sainristil more in the slot. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has not explicitly described the role to be filled by the third-year Michigan man, but he should benefit from the team's improved front seven.
From my perspective, Sainristil's move to a new role and a fresh start could be the key to unlocking his full potential. With a new defensive coordinator and a more supportive environment, Sainristil could be the key to unlocking the Redskins' secondary. What this suggests is that Sainristil's return to the field could be a significant boost to the Redskins' defense.
WR Brian Thomas Jr.: A Fresh Start and Ample Time
Thomas was sensational as a rookie when he recorded 87 receptions and nearly 1,300 receiving yards. The encore was less impressive. Over the course of 14 games, he amassed 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns; zero 100-yard receiving performances. Jacksonville struggled to best deploy his skill set and that led to frustration and rumored trade availability.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Thomas to excel with a fresh start and ample time. With a new head coach and a more supportive environment, Thomas could be the key to unlocking the Jaguars' passing game. What this suggests is that Thomas's return to the field could be a significant boost to the Jaguars' offense.
WR Garrett Wilson: A Strange Season and a New Beginning
Wilson averaged 93 receptions and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards each of his first three seasons. Last season was strange in the sense that he appeared in the first six games before succumbing to injury then played Nov. 9 and spent the rest of the season amidst public speculation regarding whether or not he was healthy enough to play.
In my opinion, Wilson's move to a new team and a fresh start could be the key to unlocking his full potential. With a new head coach and a more supportive environment, Wilson could be the key to unlocking the Jets' passing game. What this suggests is that Wilson's return to the field could be a significant boost to the Jets' offense.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start and a New Beginning
In the world of sports, careers can rise and fall with the turn of a season. But with a fresh start and a new environment, these veterans are ready to rewrite their narratives and restore their legacies. From OG Spencer Burford to WR Garrett Wilson, these players have the potential to make a significant impact in 2026. What this really suggests is that with the right coaching, a supportive environment, and a fresh start, these veterans could be the key to unlocking their full potential and making a significant impact in the NFL.
