NFL players who are going into decline in 2024

Age comes for every athlete, and that's especially the case in the NFL. These 25 players could be set for decline during the 2024 season.

Davante Adams, WR, Raiders (1 of 25)

While still an elite player last season, Adams struggled while the Raiders tried to find their starting quarterback and missed the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2016. With the team failing to fully address the quarterback position this season, the 31-year-old Adams could have more issues producing.

Keenan Allen, WR, Bears (2 of 25)

Allen has been the center of the Chargers offense for most of his career, with six seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving. His role is likely to change in Chicago, with the team also having D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. At age 32, it could be time for Allen to take a backseat in the offense.

Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers (3 of 25)

Injuries continue to be a hindrance for Bosa, who has played a total of 14 regular season games over the last two seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler is hoping for a rebound season, but that becomes more difficult as he nears age 30.

Kevin Byard, S, Bears (4 of 25)

Byard was an All-Pro as recently as 2021, but his mobility has begun to deteriorate recently. He was traded last season to Philadelphia, with his former takeaway ability clearly in decline. Chicago has added Byard as a veteran presence, but the 31-year-old is likely nearing the end of his career.

Derek Carr, QB, Saints (5 of 25)

After making the Pro Bowl with the Raiders in 2022, Carr joined New Orleans last year. He led the team to a winning record, but the offense lacked explosion with Carr battling injury. Despite a new offensive coordinator, Carr might not have the weapons to keep up his recent play.

Nick Chubb, RB, Browns (6 of 25)

Chubb had an incredible start to his career, averging at least five yards per carry in his first six seasons. Unfortunately, he suffered the second major knee injury of his football career early last season as he nears age 30. While there's hope Chubb can bounce back, it would be very difficult for him to keep up his early-career pace.

Amari Cooper, WR, Browns (7 of 25)

Cooper is coming off an excellent season with his fifth Pro Bowl selection, accumulating over 1,200 yards. However, as Cooper enters his age-30 season the team has added Jerry Jeudy to potentially steal some of his thunder and workload.

James Conner, RB, Cardinals (8 of 25)

Conner reached 1,000 yards rushing for the first time last season, his seventh year in the league. Despite the production, the Cardinals drafted Trey Benson, who has a good shot to take work away from Conner as he nears age 30.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons (9 of 25)

Cousins missed much of last season due to a torn Achilles, but he has high hopes for a rebound with the Falcons. The weapons are there for Cousins to have a big year, but he enters a difficult situation with a new team, a first-round rookie behind him, and a major injury to recover from.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Texans (10 of 25)

Diggs has made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons, though the signs of decline were clear to the Bills before trading him. His 1,183 yards receiving was his lowest total in four years with the team, and Diggs could have more of a complementary role with his new team.

Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens (11 of 25)

While Henry made his fourth Pro Bowl with the Titans last season, his 4.2 yards per carry tied a career low. He could see less work with his new team as the Ravens have a more dynamic offense and a third-down back in Justice Hill.

Cameron Heyward, DE, Steelers (12 of 25)

Heyward has been a force on Pittsburgh's defense for most of his 13-year career, but there were signs of decline last season. He failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2016, recording only two sacks in 11 games. Better health could lead to a rebound, but his overall play is likely to slip at age 35.

Grady Jarrett, DT, Falcons (13 of 25)

Jarrett missed significant time last year, playing only eight games and recording 1.5 sacks. The resurgent Falcons have added multiple veterans on the defense, but the decline has started for Jarrett.

Lane Johnson, RT, Eagles (14 of 25)

The long-dominant Eagles offensive line took a huge hit in the offseason with the retirement of Jason Kelce. That decline could continue as Johnson approaches the end of his career at age 34. While Johnson made his fifth Pro Bowl last season, there is significance risk of decline given his age.

Cameron Jordan, DE, Saints (15 of 25)

The Saints defense is full of veterans, led by Jordan. The long-time Saint failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2016 last season, recording only two sacks. The team is counting on Jordan to rebound, which could be tough at 35.

Matthew Judon, DE, Falcons (16 of 25)

Judon played only four games due to injury last season after a streak of four straight Pro Bowls. While he was excellent when on the field, Judon is joining a new team at age 32 while coming off an injury. It could be very difficult for Judon to keep up his great sack pace.

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs (17 of 25)

Kelce has never been more well-known between his life on and off the field, but there were signs of decline last season. The tight end failed to reach 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015, after recovering from an early-season knee injury. Durability has been Kelce's calling card, which becomes harder in his mid-30s.

Eric Kendricks, LB, Cowboys (18 of 25)

Kendricks is in the twilight of his career as he rejoins his former coach in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer. He's recorded over 100 tackles in eight straight seasons, but showed some sign of decline with the Chargers last year at age 31.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks (19 of 25)

Lockett has been a fan favorite in Seattle for most of his career, recording over 1,000 yards receiving in four straight seasons from 2019-22. That streak ended last season, and the addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba upstages his role.

Tyrann Mathieu, S, Saints (20 of 25)

Mathieu has had an excellent NFL career in 11 seasons with four different teams. He had another strong season in 2023 with four picks and 75 tackles, though Mathieu hasn't made the Pro Bowl since joining the Saints two years ago. At age 32, there is more risk of further decline.

Joe Mixon, RB, Texans (21 of 25)

The Bengals moved on from Mixon after seven seasons, and he joined the upstart Texans. Mixon had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the fifth time last year, but his 60.8 rushing yards per game was the third lowest total of his career. He could enter more of a committee situation with his new team.

Jordan Poyer, S, Dolphins (22 of 25)

Poyer was a key part of Buffalo's defense since joining in 2017, but showed some decline in coverage last season before moving to the rival Dolphins this year. The veteran-filled Dolphins defense hopes Poyer can regain his old form at age 33.

Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers (23 of 25)

Thielen showed some resurgence last season in Carolina at age 33, with his third career 1,000-yard season. The production came out of necessity with the team's receiving corps lacking, but the Panthers have added more talent in the offseason. Thielen's yards per catch average continues to decline, as well, at only 9.8 ypc last season.

Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders (24 of 25)

Wagner is suddenly well-traveled, playing for a new team in three consecutive seasons. After rejoining the Seahawks last season, he moves east to Washington to help a new defense. He knows the system under Dan Quinn, but it remains to be seen if the nine-time Pro Bowler can keep up his elite pace at age 34.

Tre'Davious White, CB, Rams (25 of 25)

White hasn't played much football in recent seasons due to injuries, playing a total of 21 games over the last three years include only four games last season. The Rams are hopeful he can regain his old form, but it is a lot to ask after all his recent injuries.