Bust Alert: Nine NFL Players Running Out of Time to Prove Themselves in 2025
The NFL is a league defined by pressure, expectations, and short windows of opportunity. Every year, highly touted prospects and big-name acquisitions face the harsh reality that their time to prove themselves is running out.
As we approach the 2025 season, several players—whether former first-round picks, high-priced free agents, or once-promising talents—are on the verge of being labeled as busts if they don’t deliver soon. Here are nine players who must step up in 2025 or risk fading into obscurity.
1. Zach Wilson, QB – New York Jets
Drafted: No. 2 overall (2021)
Why He’s on the List: Once viewed as the Jets’ franchise savior, Wilson has been a colossal disappointment. After being benched multiple times and even relegated to backup duty behind Aaron Rodgers, Wilson’s accuracy, decision-making, and confidence have all been major concerns.
2025 Outlook: With Rodgers nearing the end of his career, Wilson may get one last shot to prove he belongs as a starter—either in New York or elsewhere. If he fails again, he’ll go down as one of the biggest QB busts in recent memory.
2. Trey Lance, QB – Dallas Cowboys
Drafted: No. 3 overall (2021)
Why He’s on the List: Lance was supposed to be the 49ers’ next superstar, but injuries and inconsistency derailed his career. After being traded to Dallas, he sits behind Dak Prescott, waiting for an opportunity.
2025 Outlook: If Prescott stays healthy, Lance may not see the field at all. But if he gets a chance—whether due to injury or a Prescott departure—he must show he can still be a viable NFL starter. Otherwise, his career as a high draft pick will be deemed a failure.
3. Kadarius Toney, WR – Kansas City Chiefs
Drafted: No. 20 overall (2021)
Why He’s on the List: Toney has elite athleticism but has been plagued by drops, injuries, and mental mistakes. After flaming out with the Giants, he was traded to the Chiefs, where his struggles continued—most notably in the 2023 AFC Championship with a crucial drop.
2025 Outlook: With Patrick Mahomes at QB, Toney has no excuses. If he can’t stay healthy and produce in 2025, he may be out of the league entirely.
4. Isaiah Simmons, LB – New York Giants
Drafted: No. 8 overall (2020)
Why He’s on the List: A versatile defensive weapon at Clemson, Simmons has never found a true role in the NFL. The Cardinals traded him to the Giants, where he remains a rotational piece rather than a star.
2025 Outlook: If Simmons doesn’t solidify himself as a reliable starter in New York’s defense, he’ll be remembered as another athletic prospect who couldn’t translate his skills to the pros.
5. Jalen Reagor, WR – New England Patriots
Drafted: No. 21 overall (2020)
Why He’s on the List: Reagor was drafted ahead of Justin Jefferson and has been a massive letdown. After failing in Philadelphia and Minnesota, he’s now fighting for a roster spot in New England.
2025 Outlook: At this point, Reagor is clinging to his NFL career. If he doesn’t break out as a reliable receiver or return specialist, he may be out of the league by 2026.
6. Noah Igbinoghene, CB – Miami Dolphins
Drafted: No. 30 overall (2020)
Why He’s on the List: Igbinoghene has been a healthy scratch more often than a contributor. Despite his athleticism, he’s struggled in coverage and has been passed over by undrafted players.
2025 Outlook: Now with the Dolphins (after a brief stint elsewhere), this is his last chance to prove he belongs in an NFL secondary. If not, he’ll be another first-round bust.
7. Kenneth Murray, LB – Los Angeles Chargers
Drafted: No. 23 overall (2020)
Why He’s on the List: Murray has been inconsistent in coverage and against the run. The Chargers declined his fifth-year option, signaling their lack of faith in his development.
2025 Outlook: If he doesn’t take a major step forward under a new defensive scheme, he’ll be looking for a new team—and possibly a backup role—in 2026.
8. N’Keal Harry, WR – Minnesota Vikings
Drafted: No. 32 overall (2019)
Why He’s on the List: Harry was supposed to be a dominant physical receiver, but he’s been a non-factor for multiple teams. Now with the Vikings, he’s fighting just to stay on a roster.
2025 Outlook: If he can’t carve out a role as a red-zone threat or special teams contributor, his NFL journey may finally be over.
9. Jeff Okudah, CB – Atlanta Falcons
Drafted: No. 3 overall (2020)
Why He’s on the List: Injuries and inconsistent play derailed Okudah’s time in Detroit. Now in Atlanta, he has one more shot to prove he can be a starting-caliber corner.
2025 Outlook: If he can stay healthy and improve his ball skills, he might salvage his career. If not, he’ll go down as one of the biggest CB busts in recent history.
The 2025 season is a make-or-break year for these players. Some were top-10 picks, others were supposed to be franchise cornerstones—but now, they’re all running out of time.
For some, a change of scenery or a new coaching staff could spark a resurgence. For others, this may be their last shot before fading into NFL obscurity. One thing is certain: The pressure has never been higher.
Which of these players do you think will turn it around? And who will be out of the league by 2026? Let us know in the comments.
