Top 10 players facing make or break season, including C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Frank SchwabWed, September 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM UTC

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NFL seasons don't always offer a great sample size to figure out which players have the chance to be long-term starters or stars. But decisions need to be made quickly.

There are more than a few young players whose careers could go either way this season. Some are looking at potentially hitting free agency next year, with no idea if they'll break the bank or be largely ignored. Here are the top 10 players facing make-or-break seasons:

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud

The Texans haven't yet signed Stroud to a big extension. That's because since a magical rookie season, Stroud has turned into a big question. His playoff performance in a divisional-round road loss to the Patriots, when he threw four interceptions, brought about even more skepticism over whether he can be a franchise quarterback. The Texans have a championship-level defense. If they don't come close to a deep playoff run, it'll reflect poorly on Stroud and make a decision on his future even tougher.

C.J. Stroud had a miserable performance in the playoffs as the Texans lost to the Patriots. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty

Maybe it's way too early to have Jeanty on a list like this. In fairness, plenty of his rookie season struggles can be blamed on the Raiders' poor infrastructure. But what if he doesn't look much better this season, especially dealing with an injury suffered in practice on Aug. 23? The Raiders drafted Jeanty sixth overall, which was questionable for a rebuilding team. But everyone loved his talent. Then Jeanty rushed for only 975 yards in 17 games as a rookie. He should improve with a better team around him. However, the ankle injury could linger and affect his play for a while, as it does for plenty of running backs. If Jeanty doesn't improve, and if exciting rookie Mike Washington Jr. forces a timeshare at the position, people will question if Jeanty was worth that high of a pick.

Steelers LB Payton Wilson

Wilson has been fine, but not quite the playmaker he was touted to be coming out of college. He slipped to the draft's third round due to durability concerns, and he hasn't missed a game yet in two seasons. But his impact has been up and down. Last season, his Pro Football Focus grade ranked him 65th among 88 qualified linebackers. He has shown flashes, so it's reasonable to dream that he could emerge as a star in his third season.

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Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison is quickly becoming a player people like to criticize. Any bad highlight of him in training camp was amplified. That's because Harrison hasn't lived up to the hype he had coming out of college. He has been a solid NFL receiver but nowhere near a star. There have been excuses, like injuries and the Cardinals' environment around him. But it would be hard to keep alive the hope of him becoming an NFL superstar if we don't see signs of it this season.

Titans OT JC Latham

Latham was the seventh pick of the 2024 NFL Draft and hasn't played up to that status yet. As a rookie, he was moved out of position to left tackle. Last season he switched back to right tackle but played through a hip injury and finished as Pro Football Focus' 46th best offensive tackle in its grades. It's time for Latham to prove he can be a reliable, top-end tackle in the NFL. That's why the Titans drafted him that early.

Vikings QB Kyler Murray

Murray was named the Vikings' starter, which should have surprised nobody. Now comes the hard part: Murray is on a one-year deal in a good situation and needs to play well. A bad season would force NFL teams to be honest about a player who is a free agent and will turn 30 before next season, and has been inconsistent throughout his career. But a good season throwing to Justin Jefferson and others could provide a huge contract in the offseason. There's a lot on the line.

Bengals DE Myles Murphy

Murphy was one of the few players from the 2023 first round to not have his fifth-round option picked up. The Bengals also spent $60 million over three years on edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency. None of that is a sign of confidence in Murphy, who has 8.5 sacks in his three NFL seasons. With Trey Hendrickson off to Baltimore, the Bengals could use Murphy to make a major leap. Then he'd be in great position to be paid as a free agent.

Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving

Irving was electric as a rookie. Then, last season, he was injured and his production plummeted. Perhaps the injuries were the only reason for that. But there are still questions about whether Irving is healthy, and also whether he was a mid-round rookie sensation who can't replicate that level. The Bucs' addition of Kenneth Gainwell gives Tampa Bay another option if Irving plays like he did last season. At very least it appears Gainwell has a big share of the running back duties, based on preseason usage. That doesn't help Irving, who won't get endless chances to show he's a top-tier back.

Eagles CB Riq Woolen

Woolen's talent is a reason he got $12 million per season from the Eagles. Everything else is likely why he got just one year. Woolen seemed to wear out his welcome in Seattle, culminating with a horrible unsportsmanlike penalty on a third down against the Rams in the NFC championship game and then giving up a touchdown right away. Woolen is talented and just 27 years old so one good season in Philadelphia could lead to a big multiyear deal.

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice

Rice is in the final year of his rookie deal that paid him less than $6.5 million total over four seasons. That's relatively not much. Off-field concerns have overshadowed the positive things he has done on the field. He has also dealt with injury issues. It's possible Rice has a healthy, highly productive season as Patrick Mahomes' main target. How he plays will go a long way in determining how big his second contract will be.

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Source: “AOL Sports”