While every NFL team enters each season optimistic about their rosters from top to bottom, there’s always one player who’s facing the most pressure ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of 2024, the list of players here are facing one of the following: Returning from a season-ending injury, entering a contract year, or needing a breakout campaign to guarantee they have a future in the league.
We recently identified the hot-seat player on every NFL team entering the 2024 season; today, let’s zero in on which NFC South players fit this description.
NFC South Players Under the Most Pressure This Season
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
It’s hard to imagine that a $180 million passer is on the hot seat. But Atlanta opted to take Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10 of the draft, which creates a highly-scrutinized QB situation ahead of training camp.
Cousins is also trying to come back from his Week 8 Achilles injury.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, Quarterback
Year 2 will either see the 2023 No. 1 pick take significant leaps or continue to crash. There’s no in-between for Young.
The Dave Canales hire already speaks to Carolina’s emergency attempt to rejuvenate Young after a disastrous NFL debut.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr, Quarterback
Even in the Big Easy, Carr continues to face scrutiny. He’s entering his 11th season and has no playoff wins. Plus, he doesn’t have Jameis Winston as his backup.
But the Saints have built themselves as a playoff-or-bust team. Changes could come soon if Carr doesn’t lead New Orleans to a winnable NFC South crown and claim one playoff win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zyon McCollum, Cornerback
The towering 2022 fifth-rounder has a prime opportunity to overtake CB1 duties in Tampa. Super Bowl winner Carlton Davis is gone, and the third-year player looks to be first in line with Jamel Dean aging. The Bucs will be relying on McCollum in the starting lineup, so we’ll see if the 6’4″ CB can take advantage of his increased opportunity.
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