As the 2025 NFL season gets underway, several longtime veterans could be stepping onto the field for the last time. These players are inching closer to the finish line, whether due to age, contract uncertainty, or the presence of younger talent eager to take over.
Some still have something left in the tank, while others are clinging to roster spots by a thread. Either way, the clock is ticking—and 2025 might be their final act.
11. Harrison Smith, Safety
Smith has been a fixture in Minnesota’s secondary for over a decade, but the Vikings have already started rebuilding on defense. Another year of wear and tear could convince the veteran safety to call it a career.
10. Matthew Stafford, Quarterback
Stafford battled injuries in recent seasons and has already hinted at life after football. If the Rams continue to rebuild or take a step back, he may decide 2026 is the right time to walk away.
9. Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver
Thielen remains a reliable option, but his speed and separation have noticeably declined. If Carolina leans into a youth movement at receiver, 2025 might be his swan song.
8. SirVocea Dennis, Linebacker
Dennis is recovering from shoulder surgery, and Tampa Bay has already added reinforcements at linebacker. If he doesn’t make a significant leap this season, his time with the Bucs—or in the NFL—might be up.
6. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge Rusher
Clowney hopes to latch on with his seventh team, but the league isn’t knocking down his door. If no contender takes a shot on him, 2025 could be his last rodeo.
5. Sam Darnold, Quarterback
Darnold’s in Seattle with a rookie breathing down his neck, and he’s running out of chances to prove he’s a starter. If things go south again, he may be holding a clipboard—or out of the league altogether—by this time next year.
4. Lavonte David, Linebacker
David is still a steady presence in Tampa Bay, but he’s playing on another one-year deal, and retirement talk has been swirling for a while. If the Bucs go young, this could be his NFL farewell.
3. Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
Cousins is coming off a tough year and has a highly drafted rookie taking over in Atlanta. If 2025 doesn’t go well, seeing him starting again in 2026 is hard.
2. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
![Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12)] celebrates during the Green Bay Packers 24-16 win over the Carolina Panthers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sunday, November 10, 2019. RICK WOOD/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL](https://gamerkoala.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Aaron-Rodgers-9-1024x968.jpg)
Rodgers hasn’t committed to anything yet and has clarified that life beyond football is calling. If he does return, it’s likely for one last run before calling it a career.
Read More: 15 Throwback Linebackers Built for Today’s Game
1. Travis Kelce, Tight End
Kelce will suit up in 2025, but it may be his final season as he wraps up his current deal. He’s still elite, but the wear and tear is real, and he’s already eyeing what’s next beyond the gridiron.
Read More: 20 NFL Linebackers Who Were Built for Today’s Speed-First Game
