Which NFL players will fall off the proverbial cliff in the 2020 season?
The age range in which NFL players begin their decline, whether gradual or swift, varies by position. In recent years, quarterbacks have thrived into their late-30s and early-40s. Well, some have flourished, mainly the good ones. Tom Brady won a Super Bowl at age 42 just two seasons ago; Drew Brees was second in the NFL in passer rating in 2019 at age 40.
Running backs are prone to the most abuse as their primary job description is to get handed the ball and be bludgeoned — about 25 times per game, in at least 16 games per season. Generally, tailbacks see a physical decline in their late-20s. Once they approach that brink, it’s close to a done deal.
Exceptions, of course, exist. The quintessential reason rushing king Emmitt Smith can wear his crown to this day is because he was raking in 900+ yard seasons after the age of 30. All told, Smith notched over 900 rushing yards a whopping five times after his 30th birthday.
On the defensive side of the football, the range of age drop-offs vary. Clay Matthews, for example, is 34 years old, was serviceable in 2019 for the Los Angeles Rams, and is now a free agent. Is this the end of the line for Matthews? Maybe so.
There will not be any kickers or punters in the proceeding rankings as those gentlemen are largely non-contact personnel. Kicker Adam Vinatieri played in 12 games last season for the Indianapolis Colts and he is older than most of your fathers.
Overall, this “cliff-diving” process is inevitable as many of the adages insinuate. Here are five players that have a high probability of careening off that cliff in the 2020 NFL season.
Note: All stats are courtesy of Pro Football Reference.