The NFL is ultimately a weekly league. Every game gives players and coaches another opportunity to prove themselves, and a short stretch of bad performances can quickly change expectations and careers. But whether because of contract situations or the messages their teams are sending, some players enter the 2026 season facing an extra level of pressure.

In a league with little patience and constant public scrutiny, urgency can arrive fast when legacies, reputations, and careers are on the line.

So, let’s break down six players who will be firmly under the microscope in 2026.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Since 2023, a total of 42 quarterbacks have had at least 500 plays in the NFL. Bryce Young, a former first overall pick, is 34th in adjusted EPA/play and 38th in success rate. There might have been some level of improvement over the past two years, but it’s still obviously insufficient. In 2025, Young was 25th/30 qualifying quarterbacks in adjusted EPA/play and 22nd in success rate.

The Carolina Panthers picked up Young’s fifth-year option, so he’s already under contract through 2027 — and he will make almost $32 million over the next two seasons. But this year could be definitive for him. If Young can’t take a significant step forward in Year 4, the Panthers will have to strongly consider moving in another direction, because it will become clear Young doesn’t have a high enough ceiling.

If Young can improve, though, he could be in line to get a massive long-term contract extension ahead of the final year of his rookie deal.

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Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts has already proven it’s possible to win with him at quarterback. The question is how sustainable it can be with his limitations as a passer. And it looks like that’s exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles are trying to find out this season. With Sean Mannion as the play-calling offensive coordinator, the Eagles’ offense is expected to attack the middle of the field more frequently, and that’s an area where Hurts barely tries.

Presumably without AJ Brown, but still with a viable group of pass-catchers with several newcomers, Hurts will have to show his ability to adapt to the new scheme. Otherwise, the Eagles will have to re-evaluate the idea of paying him $51.5 million per year moving forward.

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Bradley Chubb, Buffalo Bills

Chubb is not necessarily old for his position at 29, but he hasn’t been the same since his knee injury late in 2023. After not playing in 2024, he did have 8.5 sacks last year, but his number of pressures went down from 70 in 2023 to 48 last season.

Released by the Miami Dolphins, the edge defender was still able to sign a three-year, 43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. And he’s massive for the Bills’ plans. After a good-not-great experience with Joey Bosa, the Bills need more juice from the edge, and the big question is if Chubb can still offer that.

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Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers placed a lot of hope on Pearsall entering Year 2, moving on from Deebo Samuel and not having Brandon Aiyuk. But the former first-rounder only played nine games, finishing the season with 36 catches for 528 yards and zero touchdowns. He had fewer receiving yards than Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, and Kendrick Bourne for San Francisco.

Pearsall showed some signs of improvement, and injuries have been the big factor. However, even the efficiency numbers aren’t that great: 1.85 yards per route run and an 70.0 passer rating when targeted. Now, the 49ers added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. If Pearsall doesn’t improve, he will inevitably become an afterthought for Kyle Shanahan.

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Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks took Jadarian Price in the first round, but he’s expected to essentially replace Kenneth Walker’s role in the offense. Charbonnet tore his ACL back in January, so he’ll still have a long journey until returning to the field. A 25-year-old player, the former second-round pick should get back late in the season. And he will have to prove he can still be a decently efficient runner to show not only the Seahawks, but the NFL what he is. Drafted in 2023, Charbonnet is slated to become a free agent next offseason.

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Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a massive investment to take Hunter, a trade up in the draft that involved sending the Cleveland Browns a high second and a future first. However, a lateral collateral ligament issue ended his rookie season after just seven games.

As a receiver, Hunter was mediocre. He had 28 receptions for 298 yards, with 1.32 yards per route run and a 73.6 passer rating when targeted. As a cornerback, the level is undoubtedly better, allowing nine receptions in 15 targets, a 78.8 passer rating when targeted, with two pass breakups.

The Jaguars will give Hunter another shot to play on both sides of the ball this year. But if he doesn’t prove his worth as a top receiver and his physical capacity to handle the load, the Jaguars might just decide to play him at corner — and at this point, it would be harder to justify the initial investment.