Daniel Jones, quarterback. The NFL New York Giants held an organized team activity on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at their training facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NFL training camps are unfolding across the country, with the first real weekend of the preseason just around the corner.
While true NFL stars rarely participate in major preseason games, these games provide opportunities for players to bond. In order to blend in seamlessly, some players will be under more pressure than others.
These five players will be under the most pressure in 2024.
5. Daniel Jones, New York Giants quarterback
It’s a miracle Jones stayed with the Giants this offseason.
Prior to the NFL Draft, they were rumored to be interested in nearly every first-round quarterback, but they ultimately selected wide receiver Malik Nabors.
With Nabors and Saquon Barkley both healthy, Jones has no reason to underperform again in 2024. If Danny Deems doesn’t live up to his contract, this is expected to be his last year with the Giants.
4. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is Houston’s first choice right now. Image source: Getty Images The Texans have struggled to do that this offseason, and you can never blame a team in their position for doing that. C.J. Stroud is one of the most impressive rookie quarterbacks we’ve ever seen, and he’s been on his rookie deal for quite some time.
The Diggs trade signals to the rest of the league that the Texans are pushing for a win in the AFC. They defeated the Cleveland Browns in the NFL playoffs before being defeated by the Baltimore Ravens.
Rumors of Diggs’ decline are getting louder as his production dips slightly at times with the Buffalo Bills in 2023. For a good offense, they need Diggs to return to form.
3. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears quarterback
June 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to throw the ball during the team’s mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports This might surprise some, but NFL experts are raving about the great job the Bears have done in helping Williams succeed.
They added receivers Kenan Allen and Roman Odunze.
If Williams isn’t at least the Rookie of the Year for the improved Bears, expect Chicago’s head to go out at the expense of their No. 1 draft pick. Williams will play in the preseason, so we’ll know soon if the Bears have a real deal.
2. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals WR
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) reacts after making a catch during the fourth quarter during a Week 9 NFL football game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. , game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. This is Higgins’ contract year. Need to say more?
Last year, the Bengals finished last in the AFC North after quarterback Joe Burrow was lost to injury. Higgins has a chance to help the Bengals shine in the best league in football.
It seems unlikely that the Bengals will retain Higgins. He has a prime opportunity to show other teams that he deserves to be one of the highest-paid players in the league.
1. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys EDGE
Micah Parsons is the Dallas Cowboys’ best hope in 2024. Let’s start by saying that Parsons is one of the best edge rushers in the league. He is one of the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year. It’s time for him to take home this award in 2024.
He is the most consistent player on a very inconsistent Cowboys team. Offensively, Dak Prescott and Sheedy Lamb have major contract issues. If the Cowboys struggle, head coach Mike McCarthy’s job security will be in question.
Cowboys fans everywhere are counting on Parsons to be their savior this season.
