10 Worst NFL Starters In 2024: From Daniel Jones To Chase Young

The NFL’s starting lineups often feature puzzling player selections, driven by complex factors like salary cap constraints and coaching decisions.

Some players consistently start despite underwhelming performances, leaving fans and analysts questioning their roles.

The 2024 season has highlighted several starters struggling to meet expectations.

From quarterbacks unable to find their rhythm to defenders failing to make crucial plays, these players have become focal points of criticism.

Their continued presence in starting lineups reflects the challenges teams face in balancing roster needs, financial commitments, and performance expectations.

Complexities of NFL Rosters

NFL rosters are intricate puzzles, balancing superstar contracts with diverse team needs.

Some starting lineup decisions can be perplexing, often due to salary cap constraints or coaching preferences.

The league features several players who consistently start games despite underwhelming performances.

Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks has fallen short of expectations. Once seen as a dynamic tight end, his production has dwindled.

In 2023, Fant posted career-low numbers without scoring a touchdown. His 2024 stats remain unimpressive, with just 27 catches for 285 yards through eight games.

Chase Young’s journey has been disappointing for a former top draft pick. Now with the New Orleans Saints, his third team, Young’s impact remains limited.

Despite his impressive physique, his production lags behind expectations. With only two sacks and 18 tackles in eight weeks, Young has yet to live up to his potential as a game-changing defensive force.

Daniel Jones of the New York Giants continues to struggle with consistency. His performance hasn’t improved despite securing a lucrative contract.

Jones faces ongoing issues with decision-making and turnovers, mirroring problems from his rookie year. The Giants’ offense has failed to elevate under his leadership.

The Saints’ wide receiver situation highlights depth chart challenges. Mason Tipton, thrust into a starting role due to injuries, has managed only 14 receptions for under 100 yards this season.

His struggles to create separation exemplify the team’s offensive limitations.

Joshua Palmer’s role as the Los Angeles Chargers’ top receiver underscores their offensive woes.

Through six games, Palmer has recorded just 15 catches for 243 yards without scoring. These numbers fall short of expectations for a primary receiving option.

The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation raises eyebrows. After parting ways with key players and bringing in a new coaching staff, they’ve ended up with Mason Rudolph as their starter.

Rudolph’s limitations in consistency and decision-making have become increasingly apparent.

Bryce Young’s entry into the NFL with the Carolina Panthers has been rocky. The team’s attempt to pivot away from Young as their starter reflects his early career struggles.

His performance has fallen well short of the high expectations set for the rookie quarterback.

NFL Starters Falling Short of Expectations

Quarterbacks Struggling to Find Their Rhythm

Daniel Jones of the New York Giants has failed to live up to his lucrative contract.

His performance continues to be marred by poor decision-making and turnovers, issues that have plagued him since his rookie year.

Despite the Giants’ hopes, Jones has shown little improvement, making it increasingly clear that his time as a starter may be limited.

The Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young entered the league with high expectations but has struggled to deliver.

His lackluster performance prompted the team to consider alternatives, though circumstances have kept him in the starting role. Young’s difficulties highlight the challenges rookie quarterbacks face in adapting to the NFL.

Defensive Players Not Meeting Expectations

Chase Young, now with the New Orleans Saints, has yet to live up to his status as a former top draft pick.

Despite his impressive physical attributes, Young’s production has been disappointing. Through eight weeks, he managed only two sacks and 18 tackles, falling far short of the impact expected from a player once touted as a generational talent.

Wide Receivers Failing to Make Their Mark

Joshua Palmer of the Los Angeles Chargers has been thrust into a WR1 role but lacks the consistency required for the position.

Through six games, Palmer recorded just 15 catches for 243 yards without scoring a touchdown. His performance has left quarterback Justin Herbert with limited options in the passing game.

The New Orleans Saints have been forced to rely on Mason Tipton as their WR2 due to injuries.

Tipton’s production has been minimal, with only 14 receptions for under 100 yards this season. His struggles to create separation have highlighted the team’s lack of depth at the position.

Tight Ends: Anticipated Mismatches vs. Actual Performance

Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks has not lived up to the expectations set when he was traded from Denver.

Viewed as a potentially dynamic mismatch creator, Fant’s production has been underwhelming. In 2023, he posted career-low yardage and failed to score a touchdown. His 2024 performance has shown little improvement, with just 27 catches for 285 yards through eight games.

Team Analysis and Player Focus

Seattle Seahawks: Lackluster Tight End Performance

Noah Fant’s transition to the Seattle Seahawks has not met expectations. In 2023, he recorded career-low yardage and failed to score. The 2024 season shows minimal improvement, with just 27 receptions for 285 yards in eight games.

These numbers fall short for a player of Fant’s caliber. Seattle’s offense, brimming with young talent, requires dependable contributors. Fant has yet to establish himself in this role.

New Orleans Saints: Defensive Disappointment

Chase Young’s move to the New Orleans Saints has not yielded the expected results.

Despite his impressive physical attributes, Young’s production remains underwhelming. Through eight weeks, he has managed only two sacks and 18 tackles. This performance falls short of the expectations for a former top draft pick. Young’s struggles in New Orleans mirror his earlier career disappointments.

New York Giants: Quarterback Conundrum

Daniel Jones continues to struggle with consistency for the New York Giants.

His performance is marred by poor decision-making and turnovers, issues that have persisted since his rookie year.

While the Giants’ offensive line struggles contribute to his difficulties, Jones has failed to elevate the team’s offense. His inability to progress suggests his tenure as a starter may be limited.

Los Angeles Chargers: Receiving Corps Challenges

Joshua Palmer’s role as the Los Angeles Chargers’ primary wide receiver highlights the team’s offensive limitations.

Through six games, Palmer has recorded just 15 catches for 243 yards without scoring. These statistics are inadequate for a WR1. Justin Herbert’s performance is particularly impressive given the lack of reliable receiving options.

Tennessee Titans: Quarterback Quandary

The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation is precarious.

Mason Rudolph’s role as the starting quarterback underscores the team’s directionless approach. Rudolph lacks the consistency and decision-making skills necessary for the position. His presence as the starter reflects poorly on the franchise’s current strategy and direction.

Carolina Panthers: Rookie Struggles

Bryce Young’s NFL debut with the Carolina Panthers has fallen short of expectations.

His performance has been disappointing, leading the team to consider alternatives at the quarterback position. The Panthers’ attempt to move away from Young as their starter indicates the severity of his struggles.

Financial Fallout: When Performance Fails to Match Paychecks

The NFL’s delicate balance of star contracts and roster management often leads to questionable starting lineups.

Some players struggle to live up to their hefty paychecks, leaving teams in difficult financial situations.

Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks exemplifies this issue. After a promising start to his career, Fant’s production has plummeted.

In 2023, he posted career-low numbers without scoring a single touchdown. His 2024 performance hasn’t improved, with just 27 catches for 285 yards through eight games. These statistics fall short of expectations for a player of Fant’s caliber and salary.

Chase Young’s journey illustrates another aspect of contractual challenges.

The former first overall pick, now with the New Orleans Saints, has failed to meet the lofty expectations set by his draft status. Young’s production—two sacks and 18 tackles in eight weeks—doesn’t justify his contract or the assets traded to acquire him.

Daniel Jones of the New York Giants represents a cautionary tale in quarterback contracts.

Despite earning a lucrative deal, Jones continues to struggle with turnovers and poor decision-making. His stagnant development raises questions about the wisdom of his contract extension.

The Los Angeles Chargers face a similar dilemma with Joshua Palmer.

Thrust into a primary receiver role, Palmer’s output (15 catches, 243 yards, 0 touchdowns in six games) fails to meet the standards of a true WR1. This underperformance strains the team’s salary cap and limits offensive potential.

These examples highlight the financial risks teams face when players fail to meet expectations.

Such situations can hamper a team’s competitiveness and limit their ability to build a balanced roster.

Futures and Predictions: Betting on Turnarounds

NFL teams often take risks on players they believe can reverse their fortunes. The New Orleans Saints gambled on Chase Young, hoping the former first overall pick could revitalize his career.

Young’s physical talents remain evident, but his production has been lacking with just two sacks and 18 tackles through eight weeks. While a turnaround is possible, the odds appear slim.

The New York Giants placed their bets on Daniel Jones, rewarding him with a lucrative contract. Unfortunately, Jones has reverted to his inconsistent ways, plagued by poor decisions and turnovers.

The Giants’ investment looks increasingly questionable as Jones struggles to elevate the offense.

Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers face a different challenge. With Joshua Palmer as their top receiver, Herbert lacks reliable targets.

Palmer’s 15 catches for 243 yards and zero touchdowns through six games highlight the need for improved weapons.

The Tennessee Titans made bold moves in the offseason, parting ways with key players and bringing in new talent. Their biggest gamble was at quarterback, where Mason Rudolph now leads the offense.

Rudolph’s inconsistency and lack of poise have left the Titans struggling to find direction.

Bryce Young entered the NFL with high expectations for the Carolina Panthers. His performance has fallen short, leading the team to briefly consider Andy Dalton as an alternative.

Young’s struggles underscore the challenges of transitioning to the professional level.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school Games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.