{
  "id": 5104137,
  "title": "Top 10 players facing make or break season, including C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/top-10-players-facing-make-or-break-season-including-c-j-stroud-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T14:30:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/top-10-players-facing-make-or-break-season-including-cj-stroud-and-marvin-harrison-jr-143042920.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2024 NFL season is set to determine the futures of several high-profile young players, each facing a make-or-break season. Among them are Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Bengals' Myles Murphy.\n\nStroud, who had a disappointing playoff performance last year, has been a major question mark since his magical rookie season. Despite his defense being championship-level, a lackluster display in the divisional-round loss to the Patriots has raised doubts about his potential to become a franchise quarterback. The team's success in the playoffs will be vital for Stroud's future and the Texans' decisions regarding his contract extension.\n\nRaiders running back Ashton Jeanty was drafted sixth overall, but his rookie season struggles, including only 975 yards rushed in 17 games, have led many to question whether he was worth the high pick. Jeanty's ankle injury from practice may also impact his performance. If he fails to improve, concerns will arise about his worthiness of that early selection.\n\nCardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been criticized for not living up to his college hype. A solid receiver, Harrison hasn't become the superstar many expected. With no indication of his potential for stardom this season, doubts about his long-term NFL success may persist.\n\nTitans offensive tackle JC Latham, a seventh overall pick, hasn't reached the expectations placed on him. After starting as left tackle and then switching to right tackle, he played through a hip injury last season and finished as the 46th best offensive tackle in Pro Football Focus grades. Latham must prove he can be a reliable, top-end tackle to justify his draft position.\n\nVikings quarterback Kyler Murray was named the starter, but a one-year deal in a good situation forces him to perform well. A bad season could force teams to reconsider a 30-year-old free agent with inconsistent career performance. A strong season, however, could secure a lucrative contract in the offseason, especially with the talented receiving corps.\n\nBengals defensive end Myles Murphy was among the few 2023 first-round picks to have his fifth-round option not picked up. With the Bengals spending heavily on edge rusher Boye Mafe, there's no sign of confidence in Murphy. With Trey Hendrickson leaving, Murphy could be a key player if he steps up to the plate.\n\nBuccaneers running back Bucky Irving was electrifying as a rookie but his production plummeted last season. With injuries and questions about his health, there's uncertainty about whether Irving is the mid-round rookie sensation everyone believed. The Buccaneers' addition of Kenneth Gainwell may provide him with more opportunities to show his potential.\n\nEagles cornerback Riq Woolen signed a $12 million per season contract, but his performance in Seattle was marred by a controversial unsportsmanlike penalty and a turnover right after the play. Despite his talent, Woolen's future at the Eagles remains uncertain, as his one-year stint could lead to a significant payday if he has a standout season.",
  "summary": "The Texans have a championship-level defense. If they don't come close to a deep playoff run, it'll reflect poorly on Stroud and make a decision on his future even tougher.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}