Time To Hang It Up: Five NFL Defensive Players That Should Retire After The Season

December 6, 2023

Erik takes a look at five NFL veterans on the defensive side of the ball that should call it quits after the 2023 season for a variety of reasons. How many will?

The 2023-24 NFL season has been extraordinary. As the end of the season approaches and the off-season begins, we will surely see many roster changes before next year. Some defensive players that are showing their age may decide to retire.

Being a defender in the NFL is one of the most demanding and challenging roles in sports. It demands a rare combination of physical and mental attributes like speed, strength, intelligence, and courage. It's not only about the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to the team but also about the challenges of coping with the pain, injuries, and fatigue that are part and parcel of facing some of the world's most skilled and powerful athletes every week. 

Every defender knows that their career in the league has an expiration date and will have to confront the complex question of their future after football. We will examine five defensive players expected to face this dilemma after the 2023-24 season and consider factors such as age, performance on the field, injury history, and the legacy they have already established in the game.

Von Miller, Bills

Von Miller, the seasoned linebacker of the Buffalo Bills, finds himself at a critical juncture, marred by legal troubles. Miller's recent arrest has cast shadows on a once remarkable career. Before this setback, Miller was disruptive on defense with a Super Bowl MVP, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time All-Pro. His tenacious play amassed 106 sacks, 26 forced fumbles, and 490 tackles in the first decade of his career, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

However, the 2023-24 season paints a different picture, revealing a stark decline in Miller's performance. Once known for his formidable pass rush, he now tallies only three pressures, no sacks, and one quarterback knockdown in the current season. The advanced metrics tell a story of fading prowess, possibly influenced by the toll of age and a lengthy NFL career. As Miller faces the challenges of this season, the legal issues add a layer of complexity to his decision-making. The potential consequences, both inside and outside the courtroom, may influence a retirement decision, signaling the possible end of a once-dominant career.

Calais Campbell, Falcons

Calais Campbell, a stalwart defensive lineman with 16 seasons under his belt, stands at a point where the accolades of the past meet the uncertainties of the future. Earning five Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro honors, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Campbell's contributions extend beyond the field. Yet, as admirers of his game, a critical question surfaces: Is it time for him to retire? Turning 38 in September 2024, Campbell's recent seasons showcase a decline in performance, evidenced by career-low stats in 2023 – three sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 18 pressures.

Despite his enduring impact on and off the field, the numbers tell a story of diminishing returns. Contractually bound with the Baltimore Ravens until 2024, Campbell may get released after the current season. A financial decision for the team could free up $15 million in cap space. As he contemplates the end of his career, Campbell's remarkable journey prompts the question: Should he retire while still celebrated as one of the best defensive linemen of his generation, preserving not just his legacy but his health?

Kareem Jackson, Broncos

Kareem Jackson, a consistent defensive back for 12 seasons with the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos, grapples with the inevitability that every seasoned player faces – the passage of time. Approaching 36 in April 2024, an age considered old for a cornerback or safety, Jackson contends with signs of decline in speed, agility, and coverage skills. Pro Football Reference reveals a drop in approximate value (AV) from nine in 2020 to five in 2022, accompanied by an increase in yards per coverage snap.

Financially, Jackson's contract with the Broncos, signed in 2019 at $33 million over three years, raises questions about its alignment with on-field performance. Ranking 25th among safeties in total tackles in 2022, Jackson's contributions no longer seem commensurate with his pay. The Broncos could save $10 million in cap space by releasing him after the 2023 season. As a player with nothing left to prove, having been a consistent and versatile presence, Jackson weighs the respect he earned against the practicalities of age and financial considerations in deciding his career trajectory.

Al Woods, Seahawks

Al Woods, a veteran defensive tackle with 13 years in the NFL and currently with the Seattle Seahawks, faces a crossroads accelerated by a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14. Turning 36 in March, Woods grapples with the inherent challenges of age, amplified by a position that demands constant physical contact. While he has defied the odds by playing 13 seasons, the statistics paint a picture of decline – a career-low 0.5 sacks in 2020 and an AV of 2, also a career-low.

The Achilles injury introduces uncertainty regarding Woods' future mobility and explosiveness. With a recovery time of nine to 12 months, he might miss significant portions of the offseason and training camp. Even if he recovers, there's no guarantee he'll return to his previous level of play or avoid further injuries. As Woods contemplates retirement, the physical toll of his position, coupled with advanced stats reflecting a decline, prompts introspection into the viability of continuing a career in the face of such challenges.

Josh Norman, Bills

Josh Norman, a veteran cornerback with 12 years in the NFL and stints with four different teams, confronts a stark reality – performance decline. Once a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2015, Norman now grapples with metrics that position him as a liability on the field. In 2023, he ranked 87th out of 97 qualified cornerbacks in coverage snaps per reception allowed (a career-worst) and had a passer rating allowed of 113.7, placing him 80th in the league.

Norman's on-field struggles, marked by allowing too many receptions, touchdowns, and high passer ratings, are further accentuated by a lack of impact plays. With only one interception and four pass breakups, he faces the challenge of justifying his place on the roster at 36. The advanced stats affirm that Norman may no longer be effective in the NFL, and as he contemplates the end of his career, the question arises: Should he retire after the 2023-24 season and conclude a once-stellar journey on a high note?

The narratives of Von Miller, Calais Campbell, Kareem Jackson, Al Woods, and Josh Norman echo the inevitable crossroads that every NFL defender must confront. Their stories transcend the gridiron. As fans, we witness the intersection of past glories and future uncertainties, celebrating these players' impact on the game.

The 2023-24 NFL season may herald the final chapter for these defensive icons. Their decisions, influenced by legal challenges, performance decline, financial considerations, and physical realities, underscore the complexity of navigating the twilight of a career. As we reflect on their careers, we acknowledge their resilience, celebrate their accomplishments, and await the decisions shaping the following chapters of their lives. The echoes of their performances will linger, a testament to the enduring legacy of these defensive greats in the ever-evolving NFL.

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