Remember Victor Cruz? That dude went from an undrafted rookie to a Giants star, snagging 1,536 receiving yards and a Super Bowl ring in his second year, all because he balled out in preseason. That’s the power of these summer games, giving lesser-known players a chance to light up the field and either lock down a roster spot or elevate their whole role for the coming season.
The Backup QB Who Could Break Hearts in Chicago
Alright, let’s talk about Chicago. Backup QBs usually fly under the radar, but Tyson Bagent, Caleb Williams’ understudy, is doing anything but that. This guy was a preseason beast last year, tossing five touchdowns and racking up 511 yards over three games, including a straight-up standout performance against the Chiefs in the finale. Dude’s got skills! He even stepped up for four emergency regular-season starts as a rookie in 2023. You know what that means? Trade chatter! The Bears reportedly had calls this spring, holding out for a Day 2 draft pick. Bagent even signed an extension through 2027, but if he goes off again this preseason, those trade calls are coming back. Every August, some team gets desperate about their QB room, and with Bagent’s talent and decent athleticism, the Bears might have a tough decision even with veteran Case Keenum and new UDFA Miller Moss in the mix.
Jaguars’ New Lead Back and Giants’ Sack Machine on the Horizon
Over in Jacksonville, Bhayshul Tuten is staring down a massive opportunity. Travis Etienne Jr. dipped in free agency, and while Chris Rodriguez Jr. got a healthy two-year, $10 million deal, he’s only got 920 rushing yards over three seasons. Tuten, with just 307 rushing yards as a rookie, has the talent and the path clear to be the lead back in a good offense. His preseason usage is going to be HUGE. If he shines, he’s the frontrunner for at least a timeshare with Rodriguez in the regular season. This could be the start of a seriously good second season for him.
Then there’s Abdul Carter for the Giants, the third overall pick from last year. His rookie season was kinda weird with only four sacks, but check this: he had the most quick pressures of any player in the NFL. That’s not nothing! You just know those pressures are gonna turn into sacks this season, and a strong preseason performance for new head coach John Harbaugh would set the tone. Everyone’s ready to see Carter dominate. And let’s not forget Terrance Ferguson over with the Rams. Yeah, only 11 catches on 25 targets in over 350 snaps as a rookie. Tight end is a tough position to learn, but if he can start making plays in preseason, things could turn around.
This preseason isn’t just warm-ups, folks. It’s where the next Victor Cruz is waiting to explode, where guys like Bagent prove they’re worth a Day 2 pick, and Tuten could grab the lead back job. Keep your eyes peeled as these players hit the field. The stakes are real, even if it’s not the regular season yet, because these performances will shape their roles when the games really count!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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