Pro football might be a young man’s game (as we noted in our best players under 25 list), but sometimes, experience conquers all.
Some guys — despite the punishment, despite the daily grind, and despite all the attention they get — manage to excel no matter how old they are. Some of them even do it for years.
With the NFL offseason coming to a close, teams will soon start to take stock of their rosters. We’ll do something similar — determine the best players in the NFL aged 26 and up at each position. This sort of breakdown is our way of deciding which established veterans still find a way to be talismans for their respective squads. It also helps set the table for the players who will more than likely drive many narratives during the 2022 season.
Some caveats to keep in mind about this detailed list:
- Age 26 is the starting point because that’s often when players become “veterans” and start their second pro contracts.
- Since 11 personnel (three receivers, one running back, and one tight end) is the most commonly used formation in the NFL — we have three slots for receivers.
- On defense, a third “nickel” cornerback is the favorite way to stop those pass-happy attacks, so we’ve included that position. (And yes, we account for the differences between 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. It’s the best of the best for every slot.)
Here’s a full-scale examination of the NFL’s truly elite players aged 26 and up at each position as the 2022 season comes around the bend:
