That matches the film, which showed him in proper position to pressure quarterbacks into making pinpoint throws and receivers into making tough catches. The 28-year-old signed a massive new six-year, $78 million contract that will likely keep him in Kansas City through the rest of his career. Mariota improved on those numbers last year, throwing for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns with only nine interceptions in another season cut short due to an injury, as he endured a fractured fibula. —There are a few relevant names to discuss when the subject of best defensive player in the NFL comes up, but if you're not putting Aaron Donald at or near the top of that list, you're missing out. Despite just turning 29, McCoy looks as explosive as ever and should still be the productive heartbeat of the Bills offense. As a pass-rusher, still his primary job, he is quite good, even if he isn't a perennial double-digit sack artist. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll has told me more than once that Seahawks opponents shy away from deep posts and seam routes when Thomas is in the game because he can run with any receiver and his anticipatory instincts are so finely honed. Over the past five seasons, Lee has missed 34 of the Dallas Cowboys' 80 regular-season games, as well as the team's two playoff contests during the 2014 season. Find out who made the list of the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2017 voted on by the players themselves.Take a look at how NFL players and others affiliated with the Inspire Change program have been making a difference in communities in the United States in 2018, 2019 and 2020.Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the newest cover star for the August 2020 issue of GQ Magazine.Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has signed a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. —K.J. He's also a big part of the team's red-zone offense, having scored 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons. The return of longtime Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia after a brief retirement shored up New England's protection problems and allowed Brady the time in the pocket he needed. That has just about everything to do with a series of abysmal defenses that have had Brees fighting uphill to play catch-up in just about every game.His stats over the last five years, when the Saints have gone 7-9 four times, bear that out. More importantly, he was disciplined and consistent in coverage, which had been an issue for him in previous years.There's a possibility Father Time hits Talib hard this year, as he turns 32 years old in February, but his improved footwork and eye discipline were among the best in the league last season. If there is any young edge defender to double down on, it's Bosa. Mariota finished his rookie season completing 62.2 percent of his passes for 2,818 yards and 19 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, despite suffering an injury early in Week 15 and missing the final two-plus games. When you dive into those stats, you see true growth. He's a perfect fit for the Cowboys, as he can run their various schemes with equal effectiveness. That said, Thomas is still at the top of his game. Health has always been the lone blemish on Sean Lee's profile. Brees wasn't quite as accurate as a deep passer last season—there were instances in which his receivers had to slow up to catch his missiles, and he threw We're splitting hairs, though. Early in his career, it appeared he would be a speed pass-rusher, but his sack production fizzled. Factoring that in, he’s had one of the more amazing NFL tenures of his era. Alongside Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilius, he might see more one-on-one matchups this season than he's seen in three or four years.In his first five seasons (2011-15), Watt posted 74.5 sacks.