### Player Showdowns: Key Athletes Facing Make-or-Break 2025 NFL Season

As NFL rosters solidify ahead of training camp, certain players are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season that could drastically shape their careers. Whether aiming to rejuvenate past successes or cement their worth for future contracts, these athletes have a lot on the line.

**Baltimore Ravens: TE Mark Andrews**

Tight end Mark Andrews faces a career-defining season in 2025 as he enters the final year of his contract amidst questions regarding his future with the Baltimore Ravens. The 29-year-old aims to prove his value despite a tough offseason, competing with younger talent Isaiah Likely, whom head coach John Harbaugh has high expectations for. A standout season could ensure Andrews' retention in Baltimore or secure lucrative offers from other teams.

**Tennessee Titans: WR Treylon Burks**

Treylon Burks, selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, has yet to live up to expectations. With just 53 catches for 699 yards and one touchdown across three seasons, the 2025 campaign is a critical opportunity for Burks to validate his worth. The Titans declined his fifth-year option, making this a make-or-break season for the wide receiver, now working with first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward.

**Kansas City Chiefs: OG Mike Caliendo**

Following the departure of Joe Thuney, Mike Caliendo gets a chance to solidify his role at left guard for the Kansas City Chiefs. Competing with 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, Caliendo faces high stakes in a contract year, especially given the pressure to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a team with perennial Super Bowl aspirations.

**Buffalo Bills: RB James Cook**

Despite back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, running back James Cook is at a standstill in contract negotiations with the Buffalo Bills. With his voluntary absence from OTAs, Cook must surpass his previous performances to convince the team to extend his contract. Achieving this will likely require exceeding 1,200 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns, along with strong receiving stats.

**Seattle Seahawks: QB Sam Darnold**

Quarterback Sam Darnold, after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a successful season, now bears the weight of expectations with the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold's recent contract presents a high-stakes situation where he must deliver, or the Seahawks could opt to save $27.5 million by cutting him after June 1, 2026. The gamble hinges on Darnold fitting into new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system.

**Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne**

Travis Etienne, following a dip in productivity and lingering injuries in 2024, is at a crossroads. Despite trade rumors and expectations of being replaced, the Jaguars retained Etienne, granting him a crucial 2025 to prove he belongs in Jacksonville’s long-term plans. His performance in the upcoming season will be pivotal to his career trajectory.

**New York Jets: QB Justin Fields**

The New York Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, but the upcoming season feels like a trial run. Given Pittsburgh's reluctance to start him in crucial games last year, Fields needs to prove his potential this year to avoid being traded and to validate the Jets' investment in him.

**Cleveland Browns: OT Dawand Jones**

Right tackle Dawand Jones had a stellar rookie year but struggled in 2024 before an injury ended his season. As he transitions to left tackle to replace the unsigned Jedrick Wills, Jones must prove his rookie success was no fluke to secure his continued role with Cleveland.

**Washington Commanders: CB Marshon Lattimore**

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, acquired in a high-profile trade, has underperformed with the Commanders. A full year under head coach Dan Quinn might be the remedy, but Lattimore must elevate his game in 2025, with his future with the team hanging in the balance.

**Buffalo Bills: LB Matt Milano**

Linebacker Matt Milano had a breakout All-Pro year in 2022 but was plagued by injuries in the subsequent seasons. Entering the final year of his contract at 31, Milano’s goal is to return to form and help the Bills in their quest for a Super Bowl.

**New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Olave**

Despite his talent, wide receiver Chris Olave faces a challenge due to recurrent concussions. Playing just eight games in 2024, Olave must stay healthy and productive to ensure a prolonged career with the Saints, who picked up his fifth-year option.

**Miami Dolphins: OLB Jaelan Phillips**

Injuries have derailed outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips' last two seasons. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Phillips must overcome his health issues to re-establish himself as a key player for a Dolphins team under considerable pressure to succeed.

**Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts**

Tight end Kyle Pitts, after a sensational rookie year, has seen a decline in productivity. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Pitts must demonstrate his value despite frequent quarterback changes and recent injuries, aiming to secure his future beyond 2025.

As the NFL season approaches, these players confront defining moments in their professional journeys. Their performances in 2025 will not only impact their careers but could also shape the futures of their respective teams.