Former Ohio State Star Receives Grim Outlook From NFL Insiders Just Months After Securing Massive Long-Term Contract Extension

Not long ago, it seemed like everything was going according to plan for the former Ohio State star. After establishing himself as a consistent playmaker in the NFL, he inked a lucrative long-term contract that many saw as both a reward for his past production and a vote of confidence in his future. But in the fast-moving, unforgiving world of professional football, security is always fleeting. And now, just months removed from signing one of the biggest deals of his career, the tone has changed dramatically.

NFL insiders and team executives are quietly sounding the alarm on the future of this once-promising player, and the outlook is far from optimistic. Whispers have grown louder that the contract might be a ticking time bomb, and even the most loyal fans of his current franchise are beginning to question whether the front office overplayed its hand.

The player in question, a standout at Ohio State and a household name among Buckeyes fans, had long been considered one of the most reliable at his position. Coming into the league with sky-high expectations, he didn’t disappoint early in his career. His athleticism, intelligence, and leadership made him an instant contributor and a fan favorite. For several seasons, he played with a chip on his shoulder and a fire in his heart, embodying everything that scouts loved about his Buckeye days in Columbus.

But fast-forward to today, and there’s a distinctly different vibe surrounding him.

One league source put it bluntly: “He got paid. That part is done. But there are real concerns about whether he can live up to that contract going forward. It’s not about what he did last year—it’s about what he might not be able to do next year or the year after.”

The red flags started showing even before pen hit paper on his new deal. Lingering injuries—once dismissed as minor—now seem chronic. His speed, once an asset, has declined noticeably on film. And more importantly, advanced analytics suggest that his overall production has dipped over the past two seasons. Coaches have been cautious in their public comments, but privately, frustration has reportedly begun to bubble.

Injury history was always part of the discussion. In college, he played through pain, often brushing off ailments that would sideline others. That toughness earned him respect, but the cumulative toll appears to have caught up with him. Several team insiders have admitted that there was internal disagreement about offering him the long-term extension. Some pushed for a more incentive-laden structure; others warned that giving him big money could backfire.

Now, as training camp nears, his name is at the center of speculation. Not for accolades. Not for highlights. But for questions—uncomfortable ones.

What happens if he doesn’t bounce back this year?

What if the team needs to restructure his deal or consider a post-June 1 trade?

What if the once-celebrated Ohio State product is already past his peak?

These are the kinds of questions that weren’t supposed to apply to him—not this early, and certainly not right after cashing in.

Teammates have remained mostly supportive. Many still view him as a leader in the locker room, someone who commands respect with his experience and work ethic. But even that dynamic has started to shift, according to reports. Younger players are pushing for playing time. Coaches are experimenting with different rotations. And while nothing has been made official, signs point to a reduced role this upcoming season unless he rediscovers the spark that made him so special in the first place.

The franchise, of course, is in a tough spot. Cutting or trading him would come with significant cap ramifications. Benching him would spark media frenzy and potentially shake locker room chemistry. Keeping him as a starter without consistent performance could derail a season with playoff aspirations.

This is the delicate balance teams must manage in the NFL—especially when it comes to aging stars with deep fan loyalty and steep financial ties.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a new phenomenon for the league. Many stars hit the wall sooner than expected. Wear and tear doesn’t follow a schedule. One moment a player is hoisting the Pro Bowl trophy; the next, he’s struggling to make the active roster on Sundays. It’s harsh. But it’s the reality of the sport.

What makes this case particularly poignant is the backdrop.

This player wasn’t just another Ohio State alum. He was a symbol of the Buckeyes’ dominance during his time in Columbus. He played in big games. He won individual accolades. He carried the torch for a proud program, and many expected him to become one of the NFL’s greats at his position.

And for a while, it looked like he would.

But now? There’s an eerie sense of déjà vu. Another cautionary tale. Another reminder that the NFL is as much about survival as it is about stardom.

Still, not everyone is ready to give up on him.

There are voices in the building who believe the reports are overblown. That he still has gas in the tank. That the new offensive or defensive scheme (depending on his position) will put him in better spots to succeed. That the offseason workouts—more intense than ever—have reignited his competitive fire.

The player himself has not spoken publicly about the criticism. But sources close to him say he’s well aware of the noise. That he’s using it as fuel. That he’s got something to prove—again.

And maybe that’s exactly what he needs.

The NFL doesn’t hand out do-overs often, but it does reward redemption stories. If he can fight through the pain, silence the doubters, and return to form, the narrative will flip quickly. A season of resurgence could change everything. The grim outlook could give way to renewed hope.

But that’s a big “if.”

Because for now, the spotlight that once celebrated his greatness is casting long shadows. The money’s been paid. The expectations have been set. And the only thing left is to see whether the former Buckeye can once again rise to the occasion—or become the latest star to fall victim to the unforgiving nature of the game.

Time will tell whether this chapter ends in redemption or regret. But for now, one thing is certain:

What once looked like the start of a new era may already be teetering on the brink.