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Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Eight AFC West players with the most to prove in 2023

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 7/12/23

Whether it's a young player who has yet to live up to expectations or a veteran who hasn't matched the level of his contract, several players every year have much more to prove than others.

Here are the players with the most to prove on offense and defense in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos

Offense: Russell Wilson, quarterback | Wilson lost his membership to the elite QB club in 2022. After Denver traded two-first round picks (and more) to acquire the former Seattle star, he went 4-11 as a starter and logged a career low in passing TDs (16).

Five years remain on his contract, and his 2023 cap hit is $22M, per Spotrac, so the Broncos can't move on this year. Consequently, Denver hired HC Sean Payton, a former Super Bowl champion and offensive wizard, to salvage Wilson. The nine-time Pro Bowler must recapture his mojo. Otherwise, the trade and contract will rank among the worst of all time.

Defense: Frank Clark, edge-rusher | Despite winning two Super Bowls with Kansas City over the past four seasons, the Chiefs released the two-time Pro Bowler this offseason. Subsequently, Denver signed the former divisional foe to a one-year, $5.45M contract.

Because he's 30, it raises questions about Clark regressing, especially after he recorded five sacks in 15 games last season. Clark must rebound in Denver, which tallied 36 sacks last season, tied for the 10th-fewest in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

Offense: Skyy Moore, wide receiver | During his rookie season, Moore wasn't a primary target in the offense, catching 33 receptions and no TDs in 16 games. The departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster will change that. "He's going to be called upon more, kind of in the same role JuJu was in last year," Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes recently said. The Chiefs are a potential dynasty because of Mahomes. For him to thrive, he needs dynamic playmaking ability at WR. Clearly, Kansas City needs Moore to develop into a game-changer.

Defense: Chris Jones, defensive tackle | He set a lofty goal this season, predicting he will win 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. In 2022, Jones finished third in DPOY voting. However, per OddsChecker, he has the ninth-best odds behind 2022 DPOY Nick Bosa and the likes of Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons. He needs a spectacular season to beat the fierce competition.

Jones has one year remaining on his contract. Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported he wants a deal that makes him at least the league's second-highest-paid DT. Whether or not he inks a new deal before training camp, his play must prove he's worth the money.

Las Vegas Raiders

Offense: Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback | The Raiders replaced longtime starter Derek Carr with Garoppolo, signing him to a three-year, $72.75M deal. He's not a clear upgrade, though. Last season, his QBR (54.3) was slightly worse than Carr's (55.5). Both were slightly above the league average.

The 31-year-old has injury concerns, too. He's missed 31 games over the past five seasons, and a broken left foot sidelined him during OTAs and mandatory mini-camp.

Defense: Chandler Jones, defensive end | Jones, who signed a three-year, $51M deal last offseason, flopped during his first season with the Raiders. He registered 4.5 sacks in 15 games, the second-lowest figure of his career. Las Vegas selected DE Tyree Wilson, a potential replacement, with the seventh overall pick. so Jones needs a big season to protect his starting job.

Los Angeles Chargers

Offense: Justin Herbert, quarterback | Herbert is one of the more productive QBs in the league. Last season, he finished second in passing yards (4,739 in 17 games). Yet he still lacks a postseason win that could propel him into another QB tier. Herbert could get at least one this season because new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should raise his game. Herbert, in fact, may become an MVP candidate if he sustains his production and wins a playoff game.

Defense: Joey Bosa, defensive end | In 2022, Bosa missed 12 games with a groin injury and in an embarrassing 31-30 wild-card loss to Jacksonville, he had no sacks and two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. The Chargers had led that game at halftime, 27-7.

Bosa, 28, shouldn't be exiting his prime at this point in his career, but it will raise the question if he battles injuries and struggles to produce again. He needs another Pro-Bowl caliber season to prove he's not declining.

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