The NFL has officially unveiled its 2026 Pro Bowl rosters, spotlighting 44 players from each conference-21 on offense, 18 on defense, and five on special teams. It’s the annual celebration of the league’s brightest stars, but as always, some deserving names were left off the list.
With just three teams not represented, the talent pool was deep, and the competition for spots was fierce. Still, a few notable players have a strong case for being snubbed.
Let’s break down five of the most glaring omissions from this year’s Pro Bowl roster.
Trevor Lawrence - Quarterback, AFC
Voted in: Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye
Trevor Lawrence has been on a tear lately, and it’s hard to understand how that didn’t translate into a Pro Bowl nod. Over the past month, he’s accounted for 14 total touchdowns without a single interception-an elite stretch by any measure. He’s currently third in the league in total touchdowns, and he’s doing it with poise, precision, and a command of the offense that’s hard to ignore.
While Allen and Herbert are no-brainers most years and Maye has had a breakout season, Lawrence’s recent form has been nothing short of elite. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s elevating Jacksonville’s offense and playing clean, winning football. If this is the version of Lawrence that shows up down the stretch, the Jaguars are going to be a tough out.
Jared Goff - Quarterback, NFC
Voted in: Sam Darnold, Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford
Jared Goff is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career-and one of the most efficient in the league. Despite the Lions sitting at 8-7, Goff has powered Detroit’s offense to 30.1 points per game, the second-highest mark in the NFL. That’s not just good; that’s elite production in a league where points are at a premium.
Goff ranks second in touchdown passes (32), second in passer rating (109.4), and third in passing yards (4,036). Those aren’t just solid numbers-they’re Pro Bowl-caliber by any standard.
Darnold’s late-season surge and Prescott’s consistency earned them spots, and Stafford’s veteran savvy is always appreciated, but Goff has been the engine behind one of the league’s most explosive offenses. He deserved better here.
Devin Lloyd - Linebacker, AFC
Voted in: Azeez Al-Shaair, Roquan Smith
Devin Lloyd has been a force in the middle of Jacksonville’s defense all season long. He’s one of the biggest reasons the Jaguars are holding opponents to just 20.8 points per game. But it’s not just team performance-Lloyd’s individual numbers jump off the page.
Six interceptions on the year-second-most in the NFL and tops among linebackers. That’s rare air for someone playing off the ball.
He’s shown elite instincts in coverage, and his range has made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Roquan Smith’s reputation and Al-Shaair’s breakout year are both worthy, but Lloyd’s ball-hawking ability and impact on a playoff-caliber defense make him a major snub.
Danielle Hunter - Edge Rusher, AFC
Voted in: Will Anderson Jr., Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett
Houston’s defense has been nothing short of dominant this season-No. 1 in both points allowed (16.6) and yards allowed per game (272.3). Will Anderson Jr. rightfully earned recognition, but his running mate on the edge, Danielle Hunter, somehow didn’t make the cut.
Hunter leads the Texans in sacks (13), has tallied 13 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles. He’s been a relentless presence off the edge, consistently setting the tone for a defense that’s smothered opponents all year.
With Garrett and Crosby putting up All-Pro-level seasons and Anderson emerging as a star, the competition was stiff. But Hunter’s production and impact on the league’s top defense make his omission hard to justify.
Marcus Jones - Return Specialist, AFC
Voted in: Chimere Dike
Marcus Jones has been electric in the return game this season. He’s tied for the league lead in punt return touchdowns (2), averaging 17.4 yards per return-second-best in the NFL. His 363 total punt return yards rank fourth, and he’s ripped off a long return of 94 yards, the second-longest in the league.
In a role where game-changing plays are few and far between, Jones has delivered them consistently. Special teams may not always get the spotlight, but Jones has made his presence felt every time he’s touched the ball. While Chimere Dike has had a strong season, Jones’s combination of production and explosiveness arguably gives him the edge.
Final Thoughts
The Pro Bowl is always going to leave a few deserving players on the outside looking in-it’s the nature of the beast when talent runs this deep across the league. But these five players have more than earned their place among the NFL’s elite this season.
Whether it’s Lawrence and Goff lighting it up under center, Lloyd and Hunter anchoring top-tier defenses, or Jones flipping field position with a single return, each has made a compelling case for a Pro Bowl spot. And if their current form holds, they’ll be making plenty more noise come playoff time-even if they won’t be in Orlando for the Pro Bowl festivities.