Every year, Pro Bowl fan voting creates outrage around communities in the NFL. Popular names like Travis Kelce get an invite in spite of sub-par seasons, while more deserving yet unpopular players get glossed over. Sometimes, those names aren’t even all that obscure, making their absence feel bizarre. 2026’s Pro Bowl roster has left some deserving players out, let’s see who they are and give them their flowers.
CB Nahshon Wright
Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Chicago registered 11 interceptions in 2024. This year, they lead the league with 21, five of which have been caught by Nahshon Wright. His ability to cause turnovers isn’t limited to picks, as he’s also forced two and recovered three fumbles. His presence has been a miracle for the Bears, especially considering the fact that Jaylon Johnson has been sidelined for some stretches. Most importantly, key thing about these turnovers is that they’re not empty calories. Wright is responsible for plenty of game-changing plays. His early pick against Pittsburgh and his rips on the ball against Green Bay and Philadelphia were crucial to Chicago’s playoff berth. He gets burnt here and there, but overall he’s undeniably had a Pro Bowl caliber year.
DT Cameron Heyward
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) enters the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Contract disputes with legend Cameron Heyward loomed over the Steelers’ training camp. After the extra three million in incentives was added to his deal, questions arose whether he’d live up to the number. At the ripe old age of 36, Heward’s more than met expectations, and has been invaluable for Pittsburgh’s defense. As of week 16, he is the highest graded defensive lineman by PFF. His 48 pressures put him eighth at his position, and his 33 stops at sixth. Heyward’s been especially dominant during the heat of the playoff race. During Pittsburgh’s recent three game win streak, he’s recorded 17 pressures, two sacks, one QB hit and 14 hurries. His value to the team and statistical output reflect his entitlement to a Pro Bowl nod.
DT Derrick Brown
Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) looks on in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Perceived positional value leads to elite players like Derrick Brown getting lost in the shuffle. However, similar to Heyward, his importance to his team’s success is unmistakable. After he went down last year in the season-opener, Carolina’s defense plummeted to the bottom of the league. Now that he’s returned to the lineup, he’s near single-handedly raised the unit back to league-average. His skill and strength are nearly unparalleled, throwing 300+ pounders around like nothing. His mark of five sacks this year is a career best, and is higher than the combined sack total of two inductees. Brown’s been a true unsung hero this year, and his snub from the Pro Bowl is a real shame.
LB Devin Lloyd
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) returns an interception against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
A game-wrecker like Lloyd at his position often gets inducted without a question. For some reason, the fourth year man was left out. He’s been a machine at getting turnovers, being tied for second place in the game for interceptions with five. Lloyd’s presence in the pass deters quarterbacks from targeting the middle of the field, and his prowess against the run makes it difficult for them not to. His breakout year is one of the reasons why Jacksonville boasts the NFL’s best run defense in yardage. Furthermore, he’s dangerous when coming in as an extra rusher as well, ranking fourth among LBs in pressures. The Jaguars had a number of snubs, but Lloyd’s statistical season makes him a particularly head-scratching cut.
QB Jordan Love
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates the victory over the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
In order to call Love a snub, it’s important to compare his season with an inductee, specifically Sam Darnold. Darnold’s had a tremendous year, and is airing the ball out at an efficient rate. However, Love’s simply been better. Green Bay’s signal caller has an EPA of 0.24, double than that of Darnold. Furthermore, Love’s QBR of 72.8 has also outstripped that of Darnold’s 60.8, with the two being ranked among quarterbacks at third and twelfth respectively. But perhaps what is the most damning stat is the turnovers. Currently, Jordan Love has given the defense the ball eight times, meanwhile, Darnold’s turned it over a whopping 18 times. All this to say, both men under center have had stellar seasons. Nevertheless, there’s little-to-no reason for Darnold to be inducted instead of Love.
