NFL’s Most Underutilized Players 2024: Hidden Weapons Being Wasted by Their Teams

The NFL’s Most Underutilized Players 2024 season has revealed a troubling trend – several explosive playmakers are being criminally underused by their coaching staffs, leaving fantasy owners frustrated and defenses breathing sighs of relief. These talented weapons possess the skills to change games, yet remain buried in depth charts or trapped in schemes that don’t maximize their abilities.

In this 2,300-word investigative report, we expose:
✔ The 5 most bafflingly underused stars
✔ Statistical proof they deserve more opportunities
✔ How their teams’ offenses suffer as a result
✔ Potential trade destinations that would unleash them
✔ Coaching decisions that defy analytics

The Frozen Five: 2024’s Most Underutilized Weapons

1. James Cook (RB, Bills) – The Forgotten Playmaker

The Crime:

• Averaging 5.8 YPC (3rd among RBs)

• Just 12.1 touches per game

• Bills rank 28th in rush attempts

The Evidence:

• When Cook gets 15+ carries: Bills 5-0

• Under 15 carries: Bills 3-5

• NFL News analytics show he gains 3.2 yards after contact

2. Rashod Bateman (WR, Ravens) – The Invisible No. 2

Buried Potential:

• Runs just 22 routes per game (WR3 volume)

• 2.3 yards per route run (Elite efficiency)

• Targeted on 18% of routes (Would start for 20 teams)

Why It’s Baffling:

• Mark Andrews injured since Week 8

• Odell Beckham averaging just 38 yards/game

• Lamar Jackson needs more reliable targets

The Misused Tight Ends

3. Dalton Schultz (TE, Texans) – The Forgotten Safety Valve

Underuse Metrics:

• Running routes on just 58% of dropbacks

• 83% catch rate when targeted

• 0 red zone targets in last 3 games

The Irony:

• Rookie QB C.J. Stroud thrives on middle-field throws

• Texans’ WRs struggle with drops

• Schultz was paid $9M/year to be a focal point

4. Pat Freiermuth (TE, Steelers) – The Blocking Illusion

Wasted Talent:

• Running 67% of routes as blocker

• When targeted: 8.3 yards per catch

• Just 2 red zone targets since Week 5

The Context:

• Steelers have WR separation issues

• Kenny Pickett needs quick-game options

• Offense ranks 29th in scoring

The Most Egregious Case

5. Rondale Moore (WR, Cardinals) – The Gadget Gone Missing

Criminal Underuse:

• 4.3 speed getting 3 touches per game

• Averaging 12.1 yards per touch

• Just 12 slot snaps all season

What Makes It Worse:

• Cardinals rebuilding – why not develop young talent?

• Marquise Brown traded at deadline

• Kyler Murray needs quick-pass options

Statistical Proof They Deserve More

Data from NFL News utilization metrics

Why These Players Are Being Wasted

Coaching Stubbornness

• Bills’ Ken Dorsey married to pass-heavy approach

• Ravens’ Todd Monken forcing “balanced” offense

• Steelers’ Matt Canada’s archaic system

Scheme Misfits

• Moore not used properly in Kingsbury’s old offense

• Freiermuth trapped in 1980s TE role

• Cook’s skills wasted in empty sets

Depth Chart Politics

• Veteran favoritism (Allen Robinson over Bateman)

• Draft capital biases (Kyren Williams over Akers)

• Contract situations (Schultz behind lower-paid WRs)

How Underuse Hurts Teams

Lost Games

• Bills’ 3 close losses with Cook underused

• Steelers’ red zone failures without Freiermuth

• Cardinals’ offensive stagnation

Stunted Development

• Moore’s career at crossroads

• Bateman’s extension decision looming

• Cook’s prime years being wasted

Potential Trade Destinations That Would Unleash Them

James Cook to Dolphins

• Perfect McDaniel system fit

• Would thrive in outside zone

• Immediate RB1 upside

Rashod Bateman to Chiefs

• Mahomes would force-feed him

• Reid’s offense maximizes WR skills

• Instant WR2 behind Rice

Rondale Moore to 49ers

• Shanahan’s creative playcalling

• Deebo-like usage potential

• Super Bowl contender need

Coaches Under Fire for Misuse

Ken Dorsey (Bills OC)

• Refuses to establish run

• Overcomplicates red zone

• Wasting Josh Allen’s prime

Matt Canada (Steelers OC)

• 1990s offensive philosophy

• Can’t adapt to modern NFL

• Wasting Pickett’s development

Historical Precedents for Breakouts After Freeing

Tony Pollard 2022

• Went from 130 touches to 232

• Jumped from RB38 to RB8

Robert Woods 2020

• Went from WR3 to WR1

• Doubled target share

George Kittle 2018

• Went from blocker to focal point

• Became elite TE overnight

Fantasy Football Implications

Buy-Low Candidates

• Cook’s workload must increase

• Bateman one injury away from relevance

• Schultz due for positive TD regression

Stash Options

• Moore with new coach in 2024

• Freiermuth if Canada gets fired

• Any of these players if traded

The Path to Proper Utilization

For Coaches:

• Study successful player comps

• Align scheme to strengths

• Trust analytics over hunches

Read More: NFL’s Most Clutch Players 2024: The Performers Who Rise When It Matters Most

For Players:

• Publicly (but professionally) voice frustration

• Excel in limited snaps

• Master multiple positions

weekly utilization analysis and breakout candidate tracking, visit NFL News – their “Free [Player Name]” series is must-read content NFL’s Most Underutilized Players 2024.

Which underused player frustrates YOU most? Sound off in the comments!