Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Biggest Snubs from 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games Selection

Those players should have probably been selected...

As is the case every year, the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl roster announcement has sparked debates about players who seem to have been “overlooked.”

On Wednesday, the NFL revealed the full list of players selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl. While some names were obvious choices, others raised eyebrows due to notable absences. For context, Pro Bowl voting is determined by an equal split: one-third from fan votes, one-third from NFL players, and one-third from coaches.

This system can lead to surprising results, especially considering that not every deserving player from a given season can make the Pro Bowl roster. With that said, here’s a look at some of the most notable snubs from the 2025 Pro Bowl lineup.

Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

One of the biggest surprises of this year’s Pro Bowl announcement is the exclusion of Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, despite a stellar season that has his team on the brink of clinching the NFC South title.

Mayfield’s stats speak for themselves: 4,279 passing yards (third among QBs in 2024), 39 touchdowns (second in the league), and a 107.6 passer rating (fourth-best this season).

So, why was Mayfield left out? The competition at quarterback is fierce, and his 15 interceptions—the second-highest in the NFL—may have worked against him. Still, many believe Mayfield’s numbers warrant inclusion, especially over someone like Jayden Daniels.

December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kerby Joseph (S, Detroit Lions)

Did the Pro Bowl voters pick the wrong Detroit Lions safety? Kerby Joseph’s exclusion in favor of teammate Brian Branch is up for debate, especially given Joseph’s standout season.

Joseph leads the league in interceptions with nine, including two pivotal picks in last week’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterbacks targeting Joseph have a dismal 44 passer rating—the best in the NFL among defenders with over 600 snaps.

Despite his elite performance, Joseph didn’t make the cut for the 2025 Pro Bowl, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the snub.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his first down pickup during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Like Mayfield, Brian Thomas Jr. fell victim to the intense competition at his position. Each conference selects only four wide receivers, and it’s common to see deserving players left out.

Thomas Jr., a product of LSU’s renowned offense, has racked up 1,179 receiving yards (fifth in the league), 80 receptions, and 10 touchdowns this season. His yardage total surpasses that of selected players like Nico Collins, Zay Flowers, and Jerry Jeudy.

The Jaguars’ underwhelming season may have played a role in his omission. At just 23 years old, Thomas Jr. still has plenty of opportunities to earn Pro Bowl recognition, but for 2024, he’s undoubtedly one of the most glaring omissions.

Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) reacts after a game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Danielle Hunter (DE, Houston Texans)

Defensive snubs were part of the 2025 Pro Bowl conversation as well, with Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans standing out as one of the most deserving omissions.

Hunter ranks third in the league in sacks and tackles for loss and is among the top players in quarterback pressures this season.

While competition among AFC defensive ends is fierce—names like Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson dominate—Hunter arguably deserved a spot over someone like Maxx Crosby.

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Jonnu Smith (TE, Miami Dolphins)

The Miami Dolphins are one of the few teams without a single Pro Bowl selection, but Jonnu Smith’s exclusion is especially surprising.

Smith is having the best season of his career, with 828 receiving yards, 79 receptions, and seven touchdowns. Over the last few weeks, he’s been crucial to Miami’s playoff push, delivering key receptions and touchdowns.

What’s shocking is that Smith’s numbers surpass those of Travis Kelce, who made the Pro Bowl thanks to his immense popularity. The Pro Bowl is as much about reputation as performance, and in that regard, Kelce still has a significant edge over Smith.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.