2026 NFL Offensive Break Out Candidates as Training Camp Continues

Charlie Zschau Updated: 19 hours ago

Weighing which non-rookies are in a position to breakout in the 2026 NFL season, including Tyler Shough, Parker Washington, and others.

NFL fans, bettors, and fantasy football players are always in search of the next break out player in the NFL, here are a few non-rookies that I think could have their best season yet.

This list of break out candidates includes five non-rookies who could become offensive stars on their teams during the 2026 season.

2026 NFL Break Out Candidates

Tyler Shough - New Orleans Saints

Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough is primed and ready to break out in 2026 with the New Orleans Saints. He will benefit from a second straight season with head coach Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien.

Last season, Shough started 10 games for New Orleans after the Week One starter, Spencer Rattler, was benched. Shough lost four of his first five games as the starter but finished the season strongly by winning four of the last five games.

Shough, 26, is older than the typical second-year QB, but that means he has had plenty of time to learn how to play the position. In 2025, Justin Herbert's former University of Oregon backup threw for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

The Saints have also bolstered the offence around him, adding running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency and drafting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With another year of experience and better weapons, Shough could be one of the most improved players in 2026.

Parker Washington - Jacksonville Jaguars

In a crowded Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver room, Parker Washington is emerging as Trevor Lawrence's top target during training camp. Washington will compete for targets with wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter, as well as tight end Brenton Strange, but he could easily command the highest target share in 2026.

The 24-year-old is entering his fourth year in the NFL and has steadily increased his statistics each season. Last year, he caught 58 of his 95 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, 19 of those receptions came in the final three weeks of the season, totalling 347 yards and two touchdowns while the Jags were chasing a playoff spot.

During training camp, Washington has been Lawrence's favourite target. While training camp is not the regular season, it is an ideal time for receivers to build a connection with their quarterback. Do not be surprised when Trevor Lawrence looks in the direction of Washington rather than Thomas Jr. or Meyers on Sundays this season.

Jordan Mason - Minnesota Vikings

Although it is rare to see running backs break out late in their careers, the NFL world witnessed Rico Dowdle have an incredible season with the Carolina Panthers in his fifth season in the league and second as a starter.

2026 will be Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason's fifth season in the NFL, and like Dowdle, it will be his second full season as the starting ball carrier in an offense. Mason will be competing for the starting job in training camp, but the 27-year-old will be up against 31-year-old Aaron Jones and sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne, so he should win the role barring injury.

Mason struggled in his first season in Minnesota, but the offense around him was also horrendous. 2026 should be much better with Kyler Murray running the offense for Kevin O'Connell's team rather than J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, or Max Brosmer, and Mason should benefit from that.

Mason was the only back to rush for 100 yards in a game last season for the Vikings, but he will really make his impact near the goal line. If Murray gets the offense inside the red zone more often than the QBs did last year, Mason will see a significant increase in touchdowns.

Greg Dulcich - Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins overhauled their entire offense this offseason. They fired head coach Mike McDaniel, traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, and released Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, meaning someone, somewhere will have to emerge as an offensive threat other than running back De'Von Achane.

Tight end Greg Dulcich is one name that has been gaining momentum during training camp. Dulcich finished 2025 well, catching 16 passes for 192 yards in the final five games. With Hill, Waddle, and Darren Waller out the door, Dulcich's role is likely to expand with new quarterback Malik Willis.

The 26-year-old will compete with rookie tight ends Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore for snaps at the tight end position, but Dulcich's four years of experience should keep them at bay. Miami also didn't make any notable acquisitions at wide receiver, so he could turn into an unlikely star for the Dolphins in 2026.

Omarion Hampton - Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a successful 2025 season in which they reached the post-season, however, the offense struggled significantly, scoring just three points against the 2025 AFC Champion New England Patriots. In response to the poor offensive performance, LA parted ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman and hired Miami’s offensive guru, Mike McDaniel, for the role.

McDaniel has called plays for some fantastic offenses throughout his career, and he now has the opportunity to work with quarterback Justin Herbert. One player primed to break out in McDaniel's new offense is second-year running back Omarion Hampton.

Hampton possesses a three-down skill set, with a physical, downhill running style between the tackles and reliable pass-catching ability out of the backfield, making him the clear number one in LA ahead of Kimani Vidal.

The Chargers selected Hampton 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the former North Carolina star dealt with numerous injuries throughout his rookie season. In nine games, Hampton showed flashes of brilliance but was unable to put it all together. If the 23-year-old can stay healthy in 2026, he should become the bell-cow back in what projects to be a high-powered offense under McDaniel.