Story perspectives

Puka Nacua Jumps to No. 7 on 2026 NFL Top 100

9/1/2026

Summary

Stafford Rises

Matthew Stafford rose to No. 4 on the 2026 NFL Top 100 list.
He led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025.
His 46 touchdowns placed him among three players with 45+ TDs and under 10 interceptions.
Rams receiver Puka Nacua jumped to No. 7 on the 2026 Top 100, up from No. 41 in 2025.
Edge rusher Myles Garrett also ranked within the top five of the 2026 NFL Top 100.

Summary

Smith-Njigba Extension

Smith-Njigba signed a four-year, $168.6 million extension, becoming the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride said the team will double-cover Smith-Njigba on deep routes.
Brian Fleury became Smith-Njigba’s fourth offensive coordinator in four seasons, adding a schematic challenge.
Drake Thomas and Seahawks peers named Smith-Njigba as the player who should top the Top 100.
In 2025 Smith-Njigba recorded 119 catches for 1,793 yards, the league’s eighth-largest single-season total.

History

Historical Context

After NFL Network aired the all-time Top 100 list in 2010, it launched the annual player-voted NFL Top 100 series in 2011, counting down 100 active players. Quarterback Tom Brady topped the inaugural poll, while four teams—Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle and Washington—had no representatives. The show has aired each offseason since, shaping how peers and fans assess performance.

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Stafford Rises

Matthew Stafford rose to No. 4 on the 2026 NFL Top 100 list.
He led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025.
His 46 touchdowns placed him among three players with 45+ TDs and under 10 interceptions.
Rams receiver Puka Nacua jumped to No. 7 on the 2026 Top 100, up from No. 41 in 2025.
Edge rusher Myles Garrett also ranked within the top five of the 2026 NFL Top 100.

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