It’s that time of the summer again. The grass is cut, lines are drawn and coaching staffs are in place. NFL training camp sites, report dates and joint practices are set. The final preparations for the 2026 season are underway.
All 32 NFL teams have multiple unanswered questions about everything from roster battles and free agent additions to contract extensions, coaching decisions and scheme adjustments that they hope to solve during training camp and prior to the kickoff of the regular season.
As training camps begin around the NFL, USA TODAY Sports explores a key storyline for all 32 clubs:
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback competition between Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew II
It’s an anticlimactic QB competition from a national perspective, but new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is faced with a fascinating decision between Brissett, Beck and Minshew. Brissett appears to be the favorite, but it’ll behoove the Cardinals to give Beck a thorough evaluation before a QB-rich 2027 draft class.
Atlanta Falcons
Who wins the quarterback battle between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa?
Tagovailoa’s gotten a head start in Atlanta’s quarterback competition while Penix recovers from knee surgery, though Penix expects to be a full go once training camp commences. New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said accuracy is the most important trait at the position. That would seem to favor Tagovailoa, who has completed 68.6% of his passes since 2021, which ranks third among QBs in that span. But Penix possesses the stronger arm and might have the higher ceiling.
Baltimore Ravens
Jesse Minter’s impact on what’s been a leaky defense
The Ravens were tied for the worst pass defense in the AFC last season and were the second worst pass defense in the conference in 2024. Baltimore’s inability to rush the passer and lapses in coverage have contributed to the team’s demise to past few seasons. Under Minter’s defensive leadership, the Chargers were fifth in total defense and ninth in points allowed in 2025. Minter recently called Lamar Jackson the best player in the NFL. He needs his defense to complement the superstar quarterback.
Buffalo Bills
Joe Brady’s effect on Josh Allen and Bills offense
Buffalo’s been too reliant on Allen, both the fastest and youngest player in NFL history to reach 300 total touchdowns, throughout his career. Brady’s promotion to head coach and the trade for wide receiver DJ Moore are attempts to ease the burden on Allen. Since evaluating Brady to offensive coordinator during the 2023 season, the Bills have ranked first in expected points added per play (0.14), per ESPN. The Bills are hopeful Brady has even more of a positive influence as head coach.
Carolina Panthers
Panthers’ response after winning NFC South
The Panthers are coming off their first division title since 2015, so Bryce Young and company are going from the hunter to the hunted within the NFC South. Carolina’s response to its title defense season will be intriguing. Young enjoyed career-highs in most major QB statistical categories in 2025, and the Panthers’ success in large part hinges on Young’s continued development. The Panthers were aggressive in free agency this offseason, adding big names such as Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to help the franchise go after a second consecutive division crown.
Chicago Bears
Can Bears’ pass rush finally roar?
The Bears have position battles at left tackle and center. The franchise even has a potential move to Hammond, Indiana, looming over their heads. Caleb Williams is tracking to be the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer in a single season, falling just short last year, but defense was Chicago’s shortcoming. The Bears’ led the NFL in takeaways in 2025, but they can't bank on a repeat performance in the turnover department this season. The Bears ranked 31st in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. Montez Sweat is the only Bears player who has produced more than six sacks in a single season since 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals
Is Joe Burrow’s LSU comparison legitimate?
Burrow recently compared this year’s edition of the Bengals to his 2019 LSU national championship winning squad. The Bengals hope the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook are upgrades to what’s been a poor defense in recent years. With Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading the way, the Bengals should once again have a prolific passing attack. However, Cincinnati must improve its 31st-ranked total defense to justify any championship expectations.
Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. Who wins Browns’ QB competition?
Cleveland’s quarterback merry-go-round continues with no clear starter. Watson and Sanders are the front runners to win the job. Word out of Cleveland is Watson currently has a slight edge in the battle as the Browns prepare for camp. The Browns revamped their offensive line and drafted rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to aide the eventual starter.
Dallas Cowboys
First-year DC Christian Parker’s impact on Cowboys defense
Parker was hired as the Cowboys defensive coordinator on Jan. 22. At 34 years old, Parker is the youngest defensive coordinator in franchise history. The former Eagles defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach is tasked with improving a defense that ranked 30th in total defense last season. The good news is the Cowboys have retooled since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Quinnen Williams is set to have his first full season in Dallas, the club acquired Rashan Gary in March and traded up to draft Caleb Downs. Parker has the personnel of what should be an improved unit in 2026.
Denver Broncos
Broncos offense under OC and new play caller Davis Webb
Broncos coach Sean Payton relinquished his play calling responsibilities to Webb. It was a somewhat surprising decision considering Payton is one of the best play callers in the NFL. The procedural change is bound to be under a microscope this year because Denver advanced all the way to the AFC championship game a season ago, and they added speedster Jaylen Waddle. The expectations are high for Webb and the Broncos offense. If they underachieve, Payton could be quick to pull the plug.
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s thin secondary after release of Terrion Arnold
The Lions released Arnold after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. His release created a void at starting cornerback in the Motor City after Arnold started 22 of his 24 career games in Detroit. The Lions had a below average pass defense even with Arnold in the lineup. Cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary and rookie fourth-round pick Keith Abney II are candidates to start alongside D.J. Reed.
Green Bay Packers
Micah Parsons’ recovery timeline
Parsons revealed that in addition to ACL surgery last year, he also had a procedure on his meniscus. The star pass rusher said the Packers have a nine-month plan that will dictate when he can return to play, which means he's targeting a mid-October return and could return as soon as Week 5 (Oct. 11) or Week 6 (Oct. 18). Parsons led the Packers in sacks (12.5) and pressures (79) pressures despite only playing in 14 games last season. Green Bay traded their second best pass rusher, Rashan Gary, to the Cowboys this offseason. Lukas Van Ness and rookie fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton have to shoulder much of the edge rush load in Parsons’ absence.
Houston Texans
Can Texans revamped O-line protect C.J. Stroud better?
The Texans ranked 30th in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate last year, per ESPN. In response, the Texans reconstructed their offensive line, adding three new starters this offseason. Stroud’s statistics have dipped since his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Some of Stroud’s regression is on him, but it can also be attributed to a leaky offensive line. The Texans No. 1 ranked defense from a year ago returns most of their starters. The onus is on the offense to complement what figures to be another stingy defensive unit.
Indianapolis Colts
Are investments in QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce wise?
The Colts signed Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension and Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension. Indy’s choice to trade Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers had a domino effect and Anthony Richardson Sr. could be out the door next. The Jones and Pierce extensions are a gamble. Jones is coming off career-highs in passing yards per game and passer rating, while Pierce enjoyed career-bests in catches and receiving yards. But Jones’ has been inconsistent throughout his career and Pierce has never been a No. 1 receiver. Plus, Jones (Achilles) and Pierce (ankle) are both recovering from injuries. The Colts need both to perform at a high level on a consistent basis if they want to contend for a playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The plan for Travis Hunter in Year 2
Hunter will see an uptick in cornerback snaps after only playing 162 snaps at the position compared to 324 snaps at wide receiver during his rookie season. Hunter’s season-ending knee injury last year will spark questions about his usage rate. Jacksonville has a need for him on both sides of the football. WR Brian Thomas Jr. is coming off a sophomore slump and the Jaguars lost RB Travis Etienne Jr. and LB Devin Lloyd, who shared a team-high with five interceptions, in free agency. Hunter proved in limited action he can be a weapon on each side of the ball, but the Jags have to balance his usage rate in efforts to keep the two-way standout healthy.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline from knee injury
Mahomes and the Chiefs are targeting a Week 1 return following a season-ending knee injury in 2025. The Chiefs’ quest to turn things around from a nightmare 2025 season is dependent on Mahomes’ recovery and ability to return to form. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III gives Kansas City a much-needed threat in the backfield, but the team still lacks juice at wide receiver. The losses of starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson put more of an onus on the offense to perform.
Las Vegas Raiders
When will Raiders give Fernando Mendoza the QB keys?
Kirk Cousins was signed to be a bridge quarterback as the Raiders appear poised to take a conservative approach with Mendoza. The Raiders invested over $308 million in overall contract value this offseason, per OverTheCap. Still, Las Vegas is projected to finish behind the Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs in the division. Do the Raiders let Mendoza learn from experience or opt to let him grow from watching Cousins in what figures to be a competitive AFC West? The team’s performance each week could be the determining factor.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike McDaniel’s effect on Justin Herbert and Chargers offense
McDaniel’s bringing an innovative approach and fresh ideas to the Chargers offense. It’s a contrast from Greg Roman’s ground-and-pound philosophy. McDaniel’s already put an emphasis on quick game plays, yards after catch and improving Herbert’s mechanics. Herbert’s worked with a weighted green ball during a portion of the offseason program. Jim Harbaugh’s decision to hire McDaniel as OC shows his willingness to adapt from his prototypical smash mouth and physical offensive philosophy. The Chargers haven’t won a playoff game under Harbaugh and Herbert is 0-3 in his playoff career.
Los Angeles Rams
How Rams manage Super Bowl or bust expectations
The Rams are keenly aware they won a Super Bowl the last time it was held in Los Angeles. With the blockbuster additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, the Rams have built another Bonafide title contender as the Super Bowl makes its return to SoFi Stadium. The Rams are the favorite (+500) to win Super Bowl 61, according to BetMGM. While most of the offseason additions were on defense, the offense returns reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, last year’s receiving TD leader Davante Adams and the 2025 receptions leader Puka Nacua. After reaching the NFC championship game a season ago, anything short of a Super Bowl will be a disappointment this year.
Miami Dolphins
Can Dolphins compete while in rebuild mode?
Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Minkah Fitzpatrick are all gone. In comes new head coach Jeff Hafley and quarterback Malik Willis to usher in a new era in Miami. The question for the Dolphins is if they can be competitive in 2026 without all the talent that departed. Miami re-signed De'Von Achane, but they have a lack of weapons around the explosive running back. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they own the dubious record of the NFL’s longest active playoff win drought. The franchise hasn’t won a postseason game since December 30, 2000.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings say there’s a quarterback competition between Murray and McCarthy, but Murray is the clear favorite to win the job. McCarthy finished last season with the worst passer rating (72.6) by a quarterback with 10 or more starts. The Vikings offense averaged an NFC-worst 166 passing yards per game a year ago, and they had just one game with at least 300 yards passing. Murray’s averaged 235 passing yards per game, registered a career 92.2 passer rating and has thrown at least 20 touchdown passes in every season he’s started at least 14 games. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell might say the team has a QB battle, but recent tape reveals Minnesota’s QB1.
New England Patriots
A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs’ fit on Patriots offense
The Patriots furnished Drake Maye with more weapons and retooled their O-line with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and first-round pick tackle Caleb Lomu. Maye was pressured on 37% of his dropbacks during the regular and postseason. With Brown, Doubs and an improved offensive line, the Patriots have the pieces to make another postseason run, but they won’t have a favorable schedule like they did in 2025. The Patriots have the sixth toughest strength of schedule based on opponents win percentage for a year ago.
New Orleans Saints
Saints’ continued effort to build around Tyler Shough
Shough played well enough as a rookie to convince the Saints to move forward with the quarterback. Alvin Kamara’s uncertain future remains a storyline but the Saints added RB Travis Etienne Jr. and drafted WR Jordyn Tyson in the first round to help support Shough’s development into a franchise quarterback. The Saints have lost 10 or more games in three of the past four seasons.
New York Giants
Can John Harbaugh help turn around Giants?
Harbaugh guided the Ravens to double-digit wins 11 times during his 18-year stint in Baltimore. The Giants have had three straight losing seasons and haven't earned double-digit wins in a single season since 2016. The Giants have already done a lot to transform the team in Harbaugh’s image, signing former Ravens such as TE Isaiah Likely, FB Patrick Ricard and P Jordan Stout. The Giants hope top-10 picks LB Arvell Reese and OT Francis Mauigoa are also foundational pieces as they try to climb in contention in the NFC East.
New York Jets
Are Jets on track to end embarrassing playoff drought?
The Jets are the owners of the longest active postseason drought in major North American sports. Many don’t expect the Jets to earn their first playoff berth since the 2010 season, but tangible improvement would serve Aaron Glenn and all parties involved well. The Jets elected to bring back Geno Smith after his unceremonious exit in 2016. The Jets pass offense can’t go anywhere but up from a league-worst 140 yards per game in 2025. They could have drafted as many as four Day 1 starters this year in edge David Bailey, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper Jr. and CB D'Angelo Ponds. The Patriots and Bills are the class of the AFC East, but Glenn and the Jets must show they are making positive strides.
Philadelphia Eagles
The evolution of Eagles offense with new coordinator Sean Mannion
All eyes are on Mannion, Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown-less offense this season. The Eagles passing game was marred by simple concepts and a lack of creativity last year. The loss of Brown hurts, but DeVonta Smith is capable of being Philly’s new No. 1 wideout. Plus, the Eagles supplemented Brown’s loss with the selection of Makai Lemon, who’s projected to be a high-volume slot receiver. Mannion must help the Eagles improve their passing attack while maintaining their run-oriented identity. Star running back Saquon Barkley is the engine of the Eagles offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Can Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy rekindle past success in Rodgers’ swan song?
It seems as though many around the Steel City were ready to see Mike Tomlin go after 19 seasons. Be careful what you wish for, Steelers. Rodgers and McCarthy have an established rapport from their days together in Green Bay, but the Steelers risk losing their defensive edge without Tomlin, who led the Steelers to 19 straight non-losing seasons. Cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker were brought aboard in free agency, and Michael Pittman Jr. was added via trade to what was a lethargic offense. Can a 42-year-old Rodgers hold off Father Time in his 22nd season? The Steelers have a veteran-laden group. This might be their last chance.
San Francisco 49ers
Will 49ers evade injury bug this season?
The substation theory has been debunked, but the 49ers’ injury issues remain persistent. The 49ers lost linebacker Fred Warner (ankle), defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL) and tight end George Kittle (Achilles) to season-ending injuries last season. According to OverTheCap, the 49ers had 20 players on a reserve list this season, accounting for more than $95 million in adjusted annual value on their contracts, the highest amount in the NFL. According to ESPN, the 49ers led the NFL in adjusted games lost in 2024, a metric that estimates the impact of injuries on teams. When healthy, San Francisco boasts one of the most talented teams in the NFL and it bolstered its roster with veteran wideout Mike Evans and returning linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks’ pursuit of Super Bowl repeat
The defending champs lost a lot of talent from their Super Bowl-winning squad. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen and Boye Mafe have all departed. Plus, the Raiders poached away former OC Klint Kubiak and elevated him to head coach. But the Seahawks did re-sign Rashid Shaheed, Derick Hall and grant Jaxon Smith-Njigba a record-breaking extension. First-round pick Jadarian Price is tasked with taking Walker’s place, especially while Zach Charbonnet recovers from a knee injury. Seattle will have new faces on both sides of the ball, but the cornerstone pieces from the “Dark Side” defense remain in place.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Management of Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea’s contract situations
Mayfield and Vea are eager for contract extensions. There is a level of urgency as both Mayfield and Vea are entering the final year of their respective deals. The Bucs have to be careful how they handle Mayfield and Vea’s contract negotiations. They are essential to Tampa Bay’s current roster construction and it could set a bad precedent if the two players become disgruntled. The Bucs had their streak of four straight NFC South titles snapped last year.
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward’s continued development under a new regime
New head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll are charged with turning around a Titans franchise that’s suffered four straight losing seasons. The defensive-minded Saleh’s been a part of nine top-10 defenses during his time in the NFL. Daboll, meanwhile, gets another shot to develop a 2025 first-round pick QB after a disappointing experiment with Jaxson Dart in New York. Ward flashed in Year 1, leading all rookies in passing yards, but the Titans didn’t surround the 2025 No. 1 overall pick with enough talent. In response, the Titans spent an NFL-high in overall contract value this offseason, per Over the Cap. Rookie Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson are new weapons on offense. The Titans also signed John Franklin-Myers to pair with standout Jeffery Simmons in the interior.
Washington Commanders
Can Commanders keep Jayden Daniels healthy after injury-plagued season?
Daniels told USA TODAY Sports he’s feeling good following an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. The Commanders QB sprained his knee in Week 2, injured his hamstring in Week 7 and suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 9. His various injuries limited him to just seven games. The Commanders promoted David Blough to OC to help jumpstart an offense that never really got into a rhythm last year. Washington was aggressive in free agency, adding impact players such as Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Chig Okonkwo. And first-round pick Sonny Styles is already raising eyebrows in the nation’s capital. There’s pressure on the Commanders to get back to the postseason after Daniels’ breakout rookie campaign in 2024.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: 1 key storyline for each NFL team entering training camp
from https://ift.tt/uOvhWmJ
No comments:
Post a Comment