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NFL training camps are finally here, and every team is starting the season with new hope. Some teams have new coaches, others have added star players, and many have made big changes to their roster. A few are also dealing with contract situations that could have a big impact on the season.
Training camp is the first real step. Every team gets a fresh start, and every practice gives players a chance to make an impression. Veterans want to show they still have plenty left, while rookies are trying to earn playing time. Coaches also get their first opportunity to see how their new ideas work on the field.
MORE: Biggest NFL training camp cult heroes: 5 preseason legends fans still talk about
What happens in training camp does not decide the season, but it can shape what comes next. Position battles, new playbooks and returning stars make every practice worth watching. This year feels even more exciting because so many teams are entering a new chapter.
Here are five of the most intriguing storylines we’re looking forward to watching through training camp.
Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens enter training camp with the biggest coaching change in franchise history. John Harbaugh is gone after leading the team for nearly two decades. Jesse Minter now takes over as head coach and begins a new chapter in Baltimore.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson remains the main part of the roster. Still, everything around him will feel different this summer. A new coaching staff means new routines, different expectations and a fresh way of running practices.
Minter built his reputation as a defensive coach. That makes the defense one of the biggest areas to watch during camp. Baltimore wants to become a more consistent unit after several seasons of uneven performances.
Attention will also stay on the offense. Jackson has to adjust to a different coaching approach while continuing to lead one of the league’s most dangerous attacks. The Ravens learning a new system after spending 18 seasons under Harbaugh’s culture will not happen overnight.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Big changes are happening on both sides of the ball in Buffalo. The Bills are replacing systems that had been in place for years as former offensive coordinator Joe Brady ascends to the top spot.
Jim Leonhard takes over as defensive coordinator and is installing a 3-4 base defense. That ends former head coach Sean McDermott’s long-running 4-3 scheme after nine seasons.
Every defender has adjustments to make. Linebackers and edge rushers will have different responsibilities. Defensive linemen must learn new gap assignments. Training camp gives Buffalo valuable time to work through those changes before the regular season begins.
Offensively, quarterback Josh Allen has a new No. 1 receiver. DJ Moore arrives after posting career lows in catches and receiving yards last season with the Chicago Bears. Even so, Buffalo believes his speed and ability to stretch the field will give Allen another deep threat. The Bills relied too much on short passes last year. Camp will show whether Moore can help change that.
MORE:5 NFL coaches on the hot seat entering 2026 season
Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cardinals have no shortage of stories this summer. Mike LaFleur begins his first training camp as an NFL head coach. At the same time, the team is dealing with uncertainty at quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett is looking for a new contract after throwing for a career-high 3,366 yards in only 12 starts last season. He attended mandatory minicamp to avoid fines but continues to seek starting quarterback money.
LaFleur has tried to keep the focus on football. He says Brissett’s experience will help once camp begins. Still, missing offseason work is never ideal when a new offense is being installed.
Another important thing to watch is rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Arizona surprised many by selecting the Notre Dame product with the third overall pick. That made the 21-year-old the highest-paid rookie running back in NFL history in guaranteed money.
His role will be worth following every day. James Conner and Tyler Allgeier are already in the backfield. Finding touches for all three backs will be one of LaFleur’s biggest challenges during camp.
Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy confers with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter of the game with the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. | Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Few stories have created more excitement than Aaron Rodgers joining Mike McCarthy with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Green Bay Packers partners, who won Super Bowl XLV together, have reunited, and expectations are high.
Rodgers needs a bounce-back season after struggling in 2025. He finished 24th in net yards per attempt and ranked 33rd in air yards per attempt. Those numbers were far below his usual standard, although he did lead the Steelers to an AFC North title.
Pittsburgh spent the offseason trying to fix that problem. The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and added rookie receiver Germie Bernard. Both moves were made to create more explosive plays through the air.
Protection is changing as well. Troy Fautanu moves from right tackle to left tackle to protect Rodgers’ blindside. Rico Dowdle also joins Jaylen Warren in the backfield to strengthen the running game.
Everything points back to the quarterback. If Rodgers and McCarthy can rebuild their old chemistry, the Steelers could become one of the AFC’s biggest threats.
MORE: 10 NFL franchises we’re rooting to bounce back in 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks enter training camp as the defending Super Bowl champions, and all eyes are on quarterback Sam Darnold after his incredible 2025 season.
Darnold was outstanding during the playoffs. He led the Seahawks to three straight wins without throwing an interception or losing a fumble. Seattle also became the first team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl without committing a turnover during the entire postseason.
The team has changed since that championship run. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak left to become the Raiders’ head coach, and Brian Fleury takes over the offense. While the overall system will stay similar, Fleury is expected to add his own ideas.
That makes Darnold the biggest player to watch in camp. Everyone wants to see if he can play at the same level with a new play-caller. Seattle also has good depth at quarterback with veteran Drew Lock and young quarterback Jalen Milroe continuing to develop.
Winning one Super Bowl is difficult. Winning another is even harder.
Continue reading...
Training camp is the first real step. Every team gets a fresh start, and every practice gives players a chance to make an impression. Veterans want to show they still have plenty left, while rookies are trying to earn playing time. Coaches also get their first opportunity to see how their new ideas work on the field.
MORE: Biggest NFL training camp cult heroes: 5 preseason legends fans still talk about
What happens in training camp does not decide the season, but it can shape what comes next. Position battles, new playbooks and returning stars make every practice worth watching. This year feels even more exciting because so many teams are entering a new chapter.
Here are five of the most intriguing storylines we’re looking forward to watching through training camp.
5. Baltimore begins a new era under Jesse Minter
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Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens enter training camp with the biggest coaching change in franchise history. John Harbaugh is gone after leading the team for nearly two decades. Jesse Minter now takes over as head coach and begins a new chapter in Baltimore.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson remains the main part of the roster. Still, everything around him will feel different this summer. A new coaching staff means new routines, different expectations and a fresh way of running practices.
Minter built his reputation as a defensive coach. That makes the defense one of the biggest areas to watch during camp. Baltimore wants to become a more consistent unit after several seasons of uneven performances.
Attention will also stay on the offense. Jackson has to adjust to a different coaching approach while continuing to lead one of the league’s most dangerous attacks. The Ravens learning a new system after spending 18 seasons under Harbaugh’s culture will not happen overnight.
4. Buffalo builds a new defense while Josh Allen gets a new WR1
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Big changes are happening on both sides of the ball in Buffalo. The Bills are replacing systems that had been in place for years as former offensive coordinator Joe Brady ascends to the top spot.
Jim Leonhard takes over as defensive coordinator and is installing a 3-4 base defense. That ends former head coach Sean McDermott’s long-running 4-3 scheme after nine seasons.
Every defender has adjustments to make. Linebackers and edge rushers will have different responsibilities. Defensive linemen must learn new gap assignments. Training camp gives Buffalo valuable time to work through those changes before the regular season begins.
Offensively, quarterback Josh Allen has a new No. 1 receiver. DJ Moore arrives after posting career lows in catches and receiving yards last season with the Chicago Bears. Even so, Buffalo believes his speed and ability to stretch the field will give Allen another deep threat. The Bills relied too much on short passes last year. Camp will show whether Moore can help change that.
MORE:5 NFL coaches on the hot seat entering 2026 season
3. Arizona balances contract questions and a historic rookie
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Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cardinals have no shortage of stories this summer. Mike LaFleur begins his first training camp as an NFL head coach. At the same time, the team is dealing with uncertainty at quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett is looking for a new contract after throwing for a career-high 3,366 yards in only 12 starts last season. He attended mandatory minicamp to avoid fines but continues to seek starting quarterback money.
LaFleur has tried to keep the focus on football. He says Brissett’s experience will help once camp begins. Still, missing offseason work is never ideal when a new offense is being installed.
Another important thing to watch is rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Arizona surprised many by selecting the Notre Dame product with the third overall pick. That made the 21-year-old the highest-paid rookie running back in NFL history in guaranteed money.
His role will be worth following every day. James Conner and Tyler Allgeier are already in the backfield. Finding touches for all three backs will be one of LaFleur’s biggest challenges during camp.
2. Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy reunite in Pittsburgh
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Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy confers with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter of the game with the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. | Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Few stories have created more excitement than Aaron Rodgers joining Mike McCarthy with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Green Bay Packers partners, who won Super Bowl XLV together, have reunited, and expectations are high.
Rodgers needs a bounce-back season after struggling in 2025. He finished 24th in net yards per attempt and ranked 33rd in air yards per attempt. Those numbers were far below his usual standard, although he did lead the Steelers to an AFC North title.
Pittsburgh spent the offseason trying to fix that problem. The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and added rookie receiver Germie Bernard. Both moves were made to create more explosive plays through the air.
Protection is changing as well. Troy Fautanu moves from right tackle to left tackle to protect Rodgers’ blindside. Rico Dowdle also joins Jaylen Warren in the backfield to strengthen the running game.
Everything points back to the quarterback. If Rodgers and McCarthy can rebuild their old chemistry, the Steelers could become one of the AFC’s biggest threats.
MORE: 10 NFL franchises we’re rooting to bounce back in 2026
1. Can Sam Darnold lead Seattle to another championship?
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks enter training camp as the defending Super Bowl champions, and all eyes are on quarterback Sam Darnold after his incredible 2025 season.
Darnold was outstanding during the playoffs. He led the Seahawks to three straight wins without throwing an interception or losing a fumble. Seattle also became the first team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl without committing a turnover during the entire postseason.
The team has changed since that championship run. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak left to become the Raiders’ head coach, and Brian Fleury takes over the offense. While the overall system will stay similar, Fleury is expected to add his own ideas.
That makes Darnold the biggest player to watch in camp. Everyone wants to see if he can play at the same level with a new play-caller. Seattle also has good depth at quarterback with veteran Drew Lock and young quarterback Jalen Milroe continuing to develop.
Winning one Super Bowl is difficult. Winning another is even harder.
Continue reading...
