NFL training camps have officially begun, marking the start of the new season with 32 teams aiming for a championship. Several franchises are looking to new leadership, with ten teams introducing new head coaches.
Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, along with the Arizona Cardinals under rookie head coach Mike LaFleur, report for camp, with both teams participating in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 to kick off the preseason. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots begin camp on Friday, preparing for a regular-season opener rematch on September 9.
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers report Saturday, and these NFC West rivals will play the first regular-season game in Australia on September 10. The remaining 26 teams report on Tuesday.
Coaching Changes Across the League
Ten teams feature new head coaches for the upcoming season. John Harbaugh takes over the New York Giants, while former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is now in Atlanta. Robert Saleh leads the Tennessee Titans, and Mike McCarthy reunites with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
Among the first-time head coaches are LaFleur in Arizona, Klint Kubiak with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jeff Hafley leading the Miami Dolphins, and Joe Brady in Buffalo. Todd Monken has been hired by Cleveland, and Jesse Minter is the new coach in Baltimore.
Quarterback Carousel Continues
Several teams are addressing their quarterback situations. Tua Tagovailoa has a chance to revitalize his career in Atlanta under Stefanski. Kyler Murray has moved from Arizona to Minnesota, where the Vikings hope he can regain his Pro Bowl form. Kirk Cousins is expected to start for the Raiders, who drafted Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick. Malik Willis has signed with the Green Bay Packers, and Geno Smith returns to the Jets.
Justin Fields is the new backup in Kansas City, Kenny Pickett is Carolina's second-string quarterback, and veteran Andy Dalton has joined Philadelphia. Gardner Minshew is now with the Cardinals.
Quarterback Competitions and Roster Decisions
Competitions are brewing in several cities. In Atlanta, Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will vie for the starting role. Las Vegas expects Cousins to start, but Mendoza could see playing time. In Minnesota, Murray faces competition from first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
A notable battle is unfolding in Cleveland, where Deshaun Watson will compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. Watson is returning after missing the previous season.
Other Key Storylines
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a decision regarding a contract extension for Baker Mayfield, who is in the final year of his deal. Additionally, there is speculation about whether Aaron Donald will come out of retirement to join the Rams. Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, has not played since retiring after the 2023 season.
Many teams are opting for joint practices with other opponents to prepare their quarterbacks and key players for the regular season, rather than relying solely on preseason games. The Lions, Chiefs, Broncos, and Steelers are the only teams not participating in any joint sessions.
Teams can carry a maximum of 90 players throughout training camp and the preseason. Rosters must be finalized to 53 players by 6 p.m. EDT on August 30.