25 things to watch out for in NFL training camp

Atlanta attempted to solve their quarterback situation by offering Cousins ​​$100 million in guaranteed money. The move was risky given Cousins’ age (he turns 36 in August) and the fact that he was just coming off a torn Achilles tendon. His health will be a concern throughout training camp and the regular season.

The 49ers and Aiyuk appear to be at an impasse, with a trade imminent. He has been a key part of the offense in recent seasons, but the team has added a backup plan with its first-round draft pick. Ricky Pearsall.

Burrow was plagued by injuries last season, suffering a calf injury in training camp and then undergoing wrist surgery. His wrist problem is still a concern this year as he recovers from surgery that is rare for NFL players. Another concern is the departure of veteran running back Joe Mixon, which may put more pressure on Burrow.

Allen’s big contract forced the Bills to make adjustments on offense, losing starting center Mitch Morse and wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. The Bills did find replacements, including second-round wide receiver Keon ColemanBut the changes come with risks as they try to compete with the Dolphins in the AFC East and the Chiefs in the conference.

this Mike Jones The era ended hastily in New England, and the team used the first-round pick to select quarterback Meyer this year. He is competing with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting position in the team’s construction after 2024. Meyer’s progress is worth watching throughout the season.

The Panthers had a terrible 2023 season, finishing with the worst record in the NFL, and they fired their first-year head coach France Midway through the season, they watched No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young struggle. Worse, their trade for Young meant they lost the No. 1 pick they were supposed to have in 2024. Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been hired to address Young and the rest of the offense.

Baltimore’s offense picked up last season under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, passing the ball more. Unfortunately, the same strategy didn’t work in the playoffs when the team tried to beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. The loss of receiving talent, including Odell Beckham Jr.and the addition of Derrick Henry indicates that the team will return to its original running-based style of play.

The Vikings will have a new starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins ​​left, but it’s unclear who will start the season. Minnesota signed Darnold in the offseason and then drafted McCarthy in the first round. People had high expectations for McCarthy, but Darnold won over many fans in the NFL with his talent. This team consists of Justin Jeffersonhas the weapons to help quarterbacks succeed.

Richardson showed flashes of talent in his rookie season, but injuries limited him to just four games, two of which he completed. The Colts’ long-term plans depend on Richardson staying healthy, and the team’s success this season may depend entirely on him.

In Chicago, there is debate over what to do with the No. 1 overall pick Justin Fields The team made progress last season. Ultimately, the team chose to trade Fields and select Williams with the No. 1 pick. Surrounded by a slew of strong players such as DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rom Otonze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift, Williams has the potential to inject some life into one of the league’s most exciting offenses.

After disappointment Kenny PickettPittsburgh added Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the offseason. Both quarterbacks have their flaws, but they also show great potential in Arthur Smith’s offense. After the recent poor performance of the quarterbacks, Steelers fans have reason to be optimistic.

Harbaugh nearly won a Super Bowl with the 49ers before heading to Michigan, where he won a national championship last year. He returned to the NFL to finish unfinished business with the Chargers. The job is highly coveted, Justin Herbert At quarterback, the team may be slow to bounce back in the AFC West with the help of the Chiefs, although the team has been forced to make some brutal moves this offseason due to cap constraints, but in the meantime, it will be interesting to see how the Chargers perform.

The Titans’ most recent identity is Derrick Henry With both out this year, the Titans are starting a new generation of the roster under head coach Brian Callahan and bringing in several new offensive weapons, including Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. Tennessee still has quite a few questions on its roster, but it will be a lot different in 2024.

Houston was one of the most surprising teams in the NFL last season, thanks to CJ Stroud And DeMeco Ryans is a great coach. After bringing in several heavyweights in the offseason, led by Joe Mixon, Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter, they will hope to continue their good momentum. There is reason to believe that Houston will become a force in the AFC.

Washington turns the page on another coaching staff, firing Ron Rivera The New Orleans Pelicans have hired former Falcons head coach and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. He hopes to fix a shabby defense, and Daniels should bring a bump to the offense. The LSU star has several exciting weapons, including Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler, who is about to begin his NFL career.

Last year, the Lions finally ended their playoff win drought by earning their first playoff win since 1991. After reaching that mark last year, expectations were higher as Detroit looked to build on back-to-back winning seasons and reach the Super Bowl.

Mahomes had arguably his worst season in the NFL in 2023, with little help from wide receivers. Still, his strong play in the playoffs helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls and his third ring in five years. Kansas City is now trying to become the first team ever to win three consecutive Super Bowls. With wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthythe star quarterback made headlines after ranking just fourth on the 2024 Top 100 list.

Although Peyton can’t repair Russell Wilson He does have an interesting new quarterback rookie in his first season with the Broncos. BonixThe former Oregon star was a standout in college, with his size and game level comparable to former Peyton quarterback Drew Brees. Year one may be a work in progress, but with Nix in uniform, the future looks much clearer in Denver.

Dallas gave up on Tony Pollard in the offseason, but their move to replace him was somewhat surprising. Despite his age and decreasing speed, the Cowboys brought back their former workhorse Ezekiel Elliott And hopefully have a well-rounded committee at running back this season. That was a concern going into the year, especially with multiple changes at running back in the offseason.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will turn 41 in December and played in just one regular-season game last season due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, the Jets are counting on the veteran quarterback to revitalize the team after another disappointing season and are going all-in to bring in a new star like Mike Williams and help from Tyron Smith. Add in the off-field controversy, and the 2024 Jets season is going to be quite an exciting one.

The Browns signed Watson to a controversial five-year guaranteed contract two years ago, but they’ve achieved little. Watson has clearly not been the same Watson since he took the field, and the team had more success without him at the end of last season. Cleveland hopes Watson can return to the form he showed at the beginning of his career this season, or they may have other plans for 2025.

Last offseason, the Giants signed Jones to a lucrative contract after he seemed to be turning things around with the team’s new coaching staff. That momentum came to a halt last year when Jones struggled and tore his ACL. This year, New York provided Jones with more help at receiver, including rookie Malik Nabors.

Last year was Love’s first as a regular starter in the NFL. After some hiccups at the beginning of the season, he performed very well in the playoffs. Green Bay has signed Love to a lucrative contract, but it remains to be seen whether he can continue to perform well throughout the season.

The Rams have had a ferocious pass rush over the past decade with Aaron Donald tearing down defenses in the interior. With his retirement, that may change as the team will now rely on young players such as Kobe Turner and Jared Weiss. The departure of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris makes the task even more difficult.

Saquon Barkley Failed to get the contract he wanted from the Giants, so he went to the rival Eagles. This is a blow to New York, but the Eagles can see the benefit in it as they look to improve on D’Andre Swift’s outstanding performance last year.