NFL training camps kick off with title defenses, new coaches and quarterback battles
Teams begin preseason workouts as the Seahawks aim to repeat as champions, several franchises debut new head coaches, and five clubs face quarterback competitions.
Training camps across the NFL are now in full swing, with the Seattle Seahawks looking to become one of the few teams to win back-to-back Super Bowls. Coach Mike Macdonald must replace departing staff, including offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and fill roster gaps left by veterans such as Kenneth Walker III and Riq Woolen.
The Los Angeles Rams, who host the upcoming Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, have bolstered their defense by acquiring sack leader Myles Garrett and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, while keeping a potent offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Ten teams entered the season with new head coaches, including Mike LaFleur in Arizona, Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta and Todd Monken in Cleveland, and they will now assess talent and install their systems ahead of the regular season.
Player movement also features prominently. Wide receiver A.J. Brown joins the New England Patriots, Jaylen Waddle arrives in Denver, and veteran tight end Mike Evans returns to the San Francisco 49ers after a 12-year stint with Tampa Bay.
Several star players are expected to return from injury. Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to practice after knee surgery, and Daniel Jones is slated to start for Indianapolis following an Achilles recovery.
Quarterback competitions are shaping up in Arizona, Atlanta, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Minnesota. In Arizona, Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck will vie for the starting role; Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. will challenge Tua Tagovailoa; Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson will split snaps with Shedeur Sanders; the Raiders must choose between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza; and the Vikings will decide between J.J. McCarthy and newly signed Kyler Murray.
Other notable storylines include the Steelers’ reunion of quarterback Aaron Rodgers with former coach Mike McCarthy, and several coaches—such as Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and Bengals’ Zac Taylor—facing pressure after disappointing 2025 campaigns.