NFL training camps begin with ten new head coaches and multiple quarterback changes

NFL training camps opened this week as all 32 teams report to their facilities ahead of the preseason. The Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for Aug. 6, will kick off the preseason schedule. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots will open camp on Friday and later meet in a Super Bowl rematch on Sept. 9.

Ten franchises have hired new head coaches. Former Baltimore coach John Harbaugh took over the New York Giants, while Kevin Stefanski, a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year, was hired by the Atlanta Falcons. Robert Saleh became the Titans’ head coach, and Mike McCarthy returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers to work again with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Six other teams appointed first-time head coaches, including Mike LaFleur in Arizona, Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas, Jeff Hafley in Miami, Joe Brady in Buffalo, Todd Monken in Cleveland and Jesse Minter in Baltimore.

Quarterback rosters also saw significant movement. Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will compete for the Falcons’ starting job, while Kyler Murray joins the Minnesota Vikings to challenge J.J. McCarthy. Kirk Cousins is slated to start for the Raiders, though rookie Fernando Mendoza could see early action. Other notable changes include Geno Smith returning to the New York Jets, Justin Fields becoming Patrick Mahomes’ backup in Kansas City, and Kenny Pickett moving to a backup role in Carolina.

Additional storylines include the contract status of Baker Mayfield with Tampa Bay, and speculation about former defensive tackle Aaron Donald possibly returning from retirement to join the Los Angeles Rams, who have also added Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to their defense. Joint practice sessions are being used by most teams to prepare quarterbacks, with the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Steelers opting out. Teams may carry up to 90 players through camp and must reduce rosters to 53 by Aug. 30.