Stories to follow:
Teams, players, coaches and issues that bear close monitoring
Potential high-impact rookies, high-profile coaches, comeback QBs headline the opening of NFL training camps.
Football is back.
After a frenetic offseason — highlighted by coaching changes, record-setting player contracts and the never-ending debate involving social justice and patriotism — the on-field work at last begins in earnest as 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams report for training camp this week.
Against that backdrop, here are five compelling story lines across the league.
Impact rookies
The 2018 draft featured a deep crop of quarterback talent, but it’s no lock that Baker Mayfield (Browns), San Darnold (Jets), Josh Allen (Bills) or Josh Rosen (Cardinals) start right away. Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and Mason Rudolph (Steelers) are expected to wait at least a year to contend for starting jobs. However, great buzz surrounds second overall pick Saquon Barkley as the running back looks to make an immediate impact for the Giants. Other potential instant stars include Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb, Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and Chargers safety Derwin James.
New chapters
Seven teams hired new coaches. Jon Gruden landed a fully guaranteed, $100 million deal to return to Oakland and thus shoulders the weightiest expectations. But Pat Shurmur seems to have the best shot at a quick turnaround as he inherits a Giants team with plenty of veteran talent. Rookie head coaches Patricia (Detroit), Frank Reich (Indianapolis), Mike Vrabel (Tennessee), Steve Wilks (Arizona) and Matt Nagy (Chicago) prepare to direct their first training camps.
Elsewhere, a frenzied quarterback carousel spun Kirk Cousins off to Minnesota, Case Keenum to Denver and Sam Bradford to Arizona. Teddy Bridgewater (Jets), Tyrod Taylor (Cleveland), Alex Smith (Washington) and AJ McCarron (Buffalo) also found new homes. Cousins assumes the burden of putting an already formidable Vikings squad over the top. Meanwhile, Keenum and Smith must turn struggling teams into contenders. Bradford, Taylor, Bridgewater and McCarron could serve as bridges to promising youngsters.
Holdouts
A large number of big-name players skipped offseason practices, unhappy with their contract situations. The list includes Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack, Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and Falcons receiver Julio Jones. Their standoffs could extend into camp. Another guy expected to extend his summer vacation: Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. He and the team failed to reach a deal by last week’s deadline, meaning he will play on the franchise tag for a second year in a row and likely won’t report until September.
Comeback players
Last season proved unkind to some marquee players. Wentz, who had a remarkable sophomore season before tearing knee ligaments in December, remains on track to come back soon (he’s hoping Week 1, but time will tell). Fellow quarterbacks Andrew Luck (Indianapolis), Deshaun Watson (Houston), Ryan Tannehill (Miami) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) also return. Elsewhere, the Giants struggled mightily without Odell Beckham Jr. last season, and the same goes for a Texans defense without J.J. Watt. Neither received the green light to participate in spring practices; however, their clearances could soon come.
Anthem policy
In May, NFL owners rushed to implement a policy they expected to end player protests against social and racial injustices during the national anthem. In reality, they created a bigger mess because not even the teams could agree on uniform rules or enforcement.
With confusion and criticism rampant, the league hit the pause button last week, agreeing to meet with the NFL Players Association.
Officials want to see if the union’s leaders can help find an improved remedy. However, it’s believed the NFLPA is pushing for the elimination of the policy altogether.
Thus far, the two sides have managed to keep their discussions quiet, and there’s no timeline for a resolution.