It’s that time of year again. Mandatory training camps are underway and headlines are flying. Who looks sharp, who doesn’t, and who hasn’t shown up?
Beneath all the noise, there are storylines that actually matter. From quarterback battles to rookie hype to holdouts, here are ten training camp developments to watch.
1. Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
After following Brett Favre’s career arc from Green Bay legend to New York flameout, Aaron Rodgers finally veered in a new direction. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason and steps into yet another veteran stopgap role for Mike Tomlin’s team.
Rodgers is in the spotlight along with Tomlin as the Steelers try to decide whether they’re one quarterback away from contention or in need of a total reset. Training camp will offer a first glimpse of whether Rodgers still has enough left in the tank or if he’s hit the final stage of his career.
This season will say a lot about both coach and quarterback. The result could push the franchise toward a title run or a full rebuild.
2. The Las Vegas Raiders Offense
With Pete Carroll and John Spytek now leading the front office and coaching staff, the Raiders offense is getting a complete overhaul. Training camp should provide an early look at what the new regime is building.
Geno Smith is coming off an injury-plagued and inconsistent year in Seattle. There is skepticism about what he has left. Meanwhile, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty trails only Cam Ward as a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The question is whether Jeanty’s college success will translate.
Early indicators will shape expectations. By the time preseason hits, we should have a better sense of what this new-look Raiders offense might become.
3. The Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson Holdouts
The Bengals have two major absences as camp begins. Trey Hendrickson remains in a contract standoff, while rookie Shemar Stewart has yet to sign due to reported disagreements over contract language.
Hendrickson has been one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers in recent years. Cincinnati will either need to pay up or explore a trade. Stewart’s situation is less typical. Rookie contracts are usually straightforward under the current CBA, but reports suggest the Bengals are digging in on minor clauses. Stewart, for his part, has not been quiet about his frustration.
Holdouts are nothing new, but their impact on performance and locker room chemistry can’t be ignored. If this lingers, it could become a bigger problem than expected.
4. New Orleans Saints Quarterback Battle
Derek Carr’s surprise retirement has left the Saints scrambling. What was once a stable position now looks like one of the league’s most unpredictable quarterback rooms.
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has the pedigree but hasn’t lived up to it in college or the pros. Rookie Tyler Shough is 26, injury-prone, and still learning the system. One of these two will be the starter, and the other might not be far behind.
This is the start of a true rebuild in New Orleans. What that rebuild looks like depends heavily on how training camp sorts out the quarterback competition.
5. The Free Agents Still Waiting to Sign
Every offseason features a few veterans who hold out for better offers or wait for training camp injuries to create opportunity. This year is no different.
Three names stand out. Amari Cooper remains unsigned after a quiet stint in Buffalo but still brings experience and production. Rasul Douglas is a steady, physical corner who can contribute in man or zone schemes. Jaire Alexander is the wildcard. Released by Green Bay after refusing a pay cut, he brings high-end talent but also durability and locker room questions.
All three will likely be signed before Week 1. The question is who takes the chance first.
6. The (Potential) Decline of Kansas City
The Chiefs won another Super Bowl, but cracks in the dynasty began to show. The regular season was uneven. The offensive line was a liability. Travis Kelce flirted with retirement, and the offense never fully clicked.
Kansas City made several moves to address the offensive line, including drafting Josh Simmons in the first round. Training camp will reveal how quickly this unit comes together and whether the penalties and communication issues are behind them.
As for Kelce, all eyes will be on his energy and involvement. At 35, this may be his final run. If training camp reveals a lack of drive, the Chiefs might have to start planning for life without him.
7. George Pickens as WR2 in Dallas
George Pickens joins a long list of talented Steelers wideouts who made waves before being moved. Now in Dallas, he slots in behind CeeDee Lamb as the WR2. That might not sit well for long.
Pickens has never been shy about speaking his mind. He has clashed with teammates, coaches, and the media. If his usage dips or the targets aren’t there, expect fireworks.
Training camp will offer the first sign of how he fits in with the Cowboys culture. If the quotes start flying early, it may not take long before drama follows.
8. Cam Ward’s First Look in Tennessee
The Titans took a gamble by passing on Travis Hunter and drafting Cam Ward as their new franchise quarterback. Ward brings massive upside. He has the arm, mobility, and improvisational skills to be a star.
But his flaws mirror his strengths. He can be inconsistent, risk-prone, and wild in structure. Is he Brett Favre or Vince Young? Tennessee is about to find out.
Early reports suggest Ward is focused and locked in. Still, how he looks in live drills and team sessions will be telling. This is one of the most intriguing rookie stories of camp.
9. Travis Hunter’s Role in Jacksonville
The Jaguars made a bold move to trade up and draft Travis Hunter, the two-way Heisman winner. The question is not whether he’s good, but how Jacksonville plans to use him.
Initial reports suggest he will start at wide receiver, with cornerback duties to follow in specific packages. Some believe he is more naturally suited to defense. Others think he is too valuable offensively to pull off the field.
Training camp reps and usage will begin to answer that question. Whether he plays both ways or finds a primary role, Hunter’s development will be one of the most-watched stories of the summer.
10. Who’s Looking In Shape?
No training camp preview is complete without a little fun. It’s the time of year when every other player is “in the best shape of their life.”
This year’s standouts include Marvin Harrison Jr., who reportedly looks stronger and faster entering his second season. Isiah Pacheco has added a few pounds, according to Andy Reid, and hopes to return to a more physical running style. Jordan Davis is reportedly turning heads in Philadelphia.
Most of these reports are training camp fluff. But a few of these guys might be ready for a leap. Maybe it is time to throw down a few Marvin Harrison Jr. breakout bets.
Final Thoughts
There will be no shortage of headlines over the next few weeks, but some training camp storylines actually matter. From quarterback competitions to high-profile holdouts, what happens in August will shape the season ahead. Keep an eye on these stories as they develop. They could define the 2025 NFL season before it even begins.
