Albert Breer's Biggest Storylines to Track as NFL Training Camps Get Underway
Aaron Donald's Return: The Rams' legend is training as if he's going to play, and if he thinks he can be himself on Sundays, he'll return to the NFL. This would be unprecedented, and the Rams have a deep, balanced defensive front that could accommodate him. However, the bar for Donald to be himself is high, and he was happy in retirement. The Rams want the decision to be Donald's alone, and they'll be judicious in how they work him back in.
Patrick Mahomes' Recovery: The Chiefs' three-time champion is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL. He's been a constant in the Chiefs' building, and his arm looked live in the spring. The team is being cautious with his return, and he'll have to reacclimate to having defenders around his feet and rushers in his face.
Running Back Market: The market for running backs is complex, with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both looking to cash in. The last three big running back deals were more market corrections than game-changers, and the situation is similar to the old CBA era.
Cornerback Market: There's a similar situation brewing at corner, with Reggie Johnson as a pivotal name. The prices of edge rushers and receivers have exploded, and corner and offensive tackle have lagged a bit.
Quarterback Contracts: There are always some QB extensions signed in the summer, and this year's headliner is Baker Mayfield's situation. The Buccaneers are prepared to dive in on negotiations, and something in the range of $165 million over another three years makes sense.
2024 Draft Quarterbacks: The 2024 quarterback class is headed into Year 3, with four of the six quarterbacks to go in the first round two years ago already having playoff wins.
Vikings' Quarterback Competition: The Vikings brought in a new general manager this spring, and they're built to win right now. The result of the competition should impact the NFC race.
Fernando Mendoza's Raiders Job: Mendoza is making a run at the Raiders job, and he's showing the ability to absorb what he's being taught and translate it to the practice field quickly.
New Head Coaches: The Bills, Ravens, and Steelers are under new leadership, and there's a high bar for the new coaches to meet.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are under pressure, and Joe Burrow is swinging big. He knows chances at a championship aren't endless, and he's excited to get started.
Quick-Hitters: Additional storylines include the Seahawks' bid to win back-to-back titles, the Packers' roster, the Giants' murkiness around Malik Nabers' return, Justin Herbert's potential for a league MVP season, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback job, the Cowboys' left tackle position battle, the 49ers' age and potential trade deadline moves, the Jaguars' renaissance, and the Texans' potential for a big year.
