A League in Transition

All 32 NFL teams have officially reported to training camp, signaling the start of preparations for the 2026 season. While the first practices are only underway, camps across the league have already produced major headlines, including record-breaking contract extensions, high-profile hold-ins involving star players, significant injuries, and notable coaching developments.

Market-Resetting Extensions

The Philadelphia Eagles secured one of the NFL's premier defensive players for years to come by signing defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a four-year, $152 million contract extension. The deal makes Carter the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history and reinforces Philadelphia's commitment to building around one of the league's most disruptive interior defenders.

Not long after, the Cleveland Browns rewarded cornerback Denzel Ward with a two-year, $62.2 million extension. Averaging $31.1 million per season, the agreement makes Ward the NFL's highest-paid defensive back on an annual basis.

The Hold-In Trend

Not every star player is participating fully in training camp.

Trade Requests and Leverage

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has officially requested a trade while conducting a training camp hold-in. Vea has reported to the team but is refusing to practice as negotiations over a new contract continue.

The Running Back Market

Meanwhile, two of the league's brightest young running backs are taking a similar approach. Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions standout Jahmyr Gibbs are participating in coordinated hold-ins as both seek lucrative long-term contract extensions. With the running back market continuing to rise, both players are positioning themselves to become among the highest-paid players at their position.

Early Injury Concerns

Training camp has also brought several early injury concerns.

Quarterback and Defensive Setbacks

The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback competition has temporarily been put on hold. Veteran Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight back, while rookie Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined from team drills as he continues recovering from a knee injury. To provide additional depth, Atlanta signed veteran quarterback Cooper Rush.

The Green Bay Packers placed All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues recovering from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers also opened camp with veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey on the PUP list following a knee injury suffered during offseason minicamps.

Carolina Rookie Concern

Perhaps the most concerning injury occurred in Carolina, where rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was carted off the practice field after suffering a non-weight-bearing injury to his left leg. The Panthers are awaiting further medical evaluations to determine the severity of the injury.

Raiders Solidify QB1

The Las Vegas Raiders have ended any early quarterback speculation. Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran Kirk Cousins will enter the season as the team's starting quarterback, ahead of first-round rookie Fernando Mendoza. The decision gives the rookie additional time to develop while providing Las Vegas with an experienced veteran under center.

Coaching and Discipline Headlines

The San Francisco 49ers experienced an unusual distraction after head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged responsibility for a minor automobile accident earlier this month. Shanahan said the incident briefly diverted his attention before training camp, while assistant coach Chris Foerster helped oversee portions of the team's early practice installations.

Elsewhere, two organizations addressed off-field issues involving assistant coaches:

  • The Washington Commanders dismissed their tight ends coach following a last-minute DWI arrest.
  • The Minnesota Vikings suspended defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander for three weeks after an offseason DWI-related incident.