Training camp is on the horizon for the NFL, marking the beginning of the arduous journey towards a Super Bowl championship. Although some teams are better positioned to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy than others, all teams share the same ultimate goal. The next five weeks will reveal a lot about each team’s readiness to compete for a championship or at least consistently win games. Expectations vary from team to team, but the objectives remain uniform.
Several questions will arise for every NFC team over the next several weeks. Here’s a look at the most pressing question for each NFC team entering training camp.
Arizona Cardinals: Who Are the Starting CBs?
The Cardinals have a significant void to fill in their secondary and several intriguing candidates vying for the starting cornerback spots. Sean Murphy-Bunting leads the pack after signing a three-year deal in free agency. However, Max Melton, Starling Thomas V, Kei’Trel Clark, and Garrett Williams will also get extended looks.
Melton, a second-round pick, fits well with this defense, but the question remains whether he can play outside or if he’s better suited for the slot. Elijah Jones, a third-round pick, could also enter the mix but might be more suited for special teams or slot duties. This preseason will be critical in determining who locks down these essential roles.
Atlanta Falcons: Are Young DTs Ready for Lots of Playing Time?
Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata anchor the Falcons’ defensive line, but both are in their 30s, with Jarrett coming off a torn ACL. The depth behind them includes rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus, who must step up if either veteran falters.
The addition of Eddie Goldman as veteran help adds some stability, though he hasn’t played an NFL game in three years. Orhorhoro and Dorlus will be heavily scrutinized during preseason to see if they can transition from rotational players to potential starters in their rookie season. At least one needs to prove they can handle significant snaps to fortify the interior line.
Carolina Panthers: Is OL Good Enough to Protect Bryce Young?
Last season’s offensive line woes hindered Bryce Young’s performance. To address this, Carolina signed Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to hefty deals worth $153 million combined, with $90 million guaranteed. They also secured Austin Corbett to shore up the center position.
Returning tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton will need to elevate their play. No draft picks were spent on the offensive line, so improvement must come from within. This preseason will indicate whether these moves are enough to protect their franchise quarterback adequately.
Chicago Bears: Who Will Be Caleb Williams’ Top Target?
Caleb Williams steps into his rookie season with a promising trio of wide receivers: D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. Each brings something unique—Moore had a standout season with Justin Fields in 2023, Allen has been reliable for years when healthy, and Odunze shares an established rapport with Williams from college.
Determining Williams’ go-to guy will develop over the next six weeks as he builds chemistry with each receiver. This period is crucial for identifying which target he’ll rely on when it matters most.
Dallas Cowboys: Can Tyler Guyton Earn Coaching Staff’s Trust?
With Tyron Smith’s departure, Tyler Guyton is set to start at left tackle in his rookie season. Tyler Smith could shift to left tackle if Guyton isn’t ready, but ideally, Smith remains at left guard where he was an All-Pro last year.
Guyton will face intense scrutiny in training camp, especially against Micah Parsons. Preparing for elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and T.J. Watt early in the season makes this preseason critical for Guyton’s development.
Detroit Lions: Will Jameson Williams Live Up to First-Round Hype?
Despite losing Josh Reynolds to free agency, the Lions did little to address the wide receiver position, placing significant faith in Jameson Williams. With just 395 receiving yards over two seasons but showing promise late last year, Williams must step up as WR2.
Detroit believes Williams can seize this role alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown. His performance this preseason will be telling for his future production and impact on the offense.
Green Bay Packers: Who Are ‘Best Five’ OL?
Head Coach Matt LaFleur emphasizes playing the best five offensive linemen. Four of five starters return from last season, but Jon Runyan’s departure opens up competition.
Elgton Jenkins excels at left guard but can play tackle. Rookie Jordan Morgan will compete with Rasheed Walker for left tackle or Sean Rhyan at right guard. Zach Tom missed OTAs and minicamp due to injury, making his recovery crucial. David Bakhtiari’s likely exit further complicates matters. Training camp will clarify this lineup shuffle.
Los Angeles Rams: Will Matthew Stafford Show Up?
Matthew Stafford wants a reworked contract with more guaranteed money as quarterback salaries rise. The Rams need Stafford now but also must consider life post-Stafford.
Will they meet his demands or call his bluff? Stafford holds leverage by potentially holding out. Backup options Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn lack experience, making this situation pivotal for the Rams’ immediate future.
Minnesota Vikings: Can JJ McCarthy Beat Out Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold was signed as a cost-effective option following Kirk Cousins’ departure. However, first-round rookie JJ McCarthy may already be NFL-ready.
Darnold’s experience in similar systems gives him an edge initially, but McCarthy’s proven collegiate success could challenge that quickly. The support system allows both quarterbacks to succeed; determining who adapts faster is key.
New Orleans Saints: Will Alvin Kamara Get Reworked Contract?
Alvin Kamara seeks long-term security despite being 29 years old and coming off a career-low season. Skipping mandatory minicamp signifies his intent for a new deal.
While Klint Kubiak’s offense favors running backs, Kamara’s age complicates negotiations amidst ongoing salary cap issues. The Saints must decide soon whether to restructure his contract or move forward without him.
New York Giants: Will OL Be Any Better?
After letting Saquon Barkley walk to focus on improving their offensive line, the Giants signed Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor to bolster the guards.
Andrew Thomas returns at left tackle while John Michael Schmitz aims for consistency at center. Evan Neal faces pressure to improve significantly at right tackle after struggling since being a first-round pick. Daniel Jones’ value depends on this line’s performance.
Philadelphia Eagles: Will James Bradberry Make Roster?
James Bradberry’s cross-training at safety never materialized due to injury during minicamp. Healthy again for training camp, Bradberry competes for a starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.
Failing to secure a starter role puts Bradberry’s future with the Eagles in doubt as he doesn’t play special teams. Competition includes rookie Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and veterans Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo.
San Francisco 49ers: What Happens with Brandon Aiyuk?
Contract negotiations with Brandon Aiyuk have stalled, leading him to demand a trade—a request reportedly denied by the 49ers. Aiyuk wants long-term security as wide receiver contracts soar.
Aiyuk is on his fully guaranteed fifth-year rookie contract but desires more assurance. As Brock Purdy’s top target last year, his presence is crucial for a “Super Bowl or bust” season. The 49ers face a tough decision between paying Aiyuk or risking his absence.
Seattle Seahawks: How Will RB Carries Be Divided?
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet form a potent backfield duo underutilized last season due to game scripts favoring passing plays.
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb seeks balance between run and pass games. Training camp will reveal how carries are divided between Walker and Charbonnet in this revamped offense aiming for greater utilization of its running backs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Who Will End Up as WR3?
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin headline the Buccaneers’ receiving corps, leaving WR3 up for grabs between Trey Palmer and rookie Jalen McMillan.
Palmer’s speed offers deep threat potential while McMillan impressed during minicamp with smooth route running. Whoever gains Baker Mayfield’s trust first in training camp likely secures the WR3 role alongside Evans and Godwin.
Washington Commanders: Who Will Start at LT?
Regardless of whether Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota starts Week 1, solidifying left tackle protection is paramount for quarterback success.
Cornelius Lucas offers veteran experience while rookie Brandon Coleman brings youthful potential. Strong competition from Coleman would be ideal for Daniels’ sake if he wins the starting job.