After a crazy offseason, 2024 NFL training camps are getting underway. Let’s dive right into top storylines to follow for all 32 teams this summer.
Arizona Cardinals: Building on the foundation
It’s fair to say the Cardinals played above the talent level of the roster last season under head coach Jonathan Gannon, who set a foundation of competing every single week. If Arizona builds on that with a healthy Kyler Murray running the show on an offense that added Marvin Harrison Jr., they can be a breakout squad.
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins’ new home
The relationship between Kirk Cousins and his new team quickly became rocky after the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. in a stunner at No. 8 overall—without giving Cousins a heads up before he signed with the franchise. The veteran quarterback will have to navigate that while acclimating to a new team, locker room, and offensive scheme—all while coming off a torn Achilles.
Baltimore Ravens: Replacing over a dozen free agents
After having the best record in the league last season, the Ravens lost key players including on the offensive line, linebacker Patrick Queen, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (9.5 sacks in 2023). It’s a very mini re-load with much of the same cast in place—and the Derrick Henry addition adds another element to the offense.
Buffalo Bills: The revamped receiving group
Buffalo’s entire roster is revamped due in large part to the salary cap, but the receiving group in particular will be one to watch with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out and Curtis Samuel and second-round pick Keon Coleman among those in.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales’ influence
The situation for No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young really couldn’t have been much worse during his rookie year, but Dave Canales has shined in his previous two stops in Seattle and Tampa Bay before getting this head coaching opportunity. Like Mike McDaniel with Tua Tagovailoa when he arrived in Miami, Canales seems all in on putting his quarterback in the best position to succeed.
Chicago Bears: The number one pick
Caleb Williams was a highly touted prospect coming out of USC, and his immense talent level will be crafted throughout his first NFL training camp—with a strong receiving group headlined by DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and No. 9 pick Rome Odunze.
Cincinnati Bengals: Monster offensive line
The contract statuses of Ja’Marr Chase (hoping for a new deal) and Tee Higgins (playing on the franchise tag) should be monitored, but I’m also watching the Cincy offensive line that added two towering players in veteran Trent Brown and first-rounder Amarius Mims to join Orlando Brown Jr. and company as they look to keep Joe Burrow healthy.
Cleveland Browns: Can Deshaun Watson regain form?
There have been brief flashes, but in Cleveland Deshaun Watson simply has not looked like the star quarterback he was to begin his career with the Texans. The Browns have a top defense and should again have a potent rushing attack (Nick Chubb’s recovery and return from a serious knee injury is going to be a great story), but Watson must be better if they’re going to compete for a championship.
Dallas Cowboys: The pressure
Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy are both on the last year of their contracts, and the pressure is on for them and the entire Cowboys roster to make a very real run at a Super Bowl. Put simply, the stakes are very high for Jerry Jones’ club.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton and Bo Nix
One thing is for certain about Bo Nix: The arm talent is not lacking, contrary to the narrative. Nix is a very talented guy, and now we have to watch how he and Sean Payton gel in an offense that could use more talent but might have both the quarterback and scheme to surprise in 2024.
Detroit Lions: The targeted
I was very high on the Lions entering last season, and they themselves went into the year with tremendous belief in themselves. Now, there is no denying around the league that Detroit is a force to be reckoned with, and we’ll see how they handle that.
Green Bay Packers: The new defense
Jeff Hafley left his Boston College head coach position to become Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, and he’s bringing an aggressive press-man defense that could help the Packers—who can have one of the NFL’s top secondaries—be a dangerous all-around team.
Houston Texans: Year 2 wrinkles
DeMeco Ryans’ success as a head coach is not the least bit surprising considering his leadership qualities dating back to his time as a player. Now, he and impressive offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will look to cook up more magic on a roster that added more juice this offseason.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson’s comeback
After a shoulder injury cut Anthony Richardson’s rookie season short after not even 12 full quarters played, he’s back as a potential major weapon at quarterback for Shane Steichen on a team that just missed the playoffs last year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Finding consistency
Consistency has been the issue for the Jaguars the past two years under Doug Pederson. Part of it might have to do with roster construction, but at least the top pieces on offense—Travis Etienne Jr., Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and Evan Engram—should pair nicely with Trevor Lawrence’s skillset.
Kansas City Chiefs: Need for speed
The Chiefs won back-to-back Super bowls but have not gotten complacent and are looking to elevate their game—especially on offense, where it sounds like Patrick Mahomes wants to get back to launching more deep balls. The organization listened, bringing in veteran speedster Marquise Brown and drafting 40-yard dash record-breaker Xavier Worthy at receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback competition
The quarterback competition between Aidan O’Connell (the incumbent) and Gardner Minshew (received a somewhat surprising big contract compared to other available free agent quarterbacks) is the biggest story for Vegas as they look to build on a strong finish under Antonio Pierce last season.
Los Angeles Chargers: Implementing identity
Fresh off a national championship victory with his alma mater Michigan, Jim Harbaugh is armed with a quarterback he absolutely loves (Justin Herbert). Given his sterling track record, I think it’s just a question of how quickly Harbaugh builds the Chargers into a legitimate contender.
Los Angeles Rams: “No name” defense amplified
The Rams had a “no name” type of unit they took pride in last year, and while players are making names for themselves—the challenge will be intensified with All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald retired and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris taking the head job in Atlanta.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane’s usage
The re-tooled defense led by new coordinator Anthony Weaver is a story to watch, but I’m very interested to hear reports about how super-dynamic second-year running back De’Von Achane is being deployed throughout camp. Fantasy owners, be sure to monitor.
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback play
We could call this a quarterback competition storyline, but it sounds like Sam Darnold will have the clear edge over rookie J.J. McCarthy heading into camp—so we’ll see how the former No. 3 pick fares at just 27 years old following a year with Kyle Shanahan. It’s an excellent spot for the eventual starting quarterback for the Vikings to play in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme with Justin Jefferson to throw to.
New England Patriots: Life without Belichick
Jerod Mayo is taking over for the Patriots perhaps earlier than expected after New England’s down 2023, and he’ll get pieces like Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones back on a defensive group with underrated talent. But it’s simply going to be much different not having Belichick running the show, and it’s imperative to set the right tone from the jump.
New Orleans Saints: Klint Kubiak’s attack
Derek Carr came on strong at the end of his first season with the Saints, and now the team has a new offensive coordinator for the first time since 2009 in Klint Kubiak. Of course, Kubiak comes from the Shanahan tree (in addition to working for Kyle, his Super Bowl-winning dad Gary was Mike Shanahan’s OC in Denver), and the organization feels it’ll be a match with Carr.
New York Giants: In the trenches
Viewers of Hard Knocks will know the Giants’ main priority was adding to the offensive line, which they did with Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor. And star pass rusher Brian Burns was acquired from the Panthers to join Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence. New York must be among the top teams in the trenches this season to get back in the postseason mix.
New York Jets: Health
Because of the poor offensive line (which the team massively upgraded this offseason), I’m not sure a healthy Aaron Rodgers would have made that much of a difference to make the Jets contenders in 2023. But this season obviously comes down to veterans like Rodgers staying healthy this time around.
Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive line sans Jason Kelce
Philadelphia has two new coordinators in Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio, but I’m watching the offensive line most of all. Saquon Barkley joined the Eagles after the Giants let him test free agency, and if the offensive line remains elite without the retired Jason Kelce, we could see a bunch of long runs to add another element to the offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson’s third stop
After plenty of success with the Seahawks, things didn’t go as Russell Wilson expected with the Broncos. However, he didn’t play poorly, and the 35-year-old is looking to hold off Justin Fields and show that he’s still a championship-caliber quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers: Avoiding a hangover
Considering the talent and the mindset of the group, I don’t think the Niners will have any type of hangover after another Super Bowl/deep postseason loss. But the NFC West and the NFC overall are no cakewalk.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald and Ryan Grubb
Mike Macdonald has NFL experience as an assistant, but he’s just 37 years old while taking the Seahawks head coaching job—and his offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has spent the past couple of decades working his way up the college ranks. Focusing on the offense, it has exciting pieces including young bookend tackles and a deep skill group around accurate quarterback Geno Smith, so I’m anxious to see how Grubb constructs it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The new offense
After jumping back and forth between the Rams and Kentucky, Liam Coen is back in the league to hopefully build on what Tampa Bay did last season—with changes. We’ll see more pre-snap motion, more Chris Godwin in the slot, and perhaps a greater emphasis on finally getting the rushing attack going.
Tennessee Titans: Veteran pieces meshing
Over the past two offseason, the Titans have added DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius Snead, Tony Pollard, Jamal Adams, Chidobe Awuzie, and Tyler Boyd as veteran pieces. Their success comes down to how well they can play while bringing others along, including second-year quarterback Will Levis.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn’s second shot
While remaining patient in Dallas, Dan Quinn decided to jump at the opportunity to coach the Commanders. He says he learned a lot since his time with the Falcons, which included the 28-3 heartbreaker in Super Bowl LI at the hands of Tom Brady and company. Quinn and fellow former head coach Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator with No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels are expecting quick success.