2026 NFL OTAs are well underway. While these practices are voluntary and relatively light, we’re seeing most of the players around the league back to begin their journeys this season. And it’s interesting to hear from coaches and players for the first time in a while. These are some of the early takeaways and storylines to look at early this summer.
A.J. Brown is done with the Eagles
I was obviously wrong on this, not really believing the Eagles would trade a player of A.J. Brown’s caliber. But clearly, Brown wants a new start with another team—the Patriots and reuniting with embattled head coach Mike Vrabel being the favorite—and Philadelphia is set to oblige. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion discussed the team’s receivers and didn’t mention Brown, and Jalen Hurts just indicated yesterday that they know the situation. It was surprising to see Brown was married and that reportedly no current Eagles players were at the ceremony. Ultimately, one of the NFL’s top weapons will be playing someplace else in 2026, but Philly is still in a good spot at receiver with former Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith leading the way.
The Vikings QB situation
All summer, one of the biggest stories to watch will be the Vikings quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Murray talked to reporters about the embarrassment of riches Minnesota has on offense. No doubt, it’s one of the best situations in the league for a quarterback. But McCarthy sounds none too pleased about how the “organization made a decision” to add the former No. 1 overall pick. And Murray sounds a lot more open to the dynamic than McCarthy. We’ll see if that evident anger and determination can be channeled into the motivation to play as well as possible while trying to win the job as the underdog.
Watch out for Parker Washington
Looking for a true breakout star this season? It might be Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington. He already put up a very good 58/847/5 campaign in 2025 and had 107 yards and a touchdown in the postseason loss to the Bills. Over his final four games (including playoffs), Washington put up lines of 6/145/1, 8/115, 5/87/1, and 7/107/1. That’d be a 17-game pace of 110.5 receptions, 1,929.5 receiving yards, and 12.75 receiving touchdowns. Those numbers are astronomical, but the fact that Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said, “We think that he is capable of what he did at the end of the season last year and even more than that,” is alarming in a great way.
"We think that he is capable of what he did at the end of the season last year and even more than that."
Coach Udinski on expectations this season for @CPW11_ pic.twitter.com/Df3GLPBcap
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 26, 2026
And this isn’t just about extrapolating out numbers. The talent of Washington is clear, with the versatility to win all over the field and with the ball in his hands.
The new Chargers offense
There’s a lot to like about the Chargers on offense this season after they hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new OC. Based on everything we’re hearing—even from defensive players—there’s been instant buy in of the creative (and eccentric) mind. Head coach Jim Harbaugh says the mesh between quarterback Justin Herbert and McDaniel has been better than even he thought it’d be. The offensive line should be much healthier with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back at the tackle spots. And McDaniel himself has been talking up the receiving group led by Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre’ Harris—earlier this month, McDaniel actually compared Johnston to Julio Jones and Andre Johnson.
The rookie quarterbacks
Foundations are being laid at the most important position in sports. Let’s start with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who is getting acclimated to the next level under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak—and working with veteran Kirk Cousins, who is expected to be under center for Week 1. Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson will certainly be sitting behind Matthew Stafford, and times like these are key for developing someone with definite ability but not much college experience. Cardinals rookie Carson Beck should be getting valuable reps with Jacoby Brissett wanting a new contract. Penn State product Drew Allar is under the tutelage of Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh.
And don’t sleep on undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels out of Kansas. Head coach Todd Bowles sounds genuinely impressed with Daniels. Perhaps he can push for the backup job behind Baker Mayfield as a rookie.