The excitement of football is returning. In just a few weeks, training camps for all 32 NFL teams will kick off, and the Hall of Fame Game is just around the corner. Next thing you’ll know, summer will feel like a distant memory. While football is gearing back up, there are still major questions looming over the league—questions that won’t be clarified until training camps open.
Before diving into the summer’s first moments, let’s take a look at some of the significant uncertainties that teams are facing.
Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback?
Expectations are low for a rather uninspiring quarterback competition in Cleveland. It’s essentially a face-off between Deshaun Watson and Shedule Sanders, reminiscent of that awkward situation where you grab dinner with an ex who had clear red flags, or dating someone and feeling uncertain about your feelings.
There’s definitely going to be a competition for the starting role, and it’ll be interesting to see where the coaching staff leans as camp starts. A significant detail in this scenario, which often goes unnoticed, is that Sanders, on a rookie contract, poses a financial dilemma against Watson’s high-profile deal—which many consider inflated.
The reality is that Watson needs to perform at a high level to secure the job over Sanders, making this training camp battle even more compelling.
Can AJ Brown quickly connect with Drake May?
After one of the off-season’s major trades, the prospect of giving Drake Maye a reliable deep threat like AJ Brown is appealing. However, just because it looks promising on paper doesn’t guarantee that it will work out perfectly.
Last season, Brown showed that he can get quite upset if things don’t go right. A strong quarterback is crucial for keeping star receivers satisfied while executing the game plan, and it’s yet to be seen how effectively Maye can handle that responsibility. Their relationship could decide whether the Patriots contend for a Super Bowl or if the trade ends up being a misstep.
Is Kyler Murray the next Sam Darnold?
The Vikings have struggled with the quarterback position for a while, but they seem to find ways to pull through. After parting ways with Sam Darnold in 2025, they made the controversial decision to hand over the reins to JJ McCarthy—a decision that could haunt them, unless, of course, Kyler Murray rises to the occasion.
It’s important to remember how effective Murray was when he had proper protection and a solid system in place. Just a few seasons ago, he threw for over 3,700 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. Things have taken a downturn since then, and this may be his last chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
The Vikings have indicated that there will be a competition between Murray and McCarthy, but if Murray can adapt to the system, there might not be a contest at all. Training camp will offer the first insights into whether this arrangement can succeed.
This question might linger until the season truly starts, but the initial focus will be on how the young roster develops under John Harbaugh. Bringing in Herbs post-draft was a smart move for the Giants, and if they can harness their talent, they could be one of the league’s toughest pass rushes.
The Giants are set to start training camp in West Virginia for team bonding. This initial step will be crucial to see if players can embrace Harbaugh’s philosophy and convert it into on-field performance. If everything clicks, they could be real contenders in the NFC East, but if not, another disappointing season looms.
How quickly will Fernando Mendoza take charge?
The Raiders are adopting a cautious strategy with their top overall pick, avoiding overwhelming him right out of the gate. This implies that Mendoza will likely share snaps with Kirk Cousins in training camp, with the intention for Cousins to start the season.
However, Mendoza’s ability to grasp the playbook and mesh with his teammates will dictate how soon he takes the field this season. There’s a lot to accomplish, so the Raiders hope to improve incrementally, while the fanbase is eager to see their number one pick in action.
Are the Bears as good as they seem?
The Chicago Bears made significant strides in coach Ben Johnson’s debut season, but now the challenging task of fulfilling expectations begins. Many believe they have what it takes to compete in the NFC and could snatch the NFC North title, although that division is notoriously tough.
Chicago is facing a more demanding schedule in 2026, and how Caleb Williams copes will set the tone for the organization. He’s undoubtedly athletic, but it’s uncertain how he’ll manage the pressure in a season where there are high hopes for victories.
Can the Chargers’ unique offense succeed?
We understand Jim Harbaugh’s offensive preferences: a straightforward running game, strong control at the line, and play-action passes to maximize big plays. That’s what made hiring Mike McDaniel as the offensive leader intriguing.
McDaniel, known for his creativity, could clash with Harbaugh’s traditional methods. For this partnership to thrive, the Chargers will need to balance McDaniel’s innovative flair with Harbaugh’s tried-and-true approach—an arrangement that could either flourish or fall apart.
