This week in the NFL is all about the mini camps. After a solid two-hour session, it’s like quenching that offseason thirst, almost like a kid running through Capri—if you know what I mean.
The happenings—or lack thereof—this week will help pass the time until training camps kick off at the end of July. These mini camps are, well, the only ones to look forward to right now, and there are definitely some questions to ponder.
One major question on our minds: will a certain player show up? Anyway, we’re excited to see what unfolds this week, even in all its little quirks.
Let’s take a crack at predicting what to expect.
Kirk Cousins Is the Last Piece of Quarterback Drama
Last week, Aaron Rodgers surprised everyone—though not really—with his decision to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least he did so before this week, which means he’ll be present at the mini camp. Fair’s fair, I guess.
Now, Kirk Cousins remains the only quarterback still contemplating his future after Rodgers sorted his situation. The Falcons seem set on not letting Cousins go, but honestly, why would they? They seem pretty comfortable with the unique nature of this situation, and if Cousins ends up being a pricey backup to Michael Penix, the costs are already accounted for.
But I wonder—will Cousins find a new team before the season starts? I doubt it. The Indianapolis Colts might consider him if they feel shaky about Anthony Richardson’s reliability and have little faith in Daniel Jones. But it’s hard to find another team that seems like a natural fit.
I’m with you on that. It feels like there aren’t any obvious landing spots for Cousins. The Colts could be that dark horse, but as you said, it really depends on Richardson’s health and the situation with Jones, who seems to be, well, just himself. They might have to look for a more experienced quarterback to steer clear of a rough season.
Only time will tell if the Falcons made the right choice in keeping Cousins while they commit to Penix as their new starter. Historically, teams that invest heavily in players who aren’t major contributors often find it doesn’t pay off.
Nick Chubb Has Turned Down Bigger Offers to Join the Texans
It’s tough to watch Nick Chubb go from NFL stardom to uncertainty due to injuries in the last two seasons. I doubt many were even aware he was available until word spread about his signing with the Texans after he passed a physical.
Reports are suggesting that Chubb turned down larger contracts to join the Texans, seeing it as his best shot at a winning team in the latter years of his career.
But are the Texans really poised for a turnaround right now? They’ve got Joe Mixon, who rejuvenated his career recently, and Damneon Piercings, who once had a solid run. Frankly, Houston seems to have left their tackle situation in flux, which doesn’t bode well for the run game.
I have a sneaky feeling that the rushing game might not perform as well this season, which raises questions about Chubb’s role as the team’s lead back. If he’s hoping to find success, Houston might not be the most promising environment.
I don’t think the Texans are a wise gamble either. Beyond the concerns Michael raised, the entire situation surrounding CJ Stroud feels a bit, well, mysterious. It’s not necessarily catastrophic, but certainly not the optimistic vibe they had a few years back.
But I understand Chubb’s decision. He’s at a stage in his career where being a reliable part of a team is probably wiser than being the sole star. Still, it saddens me because he was once one of the league’s top running backs. Hopefully, he can rediscover that form.
The Browns Are Set to Make Headlines
It’s a pity that the Giants’ drama rivals that of a bad NFL movie. The excitement around having the Browns featured has overshadowed the anticipated stories of other teams.
As clips start to circulate showcasing simple plays, everyone seems to perk up, desperate for any football action. I mean, I’m ready to consume anything, even segments featuring Shedeur Sanders or Joe Flacco.
Joe has been around the block and, let’s be real, he’s probably the perfect candidate to navigate this mess. With nearly two decades under his belt, he’s seen it all.
I’d definitely front-row two tickets to this spectacle, and I feel like Michael would agree with me.
You know, when other teams make odd choices, it keeps things entertaining. But I do think the Browns may not be the right fit for this season’s Hard Knocks. Joe Flacco, in contrast to younger players like Sanders and Gabriel, offers a humorous dynamic.
Watching the rookie quarterbacks is bound to be entertaining. It’ll give audiences the chance to pick sides—just like the age-old debate over Team Jacob versus Team Edward.
It’s unfortunate we won’t get a backstage pass to Cleveland’s offseason antics, but let’s blame the Giants for spoiling the party.
Who Among These MVP Candidates Has the Best Shot?
According to FanDuel, there’s a six-way tie at +7500 odds for NFL regular-season MVP, featuring Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Geno Smith, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and JJ McCarthy. These odds are pretty long, but where do you position your favorites for the MVP title?
Looking at this group, McCarthy stands out, largely due to the talent surrounding him. The Vikings have substantially improved their offensive line this offseason, plus he has Justin Jefferson to target. If Kevin O’Connell can craft an effective offense, McCarthy could very well emerge as a dark horse candidate.
If not McCarthy, I have a feeling Nix could make strides under Sean Payton. He had an impressive finish to the previous year, leading Denver to the postseason. If he can maintain that level of play throughout the season, he might surprise everyone.
If we’re throwing wild theories into the mix, why not Bryce Young?
Let’s not forget he won the Heisman Trophy and was the number one overall pick. Not to mention Dave Canales played a pivotal role in reviving Baker Mayfield’s career. The NFC South is wide open for capitalizing on opportunities.
It’s not out of the question for Young to find his rhythm in his third season. Perhaps all the chaos surrounding him is finally in the rearview. It’s a challenge, though, to sift through those elements that support an MVP-worthy season.
