Kansas City is quite familiar with being a focal point during the NFL playoffs. However, having that spotlight in the preseason? That’s a different story for the Chiefs.
A few starting quarterbacks are on track to rejoin training camp after dealing with serious injuries, yet only one stands out as a two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champ. I mean, it’s tough for Daniel Jones (Colts), Bo Nix (Broncos), and Jaden Daniels (Commanders), but there’s just one Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes is aiming to be ready for Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL and LCL last December. His dedication to practicing daily, along with his pocket mobility, is something to watch as the Chiefs are trying to maintain what appears to be a waning dynasty. They were already 6-8 before the injury.
At 30, there’s also a risk for Mahomes to face another injury. The current NFL scouts seem less convinced he’s the undisputed top quarterback anymore.
This season might mark the end of Mahomes throwing to his long-time target, recently married Travis Kelce. Additionally, he’s hoping for the return of Laci Rice, who was absent for OTAs and minicamp due to a 30-day jail sentence for a probation issue.
If Mahomes isn’t ready, the Chiefs will turn to quarterback Justin Fields, who’s had a bit of a journeyman career.
As we step into NFL training camp this week, there are other intriguing storylines to keep an eye on, starting with Wednesday’s report day for the Panthers and Cardinals.
The Big Question
Ever since the Rams traded for future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett, everyone has been guessing about Aaron Donald’s potential return after two years of retirement.
Word is he’s not interested in just a part-time role. If he comes back, he’d want to dive into a full season, starting Saturday, and genuinely be a prominent player instead of a limited participant. That might mean he’ll be looking for a hefty paycheck, complicating things a bit. Remember, he still had a year left on a three-year, $95 million deal when he decided to retire.
Parting Salute
Love him or dislike him, Aaron Rodgers is undeniably a figure to remember in the NFL.
As he gears up for his 22nd and final season in Pittsburgh, he’ll reunite with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers are going through a transition phase after 19 seasons under Mike Tomlin. Rodgers has a chance this year to tie Peyton Manning for third on the all-time touchdown passes list.
The camp competition to fill Rodgers’ shoes will be between Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allard. It’ll be interesting to see if either Howard or Aller emerges as his successor.
Who’s QB1?
The key quarterback battles are happening in Cleveland (Deshaun Watson vs. Shedul Sanders), Minnesota (Kyler Murray vs. JJ McCarthy), and Atlanta (Tua Tagovailoa vs. Michael Penix Jr.).
Murray and Tagovailoa find themselves in similar situations, both trying to revive their playoffs chances against injuries. Watson, on the other hand, hasn’t thrown for more than 1,200 yards or over seven touchdowns since 2020, yet he carries a $40.9 million cap hit. Meanwhile, Sanders is full of confidence and could shake things up, but Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted ahead of him, is creating a bit of a stir.
Mendoza Mania
Every year, coaches claim they’ll take their time with rookie quarterbacks, but the pressure often gets to them.
When will No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza push first-year coach Clint Kubiak to go all in with the Raiders? Early signs show Mendoza is already ahead of the curve in his first NFL month.
Can the placeholder Kirk Cousins redeem himself for leaving the Vikings for the Falcons, or will Mendoza start in Week 1?
New Faces, New Places
This offseason saw multiple former 1,000-yard receivers switch teams, which could notably affect quarterback expectations: AJ Brown joins the Patriots, Jaylen Waddle is with the Broncos, DJ Moore is now with the Bills, and Mike Evans has headed to the 49ers. Free agent Stefon Diggs has also become a significant player.
The Rams traded away Garrett while also acquiring both Chiefs starting cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
The Bengals shocked everyone by going all-in to get defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence after losing Trey Hendrickson to the Ravens, who backed out of a deal with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby.
Moreover, running back Kenneth Walker (Chiefs) has made the list of Super Bowl MVPs changing teams post-honor.
Giants’ Summer Buzz
The Giants are surprisingly creating a buzz this summer, given they hold the second-worst record in the NFL since 2023.
Why the chatter?
The addition of Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh and the exciting reunion with receiver Odell Beckham Jr.—once a standout for the team—could signal a fresh start for an injury-riddled squad. Plus, the anticipated comeback of running back Cam Scatterbo, expected to be ready for camp, along with receiver Malik Nabors, whose availability for Week 1 is still uncertain, adds to the intrigue.
Contract Tensions
Which star player might consider a hold-in? That is, they report to camp with an “injury” to avoid fines while trying to gain leverage in contract discussions?
The list includes notable players like Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals), and Lamar Jackson (Ravens), alongside running backs Jahmil Gibbs (Lions) and Bijan Robinson (Falcons), receivers Chris Olave (Saints) and Puka Nacua (Rams), as well as pass rushers Josh Sweat (Cardinals) and Jalen Carter (Eagles), plus cornerback Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks).
Returning to Duty
The Patriots’ long-standing motto will soon be tested.
Head coach Mike Vrabel needs to focus on leading the defending AFC champions after a tumultuous offseason filled with distractions related to his dynamic with NFL reporter Deanna Russini, raising questions about decision-making and roster management.
Under the Spotlight
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faces his seventh play-caller in as many NFL seasons: rookie Sean Mannion, a former Seahawks backup.
Just a season removed from his Super Bowl MVP accolade, doubts are creeping into his leadership, coaching style, and passing performance. Will he excel now that AJ Brown is out of the picture, or will the offense regress further, seeking a new scapegoat?
It would certainly be beneficial for Saquon Barkley to show his MVP-caliber potential this summer after a disappointing season in 2025. All eyes will definitely be on how the Eagles’ once-dominant offense adapts in the absence of coach Jeff Stoutland.
