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All 32 training camps are now open — the latest storylines and battles

Every NFL team has officially reported to training camp, meaning the quest for Super Bowl LX is underway. Each franchise has renewed hope, even if some are already dealing with issues. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines and battles in camps around the league.

Bengals contract drama: Cincinnati is dealing with a double dose of contract drama. First-round draft pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned, and a deal does not seem imminent. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin recently blamed the party who is giving Stewart advice for the holdup. Then there’s All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, whose contract negotiations with Cincinnati recently broke down. In a season which there is hope that the Bengals will bounce back, these are two dark clouds that are hanging over the franchise.

Browns four-way QB battle: 2025 first-round pick Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel are competing for Cleveland’s starting QB job. It’s not often (if ever) that a position battle features that many players, but the Browns are exhausting all options. Flacco or Pickett have a leg up as veterans, but ideally one of the two rookies step up and show they can be the future of the franchise.

Jerry Jones, Micah Parsons squaring off: The Dallas Cowboys owner took a shot at Parsons while speaking to the media regarding Parsons missing time due to injury last season. Despite wanting a new contract, Parsons has reported to training camp. He plans to speak to Jones about what he said, and also acknowledged that he may not stay in Dallas long-term.

Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones for Colts’ starting QB job: This is a true open competition between two different QBs. It will likely be won by whoever makes the least mistakes. In Richardson’s case, if he doesn’t win the starting gig, he could still see action in a wildcat type of a role.

Commanders, Terry McLaurin in a standoff: McLaurin has not reported to training camp, and will be fined for each practice that he misses. He is looking for a new contract, and is apparently willing to lose money over it. We’ll see who blinks first.

Chiefs offensive tackle competition: It was expected to be 2025 first-round draft pick Josh Simmons vs. Jaylon Moore for Kansas City’s starting left tackle job, but right tackle Jawaan Taylor beginning camp on the PUP list threw thing off a bit. Moore is taking Taylor’s snaps at RT, allowing Simmons to get all the first-team reps at LT. Simmons is fully healthy and definitely passes the eye test. He seems to have the early advantage, so the real battle may become Moore vs. Taylor for the starting RT role.

Tyler Shough vs. Spencer Rattler for Saints’ starting QB job: Rattler wasn’t very impressive in six starts last season, leading New Orleans to draft Shough. However, Shough is actually one year older than Rattler. Derek Carr’s abrupt retirement set this QB battle into motion.

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A to Z Sports NFL positional rankings: Cornerbacks

The A to Z Sports staff continued their positional rankings with the top 20 cornerbacks. Here are some of the most notable rankings.

No. 1 – Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos: “There isn't much you can do to gameplan around PS2, and most of the time, he wins his matchup. And if he doesn't win his matchup, it's usually against a top wide receiver in the league, and it's usually a tossup. Surtain played significant snaps at just about every single defensive back position last season, too, whether it be in the slot, wide corner, or even a few at safety and in the box, where he guarded tight ends like Brock Bowers. There's no doubt that he's the best in the league and could win the DPOY again." —Justin Churchill

No. 6 – Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears: "Jaylon Johnson cracking the Top-10, and nearly landing in the Top-5, speaks to the unseen impact of his game a casual fan might not see at first glance. When you watch a Bears' game, it's hard to notice Johnson on the field, which is a good thing for a player at his position. Opposing quarterbacks and offensive play-callers are simply terrified to go his direction, and even when they do, they pay the price. Johnson is a true lockdown cornerback for the Chicago Bears who earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods by allowing just three touchdowns while coming away with six interceptions in coverage. Under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's man-heavy scheme, Johnson will finally get his wish in being able to match up one-on-one with opposing #1 receivers and further prove how dominant of a player he can be." —Kole Noble

No. 11 – Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks: "Witherspoon’s deserved credit here makes sense, and you could argue he should be a spot or two higher as well. Coming off two Pro Bowls in a row, Witherspoon has locked down a key role in a Seahawks defense that pushes their defensive backs to their lengths – physically and mentally. Witherspoon’s impact, particularly in the slot, reaches past the passing game, too. The CB achieved a 90.0 run defense grade via Pro Football Focus a season ago. All in all, Witherspoon is a pillar for a defense ready to prove they’re one of the NFC’s elite." —Adam Holt

No. 16 – Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles: "There's no question that Cooper DeJean has quickly established himself as one of the league's top young talents, thanks to his rare versatility and immediate impact. In his rookie season, he racked up 51 tackles, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. One of his best moments came on his 22nd birthday when he capped off the year with a 38-yard pick-six in Super Bowl LIX. A former Iowa star, DeJean’s production, freaky athleticism, and clutch play-making have made him a rising star in every phase of the game." —Kelsey Kramer

No. 20 – Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys: “It just feels like Trevon Diggs is either going to jump right back into the Top 15 conversation or fall from the Top 20 permanently this year. He's entering a decisive year on his contract, and with DaRon Bland on deck, the Cowboys have to decide if they'll part ways with him next year or not. To prove himself, Diggs will have only a portion of the 2025 season as he's expected to miss the start of the season. In coverage, Diggs remains one of the league's best. He needs to be a more consistently physical player when tackling in space, but as long as he sticks to top receivers, Diggs remains a Top 20 cornerback." —Mauricio Rodriguez

NFL’s top 20 CBs: Patrick Surtain II has a firm grip on the top spot while young bucks continue to climb up the ranks

With WR talent at an all time high, it's never been more critical for NFL teams to have game changers in their CB room. And across the league, multiple have shown they can compete with even the best of the best WRs in the NFL. From the reigning defensive player of the year, Patrick Surtain […]

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