NFL 2026 OTA Report: New Leadership and Quarterback Uncertainties Define Early Workouts
As the National Football League enters the 2026 preseason phase, ten clubs have begun voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The early sessions are characterised by significant roster transitions, with all participating teams operating under new head coaches and navigating complex quarterback competitions.
The commencement of the 2026 OTAs marks the first on-field work for ten NFL franchises ahead of minicamp and training camp. A defining structural feature of this year’s early season is the universal leadership change across the participating groups. According to reports from CBS Sports, every team currently conducting workouts has installed a new head coach, signalling a period of institutional reset and strategic realignment across the league.
In Arizona, the quarterback hierarchy is in flux as Jacoby Brissett remains absent from the facility while negotiating a new contract. Brissett, who is in the final year of a two-year deal worth $12.5 million, is reportedly seeking a starter-calibre salary that diverges from the Cardinals’ offer. Consequently, Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck have absorbed the majority of first-team snaps, providing Beck with an opportunity to establish himself on the depth chart.
Atlanta and Cleveland present contrasting narratives regarding their passing games. The Falcons are managing a rotation between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, with Penix limited to individual drills following a torn ACL. Meanwhile, the Browns’ new head coach Todd Monken has overseen a fluid rotation involving Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green. Monken praised a deep touchdown connection between Watson and rookie Denzel Boston but criticised the group for throwing interceptions during 7-on-7 drills, describing the turnovers as unacceptable given the lack of defensive pressure.
Defensive and positional adjustments are also reshaping team structures. The Baltimore Ravens are utilising a constant rotation at centre involving Danny Pinter, Corey Bullock, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Nick Dawkins, following the departure of Tyler Linderbaum. In Buffalo, wide receiver Keon Coleman faces intense scrutiny to improve after a statistically underwhelming 2025 season, despite the addition of DJ Moore. Conversely, the Las Vegas Raiders are integrating first overall pick Fernando Mendoza behind veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell, with head coach Klint Kubiak praising the rookie’s work ethic and technical questions.
Other notable developments include Aaron Rodgers’ early participation with the Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike McCarthy, allowing for accelerated installation of the new offensive scheme. In Miami, rookie safety Dante Trader Jr. recorded an interception off a pass by Malik Willis, while the New York Giants saw new signing Isaiah Likely make a one-handed catch from Jaxson Dart. The Tennessee Titans are also focusing on building chemistry between second-year quarterback Cam Ward and rookie wideout Carnell Tate, the No. 4 overall pick.
