NFL teams open 2026 training camp with key storylines and roster projections
Defending champions Seattle Seahawks begin camp as 32 franchises prepare for Super Bowl LXI
All 32 NFL teams have commenced their 2026 training camps, marking the beginning of the preparation phase for the upcoming season which culminates in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in February. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks were the first to open camp on July 17, with rookies reporting for duty. The league is currently navigating a period characterised by significant roster turnover and coaching changes, with teams focusing on integrating new coordinators and projecting their final 53-man rosters.
The Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LX to open the 2026 season on Wednesday, September 9. Before that, there are plenty of position battles to be settled, injuries to return from and coaches and players acclimating themselves to new teams. ESPN's 32 NFL Nation reporters have previewed everything to watch as training camp begins and projected what each 53-man roster might look like five weeks from now.
Major storylines include defensive scheme transitions for the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. The Bills are shifting from Sean McDermott's scheme to Jim Leonhard's, while the Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 system. Quarterback competitions involve Geno Smith, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa, alongside injury recoveries for high-profile players such as Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey.
Teams are addressing position battles, integrating new coordinators, and projecting their 53-man rosters. The Buffalo Bills are undergoing a defensive scheme transition under Jim Leonhard, while the Dallas Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 system. Quarterback competitions involve Geno Smith, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa, alongside injury recoveries for Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey.
The defending champion Seattle Seahawks were the first to open camp on July 17. The league is currently navigating a period characterised by significant roster turnover and coaching changes, with teams focusing on integrating new coordinators and projecting their final 53-man rosters. Major storylines include defensive scheme transitions for the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback competitions involve Geno Smith, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa, alongside injury recoveries for high-profile players such as Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey.
