What we learned from every NFL team during offseason workouts

In NFL circles, the end of minicamp is often treated like school letting out for the summer. After roughly six weeks of practices — filled with first impressions, quotables, league-altering trades and contract extensions — players and coaches scatter until training camp.

But more than enough happened this spring for The Athletic’s NFL beat writers to learn something new about each team. Here’s what stood out.

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Arizona Cardinals

Not so much what we learned, but what we didn’t. The Cardinals have a new head coach, a new direction — and no answer at quarterback. Projected starter Jacoby Brissett skipped voluntary workouts amid a contract dispute. He showed for minicamp, but was a non-participant, watching journeyman Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. Coach Mike LaFleur said little about Brissett’s absence. Teammates supported his decision. But let’s be honest. The Cardinals need a lot to go right this season just to be competitive. Having their best QB option — one who went 1-11 as a starter last season — hold out (even if his reasoning is just) is far from ideal. — Doug Haller

Atlanta Falcons

The quarterback competition hasn’t really started yet. Atlanta signed Tua Tagovailoa on the cheap in free agency to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job, but Penix was limited throughout OTAs and minicamp by the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season in Week 11. First-year quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt acknowledged that that makes it almost impossible to evaluate the situation fairly. Penix, who expects to be full go when camp begins the last week of July, threw in 7-on-7 drills during the offseason and still needs to close the accuracy gap with Tagovailoa to give himself a chance. — Josh Kendall

Baltimore Ravens

It’s already clear that first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will be detail oriented and coach star quarterback Lamar Jackson and his teammates hard. From video footage that showed Doyle telling the Ravens how tight they needed to be in the offensive huddle to Doyle admonishing Jackson after he made the wrong play to Doyle sending veteran tight end Mark Andrews and others to the sideline after penalties, the 30-year-old has wasted no time in establishing and enforcing a high standard. His relationship with Jackson, who is only 10 years younger than his new play caller, will be scrutinized, but the two look in sync early. — Jeff Zrebiec

Buffalo Bills

First-time, 36-year-old head coach Joe Brady wants to establish himself as a players’ coach. Thus, the demeanor around One Bills Drive has flipped. Although taskmaster Sean McDermott loosened up over his last few seasons, his no-nonsense reputation was earned the moment he arrived in 2017 and always hovered. Now, high-ranking Bills staffers watch players whooping around the practice field and remark how Brady is “a breath of fresh air.” Brady loves his fellas. He got emotional multiple times while addressing players at his introductory news conference. More than football drills, field-day competitions like tug-of-war and obstacle courses took place at OTAs, where obscene music blared across the practice fields. Players rave about how cool Brady is, but can he develop an authoritative voice? Or will he maintain substitute teacher vibes? If fundamentals and attention to detail erode even a skosh — if Buffalo’s new regime oversees uncharacteristic blunders while the players revel in a friendlier environment — the mood will shift from “Wow, fun” to “Whoa, what’s going on?” – Tim Graham

Carolina Panthers

Dave Canales won’t just hand the starting left tackle job to rookie Monroe Freeling. The 19th overall pick spent most of the spring working with the second team behind Rasheed Walker, the former Packer considered one of the best values in free agency. Walker, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal, said he expects to be the first man up after starting 48 of 51 games for the Packers the past three seasons. “I want to be on the field,” Walker said. “And I ball.” The Panthers took Freeling with the future in mind. Ikem Ekwonu, who is still recovering from knee surgery, is in a contract year and right tackle Taylor Moton is showing signs of wear and tear as he enters his age-32 season. — Joseph Person

Chicago Bears

Nothing is more important to the Bears’ future than the continued ascent of quarterback Caleb Williams. And nothing is more important to Williams’ ascent than his growing connection with Ben Johnson. During the spring, it became clear the two continue working in harmony, a positive sign as the team heads for training camp. Johnson has made it clear that Williams’ completion percentage needs to spike in 2026. (The quarterback ranked 32nd in that category last season at 58.1.) Additionally, there has been nonstop emphasis on improving Williams’ precision with his ball location graded on just about every throw he made in a practice setting during the offseason program. Asked for some of the keys to polishing his ball placement, Williams said: “Just being more conscious of it. That’s one of the biggest things.” — Dan Wiederer

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence looking for a powerful force at the middle of their defense. What we learned this offseason was that he would also be a powerful force in the middle of their locker room. His ability to instantly arrive and take on alpha status for a defense in desperate need of leadership went a long way to the growing belief the Bengals will have true revitalization on that side of the ball. Teammates unanimously pointed out how Lawrence went out of his way to become a leader and he’s been at every practice and workout since the day he signed his contract in Cincinnati. That commitment and presence has made a big impression on the rest of the organization. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Cleveland Browns

There’s not much true certainty for a team that has a new head coach, is yet to name the temporary survivor of its latest quarterback competition and just traded Myles Garrett. The Browns probably will stink again on offense and, understandably, seem fully focused on their future when it comes to big-picture roster decisions. But one of the offseason goals was to upgrade the receiving corps, and that’s happening. Second-round rookie Denzel Boston was arguably the spring practice MVP, while both first-round rookie KC Concepcion and second-year man Isaiah Bond flashed speed and playmaking ability. Baby steps are acceptable in this situation, and Boston is a big target who appears to be game-ready. — Zac Jackson

Dallas Cowboys

I’d be surprised if Christian Parker didn’t have success in his first season in Dallas. How he carries himself on the field, handles himself with reporters and the way players talk about him, it’s clear why the Cowboys made him a first-time defensive coordinator. He’s beyond prepared for the opportunity and everyone seems to be completely bought in after his first five months on the job. The group has to stay healthy, but if they do, this should be a significantly improved defense from a year ago. There were far too many defensive communication issues last season. Of course, it’s only OTAs and minicamp, but I didn’t see any of those issues over the last few weeks. — Jon Machota

Denver Broncos

Jaylen Waddle looks the part. On his very first 11-on-11 snap during Denver’s initial open-to-the-media practice, the team’s new star receiver burst off the line of scrimmage, cut this way and that, and turned his defender like a top before emerging open in the middle of the field. Asked to describe the early impact Waddle has had on the offense, Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb paused, smiled and deadpanned: “He’s good.” These are early days, but the Broncos are unmistakably excited about how Waddle can open things up for Bo Nix and the Broncos’ attack — Nick Kosmider

Detroit Lions

Penei Sewell, still just 25 years old, is the new leader of the Lions’ offensive line. You can tell by how the players talk about him and gravitate toward him. Rookie first-round tackle Blake Miller, who’s been repping with the first-team offense in scrimmage periods, said he models his game after Sewell. Young guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge playfully lingered during Sewell’s OTA media availability, listening to their vet who just so happens to be the same age as them. But Sewell acknowledges he’s the last remaining member of a once-respected offensive line, and said it’s on him to uphold the standard set by those before him. He’s also taken it upon himself to create chemistry — hosting the O-line at his home for a barbecue earlier this month. He’s settling into his role as the leader — the way the Lions anticipated when they drafted him. — Colton Pouncy

Green Bay Packers

While Micah Parsons may miss the first month and a half of the season finishing ACL rehab, another one of the Packers’ star players anticipates being ready Week 1 with no snap count limit. Tight end Tucker Kraft, who was arguably playing like the league’s best at the position when he tore his ACL in Week 9, has looked swift while rehabbing on the side of practice this offseason. He said he recently hit 21.5 miles per hour on foot and, even if he starts training camp on the PUP list, should be full go by the time the Packers visit the Vikings to open the season. — Matt Schneidman

Houston Texans

The Texans remain in the midst of a multiyear overhaul of one of the most important units in the roster: the offensive line. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery and right guard Ed Ingram feel like they’re set at their positions. But every other job remains up for grabs. Will free-agent acquisition Wyatt Teller win the left guard spot, or will that go to Keylan Rutledge? Or will Rutledge take the starting center job, or lose out to Jake Andrews? Will new face Braden Smith beat out returning Trent Brown at right tackle? The defense remains formidable and young receivers are making strides as they continue to develop improved chemistry with C.J. Stroud. But who protects him and paves the way for the run game remains a big question that will be solved in training camp. — Mike Jones

Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce, the Colts’ top receiver, may not be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing left ankle surgery in late March. He recently revealed that he’s facing a four-to-six-month recovery timeline, which if he’s forced to take the longer route could also jeopardize his availability for Week 1. As Pierce continues rehab, his absence this offseason may make the Colts consider signing a veteran receiver for a little insurance. Keenan Allen is someone to keep in mind. The 34-year-old previously played for Colts coach Shane Steichen when Steichen was the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator. — James Boyd

Jacksonville Jaguars

Before Liam Coen’s first training camp with the Jaguars in 2025, someone I trust said Trevor Lawrence should start to figure out the new offense by the end of the season — with 2026 as the time Lawrence should really take off. Lawrence made strides during the Jaguars’ remarkable 13-4 season, but he might have only been laying the foundation for what’s to come with Coen. — Jeff Howe

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have a position battle at right tackle. Veteran Jaylon Moore — he was signed during the 2025 offseason to a two-year, $30 million contract — was considered the favorite to take over this spot entering summer workouts, but the Chiefs’ actions suggest they want him to earn it during training camp. Chiefs coach Andy Reid spoke in May about second-year player Esa Pole rotating in with the first-team offense during practice. K.C.’s coaches also seem high on 2026 undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson, who started at right tackle last season for the national-champion Indiana Hoosiers. — Jesse Newell

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders will take Fernando Mendoza’s process slow. The No. 1 overall pick worked predominantly with the threes during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, and Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell were ahead of him in the quarterback rotation. The aim of that practice was to play Mendoza alongside developmental players to learn the NFL game together, so head coach Klint Kubiak doesn’t appear in a rush to ready his future quarterback. Assistant head coach Mike McCoy said the team has “a detailed plan” for cultivating Mendoza, adding that “the most important thing is that you just stick to your plan, and when you know you make that decision.” All signs point to Cousins starting the season at quarterback and the Raiders waiting for the right time to replace him with Mendoza. — Sam Warren

Los Angeles Chargers

New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has asked quarterback Justin Herbert to make a pretty significant change to his footwork. Specifically, Herbert is now aligning with his left foot forward in his shotgun stance. Throughout his career, dating back to his rookie year in 2020, Herbert has primarily set up with this right foot forward in the shotgun stance. McDaniel has been coaching this stance for nearly 20 years. He believes it will allow Herbert to get the ball out more quickly and be more effective in the short area of the field. — Daniel Popper

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams only had three open practices to watch before they canceled veteran minicamp, but one thing that stood out was that the backup quarterback race is on. This was how Sean McVay presented it upon the selection of Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick, and then Stetson Bennett took reps first in the two practices Matthew Stafford missed to manage his back. Neither Bennett nor Simpson were able to stand out ahead of the other in these moments, as both worked on crossers, slants, outs and other basic routes, and neither produced much down the field. Bennett did have a lazy out throw that Trent McDuffie picked off, and Simpson overthrew a couple different deeper throws. It’s just not as simple as it was with Jimmy Garoppolo, who had started 63 games before he became Stafford’s backup the past two seasons. Los Angeles planned on bringing Garoppolo back even with the plan to draft Simpson, but with Garoppolo leaning toward retirement, time will tell whether Simpson or Bennett are ready to fill a void the Rams consider significant with Stafford’s need to take time off and with the risk from each time Stafford takes a hit. — Nate Atkins

Miami Dolphins

If the Dolphins’ defense is going to bounce back under new head coach Jeff Haley, a Year 2 breakout from 2025 first-round pick Kenneth Grant would go a long way in getting there. While it’s the time of year for unbridled optimism run amok, it’s at least a good sign new Dolphins coaches were impressed this offseason with a player they inherited. “He looks more like the guy I saw on his college tape with his lateral quickness, his pass-rush ability, his ability to play the run,” Hafley said. The Dolphins finished 26th against the run last year. A big step forward from Grant would go a long way in helping Miami climb the ranks in that department. — Jim Ayello

Minnesota Vikings

Everything here revolves around the quarterback, and the most notable aspect of workouts was Kyler Murray’s progression in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. The Vikings didn’t dumb down the complexity for Murray. If anything, the team installed the full breadth of concepts and play calls to challenge Murray. He looked uncomfortable at times, working his way through the lengthy verbiage and downfield route distributions, but the Vikings believed this would be best in the long run. The competition with young quarterback J.J. McCarthy will continue into training camp. Barring major setbacks in terms of health or scheme understanding, the platform should exist for Murray to prove he is deserving of the starting job in an offense with loads of weapons. — Alec Lewis

New England Patriots

The Patriots are putting everything on Drake Maye’s plate. Maybe that’s to be expected after he finished second in MVP voting at age 23, but the Pats are upping the ante with Maye this season. During minicamp, they purposefully didn’t give Maye a play to run out of the huddle. The goal was for him to study the opposing defense, figure out a play that would work against it, communicate the plan to teammates, then execute it. Tom Brady once mastered this Josh McDaniels-led offense. Now they want Maye to do the same. — Chad Graff

New Orleans Saints

The Saints welcomed back one of the best players in franchise history with defensive end Cam Jordan inking a one-year deal earlier this week. After a few sluggish seasons, the 36-year-old veteran elevated his play in 2025 tallying 10.5 sacks after only six sacks during the previous two seasons. Jordan, who turns 37 next month, may not be an every-down player like for the vast majority of his career. But the Saints don’t need him to be with Chase Young and Carl Granderson on board. The Saints traded for 2023 top-10 pick Tyree Wilson during April’s draft. Still, the depth along the edge lacked and so having Jordan back on board for his 16th season should be a bit of relief for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. — Larry Holder

New York Giants

Giants fans are so lucky that my beat partner Dan Duggan is one of the most thorough in the game. He keeps meticulously detailed practice reports, which comes in handy not only for the day-to-day but also when it comes to comparing and contrasting different styles between coaches. And one big observation under the John Harbaugh era already is the length and content of practices. Both mandatory minicamp practices went over two hours and featured plenty more situational reps. And that was a constant theme throughout OTAs and not just minicamp. We’ll see how that carries into camp and the team’s preparedness through the season. — Charlotte Carroll

New York Jets

Adonai Mitchell and Geno Smith have budding chemistry — and Mitchell looks like he could be on the verge of living up to his potential. Things went awry for Mitchell in Indianapolis as he got buried on the depth chart, especially after his viral mistake of letting go of the ball just before scoring a touchdown. But coming to the Jets appears to have refreshed him and a full offseason understanding that he’s going to be a starter appears to have energized him. He and Smith are an ideal pairing too — Mitchell a deep threat and impressive route runner adept at getting open and winning 50/50 balls, Smith willing to take shots and try to fit passes into tight windows. They’ve had a number of impressive connections, including a touchdown during minicamp where Smith fired a pass to the back of the end zone and Mitchell leapt, caught it and landed both his feet inbounds. — Zack Rosenblatt

Philadelphia Eagles

An Eagles offensive line that brings back every starter looks healthy and has bought into the shift toward more wide zone blocking concepts under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. Five-time All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson was thrilled about having guard help on certain blocks for the first time in his career. He even grinned, gave the “OK” sign and said, “Me likey!” Center Cam Jurgens (back) and left guard Landon Dickerson (knee) did not miss any time in OTAs and minicamp after traveling to Colombia for offseason stem cell treatment. The health and confidence of what’s arguably been the team’s strongest and most tenured unit during its golden era is as good an early sign as it gets the Eagles are headed toward a much-needed offensive resurgence. — Brooks Kubena

Pittsburgh Steelers

It seems like every year around this time, we’re talking about T.J. Watt moving around more. But with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in the fold, it appears it might actually happen. Watt admitted at minicamp that at times he’s been “stubborn,” and preferred to rush against the right tackle. However, in Graham’s scheme, a lot of the movement is built in, so Watt said he won’t have a choice. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Watt drop into coverage a bit more than in years past, as Graham often utilizes simulated pressures to keep offenses off balance. — Mike DeFabo

San Francisco 49ers

Veteran linebacker Luke Gifford suffered a concussion early in OTAs, which allowed rookie Jaden Dugger to take snaps at strongside linebacker. Coaches cautioned that the fifth-round pick out of Louisiana is raw and has plenty to learn. Still, Dugger’s gifts — he’s the 49ers’ tallest, longest and fastest linebacker — were on display this spring, and position coach K.J. Wright raved about how quickly Dugger is picking up the defense. With a Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams and their three-tight end sets looming, Dugger is a dark horse to get playing time early in the season. — Matt Barrows

Seattle Seahawks

The running back situation in Seattle post-Kenneth Walker will be interesting to monitor. Rookie Jadarian Price shared first-team reps with 2024 undrafted free agent George Holani, who has been buried on the running back depth chart in Seattle the past two years and has made his impact as a special teamer. Walker’s departure, along with Zach Charbonnet’s ongoing recovery from a postseason ACL injury, opens things up at the position. Price has the benefit of draft pedigree while Holani has familiarity with the coaching staff and experience in the system. Outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Walker was the only Seahawks player to have more than 900 yards from scrimmage last year. Offseason workouts would suggest replacing that production will be a collective effort, regardless of Charbonnet’s health. — Saad Yousuf

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Whether the Bucs will be better remains to be seen, but they almost certainly will be more intense. General manager Jason Licht made an effort to acquire players with an edge like Rueben Bain, Alex Anzalone, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, and A’Shawn Robinson and the newcomers, along with an emphasis by head coach Todd Bowles and his staff, impacted how the Bucs practiced in the offseason. One of their practices that was supposed to be non-contact was a little too intense for the NFL, which docked the Bucs one offseason practice. The team is counting on the enhanced attitude making a difference especially late in the year on defense, as the Bucs D faded in the final stages of the 2025 season. — Dan Pompei

Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward is going to need a minute to adjust to his second system in as many seasons in the NFL. This is not surprising, but the hard part is distinguishing the fits and starts associated with starting over — while building chemistry with key new targets Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson — from plain old accuracy issues. Ward missed too many layups last year. He missed his share in the spring as well. He missed time in the offseason healing his throwing shoulder. He’s working on mechanics. So the hope is that August will bring all these things together in a productive way and that Ward will be in much better position to succeed by the time his second season begins. A young quarterback who needs easy answers and precision refinement couldn’t ask for much more than having Brian Daboll as his OC. — Joe Rexrode

Washington Commanders

The Commanders believe they’ll find needed balance with David Blough pulling the strings on the offense. After two years of playing almost exclusively in the gun, quarterback Jayden Daniels will be under center more with the hope it jumpstarts the play action and run game. Coach Dan Quinn believes the switch is a necessary gamble to help Daniels and to get the team back to the playoffs. But if the last two years (and the last few weeks of OTAs and minicamp) proved anything, it’s that Washington’s offense is hardly complete. The team doesn’t have a clear No. 2 at wide receiver to complement Terry McLaurin, competition in the running backs room is wide open and the identity of the tight ends — a group that figures to be especially important in Blough’s system — is unclear. Chig Okonkwo has impressed early, but it remains to be seen if either (or both) Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff can provide any consistent depth. — Nicki Jhabvala