There are plenty of notable position battles to watch in training camp across the NFL, but perhaps the one that will be under the biggest spotlight falls in the AFC.
In Pittsburgh, newly acquired quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be battling it out to be named the Steelers’ starting quarterback for Week 1.
Wilson vs. Fields however, is not the only quarterback competition in the AFC, as there are a couple of rookies vying for the starting job on Day 1.
Let’s investigate the other quarterback battles taking place, as well as the rest of the position battles in the AFC.
Notable Training Camp Position Battles To Watch: AFC
Baltimore Ravens: Right Tackle
The Baltimore Ravens will be AFC contenders in 2024, but they made a questionable decision this offseason by trading away former starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.
Now, the Ravens will likely lean on an unproven, young player at a key position along the offensive line. Daniel Faalele and rookie Roger Rosengarten are set to duke it out for Baltimore’s starting RT spot. It remains to be seen if that was the right decision for the Ravens to make this offseason.
Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver
After trading away Stefon Diggs and allowing Gabe Davis to walk in free agency, it’s clear that the Buffalo Bills are ready to move in a different direction at wide receiver. Star quarterback Josh Allen will be tasked with elevating talent around him.
It will be interesting to see who wins the position battle for targets between Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, among others.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback
After a disappointing defensive performance last season, the Cincinnati Bengals overhauled that side of the ball this offseason.
This will force some reshuffling in Cincinnati’s secondary, as Dax Hill will move from safety to cornerback. Hill will likely battle DJ Turner II for the starting spot opposite Cam Taylor-Britt.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive Tackle
The Cleveland Browns are stacked at several positions, including along the defensive line, which is why it’ll be interesting to see which defensive tackles stick around in Cleveland.
While Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are the likely starters, the Browns could be forced to cut a promising player, such as Maurice Hurst II, due to the team’s depth at the position.
Denver Broncos: Quarterback
It’s clear that the Denver Broncos are embracing a rebuild, having moved on from several notable players this offseason.
Denver will host one of the most uninspiring quarterback battles in NFL history between rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson. Nix seems like the obvious choice and should win the battle outright.
Houston Texans: Cornerback
Similar to the Packers, the Houston Texans will have an interesting battle for the second starting CB2.
Derek Stingley Jr. is a rising star and cemented as one of Houston’s starting outside cornerbacks. Jeff Okudah, C.J. Henderson, and rookie Kamari Lassiter will battle it out during training camp and preseason for the other spot.
Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver
The Indianapolis Colts enjoyed plenty of offensive success during Shane Steichen’s first season as the franchise’s head coach. Now, the Colts will look to build on that in 2024, but they must figure out which wide receiver will start opposite of Michael Pittman Jr.
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Alec Pierce has failed to take hold of the role to start his career and has left the door open for someone else to take it. Indianapolis selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which is why he’s currently viewed as the favorite to win the WR2 job.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Left Tackle
Although Cam Robinson has been the Jacksonville Jaguars’ long-time starting left tackle, his days could be numbered.
Walker Little filled in admirably last season and could be viewed as the team’s long-term starter. In fact, the Jaguars could actually save $17 million in cap space by moving on from Robinson in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs: Left Tackle
Despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls, the Kansas City Chiefs are going with a bold strategy at left tackle in 2024.
As of now, Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia are set to battle for the starting job to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. However, if neither player impresses the Chiefs during training camp and preseason action, Donovan Smith is still available in free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback
Despite the clear frustration of star wide receiver Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders will be hosting a QB battle in 2024, with Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell set to battle it out for the starting job.
Las Vegas made several improvements on defense, but it’s hard to imagine the Raiders going far given the team’s current quarterback situation.
Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver
Similar to the Bills, the Los Angeles Chargers have revamped the WR group this offseason.
The Chargers have moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams while embracing younger and cheaper players at the position. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle for targets between Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and DJ Chark Jr.
Miami Dolphins: Running Back
The Miami Dolphins have an embarrassment of riches at running back. Although Raheem Mostert led Miami’s backfield last season, he’ll have to beat out a healthy De’Von Achane for the top spot in 2024.
Rookie Jaylen Wright also has a ton of talent and only adds to Miami’s versatility and explosiveness at the position.
New England Patriots: Quarterback
The New England Patriots are ready to embrace a new era in 2024, from top to bottom.
Following the departure of Bill Belichick and Mac Jones, New England is going in a new direction at both head coach and quarterback.
While the Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, he might not start immediately in New England. Veteran Jacoby Brissett will likely win the starting job if the Patriots want to bring Maye along slowly as a rookie.
New York Jets: Safety
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed many of the team’s biggest questions this offseason. Yet, the safety situation could be a fun battle to watch during training camp and the preseason.
While veteran Chuck Clark is expected to start next to Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis showed flashes last season and should have a role.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
After several years of mediocre QB play, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going with a unique approach in 2024 after adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
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While Wilson certainly has the upper hand given his experience and success, Fields could make things interesting if he shows flashes of his dual-threat ability.
Tennessee Titans: Right Tackle
The Tennessee Titans have added several offensive weapons this offseason, but there’s a major question at RT. Thus, Tennessee is set to host a three-way competition for the starting job between Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jaelyn Duncan, and Leroy Watson.
Following Duncan’s struggles last season, Petit-Frere is viewed as the early favorite in a certainly uninspiring competition.