The start of NFL training camp is quickly approaching as teams prepare for the regular season. While this is normally a promising part of the process, many teams have unanswered questions remaining entering training camp.
There are plenty of unresolved situations around the NFL, including star players recovering from injuries and pending contract negotiations. What are the top 10 unanswered questions around the NFL entering training camp?
Top 10 Questions Around the League Entering NFL Training Camp
Will Brandon Aiyuk Attend Training Camp?
As the San Francisco 49ers look to return to the Super Bowl, rising star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is a huge part of the team’s offensive plan. Yet, Aiyuk likely won’t be in attendance once training camp begins.
According to multiple reports, Aiyuk has requested a trade from the 49ers with both sides failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Aiyuk is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, as San Francisco exercised the $14.1 million fifth-year option on his current deal.
Following a strong performance in 2023, Aiyuk is rightfully looking for a significant deal as the NFL’s wide receiver market continues to heat up. Although the Niners were able to come to an agreement on a new deal with Deebo Samuel following his trade request in 2022, Aiyuk could be on the move this year.
Does Aaron Rodgers Still Have It?
It’s no secret that the New York Jets are going all in on star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But after essentially missing all of last season, could the 40-year-old veteran truly still have what it takes to bring the Jets to the promised land?
New York has made all of the right moves this offseason to build the best possible team around Rodgers. Jets general manager Joe Douglas reinforced the offensive line with Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Olu Fashanu.
The Jets also added another weapon in the passing game by signing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams. Now it’s up to Rodgers to stay healthy and prove that he can take the Jets somewhere that they haven’t been in 13 years: the postseason.
Are the Chiefs Capable of a 3-Peat?
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to make NFL history as the first team to three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Although the Chiefs have made several changes this offseason, the franchise’s key cornerstones are still in place.
As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing quarterback and Chris Jones is wreaking havoc on the defensive side of the ball, it’s hard to doubt the defending champions. Mahomes has proven that he can excel in Kansas City despite the parts around him changing each year.
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One of the biggest concerns for the Chiefs ahead of training camp is the departure of former starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Although Trent McDuffie is a rising star at the position, Kansas City will likely have an open competition to see who will replace Sneed in 2024 and beyond.
How Is Joe Burrow’s Wrist?
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a similar situation as the Jets heading into training camp. Both teams have essentially all of the pieces in place around their star quarterbacks, but they’re each returning from a major injury in 2024.
While Rodgers is clearly nearing the end of his NFL career, Joe Burrow is still just 27 years old. The Bengals have prioritized upgrading the offensive line to protect him this offseason, adding Trent Brown in free agency and Amarius Mims in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite Cincinnati’s additions, Burrow’s recovery from a rare wrist injury — a right scapholunate ligament tear in his throwing wrist, which is a rare injury for quarterbacks to suffer — is key for the Bengals.
One doctor believes Burrow is the first NFL quarterback to deal with this exact injury. It will certainly be interesting to see if he can return to Pro Bowl form, given that the injury could impact his strength and the range of motion of his wrist.
Will Contract Extensions for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, or Micah Parsons Get Done?
It’s quite puzzling to look back on what the Dallas Cowboys have done — or haven’t done — this offseason. Although it seemed like this could be a key offseason for the Cowboys, the team’s lack of activity is confusing.
Many teams around the league have signed key players to massive extensions this offseason, yet Dallas has elected to do the opposite. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons have each failed to sign a new deal with the Cowboys thus far.
While Prescott and the Cowboys are comfortable moving forward without a new deal, the same can’t be said for Lamb and Parsons. Both players missed practices this offseason, which could also linger into training camp.
Signing Parsons to a massive contract extension would likely be the most logical next move to make. Particularly since Dallas missed the boat on signing Lamb to a new deal before the NFL’s WR market erupted.
Can C.J. Stroud Get Even Better After His Sensational Rookie Season?
It appears as though the Houston Texans hit the jackpot on rising star quarterback C.J. Stroud. After enjoying one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history, Stroud will look to take another step toward superstardom in 2024.
Sophomore slumps are always a concern in professional sports, but the Texans have built a strong foundation around Stroud. This offseason, Houston signed Nico Collins to a contract extension and traded for star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
As a result, it’s entirely possible that Stroud plays at an even higher level in Year 2. The Texans have improved the roster on both sides of the ball. Now, it’s just up to Stroud to take that next step and build on Houston’s surprising performance from a year ago.
Will Tua Tagovailoa Get His Contract? (If No, Then What?)
Several NFL quarterbacks have received contract extensions this offseason, but Tua Tagovailoa has not been one of them. Despite playing at an elite level last season, the Miami Dolphins have yet to agree to a new deal with Tagovailoa.
The 26-year-old quarterback is entering the final year of his rookie contract after the Dolphins exercised his fifth-year option for $23.1 million. While that salary cap figure is certainly a significant raise for Tagovailoa, it’s nowhere near what he’ll earn whenever both sides agree to a massive contract extension.
Miami’s biggest concern with signing Tagovailoa to a massive extension is likely the quarterback’s health. Tua has a significant concussion history that is certainly worth being cautious about. Yet, it’s hard to see other QBs receive massive paydays, such as Trevor Lawrence and Jared Goff, while Tagovailoa will play out his rookie contract in 2024.
Therefore, the pressure is on Miami to get a deal done sooner rather than later. Expected to excel in another season under Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Tua’s asking price will only continue to rise.
Can Anthony Richardson Stay Healthy and Break Out This Season?
Stroud rightfully dominated the rookie QB headlines in 2023, but Anthony Richardson could be in line for a major bounce-back performance in 2024. The Indianapolis Colts will certainly be ready for his return after the 22-year-old’s rookie season was cut short due to injuries.
Although Richardson started just four games for the Colts in 2023, he showed flashes of greatness at times. He showcased his dual-threat ability and was on pace to rush for over 500 yards and double-digit touchdowns.
In Year 2 with the Colts, Richardson could take a massive step forward under HC Shane Steichen, who helped Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts be a finalist for NFL MVP in his second season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Richardson make noise in 2024 as long as he can stay healthy.
Will Haason Reddick Show Up?
Rodgers remains the key to New York’s success. However, the Jets made a trade for elite pass rusher Haason Reddick this offseason for a reason.
Despite Jermaine Johnson showing flashes of elite potential on the edge, Reddick is a proven pass rusher who can help take New York’s defensive front to another level. Unfortunately, Reddick has yet to practice with the Jets as he continues to seek a new contract.
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Reddick is heading into the final year of a three-year deal that he initially signed with the Eagles. Upon being traded to New York, many expected both sides to agree to a massive contract extension, but that hasn’t been the case.
Now, the Jets will begin training camp with uncertainty surrounding their best pass rusher. While it seems like the obvious move is to pay Reddick whatever he’s seeking in a new deal, clearly Douglas and Co. are uncertain about paying the soon-to-be 30-year-old edge defender.
Who Will Be Josh Allen’s Main Wide Receiver Target?
In 2020, the Buffalo Bills traded for Diggs and selected Gabe Davis in the NFL Draft. It was an effort by the front office to surround 24-year-old Josh Allen with weapons that could help him take the next step.
As expected, Allen flourished with his new additions and easily enjoyed the best season of his young NFL career. However, in 2024, Allen will be put to the test, as both Diggs and Davis have moved on, and Buffalo has gone bargain-bin shopping at wide receiver.
Now Allen’s top targets will likely be Curtis Samuel, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir. Allen has experience already working with Shakir, but Samuel could become his main target. Samuel enjoyed career highs in both receptions and receiving yards in 2020, when Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady held the same title with the Carolina Panthers.
