Contract squabbles galore as NFL teams kick off training camp
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Those will be just a few of the storylines to watch during NFL training camp. When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons report on Wednesday, all 32 teams will be ready to go.
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Each one is 0-0 and can dream about winning the Super Bowl. It's a much more realistic thought for some teams than others. Still, it's a long road that requires key players staying healthy, plenty of luck and exceptional performances in the biggest moments.
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Here are five of the most compelling storylines to watch:
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Contract issues
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Micah Parsons is going to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history because Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have waited to give the two-time All-Pro a contract extension. Last year, Jones made Dak Prescott the league's first $60-million man.
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How long will it take to get the deal done? Will it impact Parsons' participation in practice?
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All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson wants a new contract from the Cincinnati Bengals, who also haven't signed first-round pick Shemar Stewart. The Bengals are holding their ground. Something has to give if they want to compete for a championship because their defence needs the help.
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Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin also is seeking an extension. Washington, which lost to the Eagles in the NFC title game, acquired Deebo Samuel and reworked his contract. They'll want McLaurin on board to make the offence even more dynamic.
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Quarterback battles
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The Cleveland Browns have used 40 starting quarterbacks since 1999. That number will increase by Week 1 unless veteran Joe Flacco wins a four-way competition against Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
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Flacco, the Super Bowl 47 MVP, was the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year when he led the Browns to the playoffs in 2023. He's the favourite going into camp.
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The Indianapolis Colts brought in veteran Daniel Jones to battle Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023 who has been injured often and has a lingering shoulder problem.
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Rookie Tyler Shough, second-year pro Spencer Rattler and unproved Jake Haener will compete to replace Derek Carr, who retired after two seasons in New Orleans.
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The New York Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency and then traded up to get Jaxson Dart in the first round. General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll are in win-now mode so whichever quarterback gives them the best chance to compete in a difficult NFC East will get the job.
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