Aaron Donald鈥檚 potential comeback bid, Patrick Mahomes鈥 recovery and several quarterback battles are just a few of the top NFL storylines entering training camp.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots opened camp on Friday, joining the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers report on Saturday, and the remaining 26 teams start on Tuesday.
Ten teams have new head coaches, 21 have new offensive coordinators and 14 brought in new defensive coordinators.
Here are the top stories to watch:
Will Aaron Donald come out of retirement?
The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year is contemplating a comeback to team with star edge rusher Myles Garrett and increase the Rams鈥 chances of winning another Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Donald is 35 and hasn鈥檛 played since retiring after the 2023 season. He played a key role for Los Angeles when the Rams won the Super Bowl five years ago.
Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for Week 1?
The three-time Super Bowl MVP tore two ligaments in his left knee last Dec. 14 as the Chiefs were on their way to a 6-11 finish. Mahomes had surgery to repair his ACL and LCL a day later, and participated in Kansas City鈥檚 offseason practices. He is on track to play against Denver on Sept. 14, barring any setbacks. If Mahomes starts the opener, it鈥檒l be eight months post-injury.
Will Baker Mayfield get a contract extension?
Mayfield is in the final season of a three-year, $100 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He tailed off after an outstanding start last season when he played through several injuries. Mayfield wants to stay with Tampa Bay and the Bucs want him. He鈥檚 expected to get around $55 million per season and it鈥檚 just a matter of when the two sides reach an agreement.
Which quarterbacks will win the competition for starting jobs?
There鈥檚 a battle between two lefties in Atlanta where Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will compete. A change of scenery could help Tagovailoa regain his Pro Bowl form.
Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy fight for the starting job in Minnesota. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl QB in Arizona, is the favorite to start Week 1. McCarthy was the Vikings鈥 first-round pick in 2024 and could even end up No. 3 behind veteran Carson Wentz.
Deshaun Watson has a shot to start in Cleveland after tearing his right Achilles tendon twice in a span of three months and sitting out the 2025 season. Watson is in the final year of a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Sheduer Sanders, who was 3-4 as a starter as a rookie, showed glimpses of his potential and will get an opportunity to win the job.
How many first-team reps will Fernando Mendoza get in camp and preseason?
Kirk Cousins is expected to start in Las Vegas but Mendoza could end up starting sooner than later. It鈥檒l be interesting to see how many first-team snaps rookie coach Klint Kubiak gives Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, national champion and No. 1 overall pick.
How does Sean Mannion change the Eagles鈥 offense?
The 2024 Super Bowl champs won 11 games last season despite an inconsistent offense that cost Kevin Patullo his job as offensive coordinator. Sean Mannion took over after coaching Green Bay鈥檚 QBs last season. He was a journeyman quarterback in the NFL between 2015-23 and brings a new system that鈥檚 rooted in Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan鈥檚 philosophies of pre-snap motion, under-center plays and use of play-action.
He鈥檒l be the sixth OC in seven seasons for Jalen Hurts, who won鈥檛 have A.J. Brown as his primary receiver this season.
Can the Seahawks transition from Kubiak to Brian Fleury seamlessly?
The Super Bowl champs replaced Kubiak with another one of Shanahan鈥檚 disciples. Kubiak and Fleury worked together previously in San Francisco. Fleury served in various roles with the 49ers and coaches tight ends and was the run game coordinator in 2025. He plans to keep much of Kubiak鈥檚 system, which allowed Sam Darnold to thrive.
How are players returning from injuries progressing?
QBs Bo Nix (ankle) and Daniel Jones (Achilles) are expected to be ready for Week 1. Nix was injured in Denver鈥檚 playoff win against Buffalo and missed the AFC title game. Jones got hurt in Week 14 last season as the Colts were in the middle of a 7-game losing streak to end a season they began 8-2.
Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) could return to San Francisco鈥檚 lineup in the first month. Giants running back Cam Skattebo (tibia/ankle), Dolphins RB De鈥橵on Achane (shoulder), 49ers edges Nick Bosa (ACL), Mykell Williams (ACL), Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter (LCL) and Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (ACL) are also coming back from significant injuries.
AP NFL: