Training camps open this month, and the league's biggest unresolved contract situations are about to dictate the first real football of the season. Here are eight key stories to watch as teams prepare:
Contract Situations Drive Camp Storylines
Lamar Jackson & Baker Mayfield
Two of the NFL's biggest offseason questions are the contract statuses of Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield.
Jackson remains under a restructured deal with the Baltimore Ravens that significantly lowers his 2026 salary cap hit but leaves uncertainty heading into camp. The original rumor was that Jackson was playing without a deal after his 2023 MVP season, but the Ravens reworked his contract, creating about $40 million in cap space for 2026. However, no long-term extension has been finalized, meaning the front office still faces a decision about locking in a franchise QB with noted rushing volume and potential durability concerns. Jackson's expected market value is around $50 million annually on a long-term deal.
Baltimore risks another offseason of uncertainty. If Jackson continues MVP-level play and stays healthy, the price will only rise. If injury strikes, the Ravens could be criticized for waiting too long. This ongoing contract limbo is a key storyline as camp begins, with the window open for a possible Super Bowl push given the team's roster construction.
Mayfield's situation in Tampa Bay is equally intriguing. After resurrecting his career on a prove-it one-year deal in 2025, Mayfield delivered a career-best performance and helped the Buccaneers win the NFC South. Now a free agent, Tampa Bay is holding firm on contract terms, unwilling to meet Mayfield's multi-year market price, estimated between $35 million and $40 million per year. The team believes it can win the division within a $30 million framework, while Mayfield tries to leverage his improved play for a bigger payday. The negotiations remain fluid as camp approaches, and the outcome will significantly impact both the Buccaneers' future and Mayfield's career trajectory.
DJ Moore's Buffalo Arrival and Potential Breakout
Buffalo Bills fans have high hopes for DJ Moore, acquired this offseason to be the team's primary wide receiver. Moore has topped 1,000 yards in four of the last five seasons, with the only exception being 2023 when quarterback play in Chicago hampered his production.
Moore joins an offense hungry for a true WR1 after the departure of Stefon Diggs. Last year, Buffalo's leading receiver, Khalil Shakir, posted only 821 yards, underscoring the need for a proven target. Moore's route-running and ability to separate at all levels, combined with Josh Allen's strong deep-ball accuracy, set up a natural fit that could push Moore over 1,100 yards in 2026.
Despite competition for targets from running back James Cook III and tight end Dalton Kincaid, Moore is poised to lead the Bills' passing game. The expectation is that his chemistry with Allen will unlock new offensive potential, making him a key player to watch as the Bills aim for a deep playoff run.
Jets' Interior Defensive Line After Trading Quinnen Williams
The New York Jets' offseason included trading Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, leaving a significant void on the interior defensive line. Williams accounted for 11.5 sacks and 32 quarterback pressures in 2025, nearly half of the defense's disruption from that unit.
The Jets' front now includes veterans David Onyemata and Harrison Phillips, along with promising younger players Mazi Smith and T'Vondre Sweat. Collectively, they combined for just 6.5 sacks last season, indicating a clear drop-off.
This weakness means defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likely will need to increase blitzing to compensate, challenging a secondary that already has safety concerns. For the Jets to maintain a top-tier defense, one of the interior players must emerge with 7+ sacks. Otherwise, the defense risks falling from elite status to average, which could derail their playoff aspirations.
AFC South Race: Texans Favored Over Jaguars
The AFC South picture currently tips in favor of the Houston Texans.
C.J. Stroud is entering his fourth year with weapons like Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins (a 2025 second-round pick), and tight end Dalton Schultz on offense. The Texans improved their offensive line with new draft capital and return a formidable defensive front anchored by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., considered a top-five pass-rush duo.
The Jaguars, armed with Trevor Lawrence and deep threats like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, have an explosive passing game but struggled on defense, ranking 22nd in defensive DVOA last season. They also did not add impactful defensive talent this offseason.
Houston's superior pass rush is the linchpin in this division race. Stroud has demonstrated the ability to win shootouts, while Lawrence has not consistently outdueled elite defenses. The expectation is that the Texans take the division, marking a significant shift in the AFC South landscape.
Miami Dolphins Offensive Line Holds Uncertainties
The Dolphins' offensive line remains a topic of scrutiny as camp nears. Despite investing a first-round pick (Kadyn Proctor, No. 12 overall in 2026) and a second-rounder, the line lacks depth and proven consistency.
Proctor, a rookie, is expected to start but likely will have rookie moments. At left guard, the unit rotates between Jamaree Salyer, a versatile guard/tackle tweener, and rookie Josh Priebe. Center Aaron Brewer provides solidity but is not considered elite.
This line's performance will be critical to the offensive success and the efficiency of speedster De'Von Achane. If the line performs at an average level, Miami could be a playoff contender. Below average, and the team likely finishes around 8-9, which would be a disappointing outcome for a roster with playoff aspirations.
Ravens Kicker Tyler Loop Working to Rebound
Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, a sixth-round pick from 2025, is recovering from a notable missed kick that attracted attention. Loop converted 87.5% of field goals and 94.3% of extra points as a rookie in 2025, marks above the league average.
The missed kick--likely in a crucial moment--poses a psychological hurdle in a role often defined by thin margins. With Baltimore listed among Super Bowl contenders, consistent kicking is vital.
Still, Loop's overall performance to date suggests he remains a viable option, and the team does not appear inclined to pursue a replacement. The miss is viewed as an isolated incident rather than a trend, but Loop must prove he can bounce back to help the Ravens achieve their championship goals.
Kansas City Chiefs' Six-Way Cornerback Competition
Kansas City's defense enters camp with an intense cornerback battle featuring six players, headlined by rookie first-round pick Mansoor Delane (No. 6 overall, 2026 draft).
Delane joins established veteran L'Jarius Sneed, nickel specialist Kader Kohou, Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams, and others fighting for playing time.
Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's blitz-heavy scheme, corners need to hold man coverage for extended periods. Delane's physicality and press-man skills project him to win the starting job by Week 2 of the season.
If he struggles initially, Sneed's versatility and experience provide a reliable fallback. This depth at cornerback is a strong asset for the Chiefs' top-10 defense, and how this competition unfolds will be crucial for their success in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: Ranking What Matters Most
Lamar Jackson's contract status remains the league's biggest storyline with every week under an unstable deal increasing stakes in Baltimore.
Chiefs' cornerback competition will determine if the defense maintains elite status.
DJ Moore's production in Buffalo could push the Bills' offense to new heights or expose shortcomings.
Jets' interior defensive line needs a breakout performer to sustain defensive quality post-Quinnen Williams trade.
Tyler Loop's consistency as a kicker is critical but less dramatic, important for Baltimore's title hopes.
Training camp is a week away. The narratives are set. Now, all eyes turn to which players and teams capitalize on their offseason positioning.