As NFL training camps swing into full gear, a handful of compelling storylines are shaping up to define the 2025 season — from a legendary defensive player mulling a comeback to quarterbacks fighting for starting spots and stars recovering from serious injuries.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots kicked off camp on Friday, joining the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to report on Saturday, with the remaining 26 teams beginning on Tuesday. Across the league, ten teams are breaking in new head coaches, 21 have new offensive coordinators, and 14 are working with new defensive coordinators.
Aaron Donald Eyes a Return
The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year is weighing a comeback from retirement. Donald, 35, stepped away from football following the 2023 season. Now he’s considering returning to team up with star edge rusher Myles Garrett, potentially boosting the Rams’ shot at winning another Super Bowl in their home stadium. Donald was instrumental in Los Angeles’ Super Bowl championship five years ago.
Mahomes on the Mend
Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes tore two ligaments in his left knee on December 14th last season, as the Chiefs were on their way to a disappointing 6-11 finish. He underwent surgery to repair both his ACL and LCL the following day and has since participated in Kansas City’s offseason practices. Mahomes is on track to play in the season opener against Denver on September 14th — roughly eight months after the injury — barring any setbacks.
Baker Mayfield’s Contract Situation
Baker Mayfield is heading into the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a strong start to last season, he battled through multiple injuries and his play dipped. Both Mayfield and the Buccaneers want to stay together, with the quarterback expected to command around $55 million per season. It’s simply a matter of when both sides formalize an agreement.
Quarterback Competitions to Watch
In Atlanta, two left-handed quarterbacks — Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. — will battle for the starting role, with many wondering whether a change of scenery could help Tagovailoa recapture his Pro Bowl form.
In Minnesota, Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are squaring off for the starting position. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback during his time in Arizona, is considered the frontrunner for Week 1. McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024, could potentially find himself as the third-string option behind veteran Carson Wentz.
In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson is fighting to reclaim a starting role after tearing his right Achilles tendon twice within three months and sitting out the 2025 season. Watson is in the final year of a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Meanwhile, rookie Shedeur Sanders, who went 3-4 as a starter in his first year, showed flashes of promise and will have a chance to win the job.
In Las Vegas, Kirk Cousins is expected to start, but there’s growing intrigue around how much playing time rookie coach Klint Kubiak gives to the Heisman Trophy winner, national champion, and No. 1 overall pick.
New Coordinators in Philadelphia and Seattle
The Eagles, who won 11 games last season despite an inconsistent offense that cost offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo his job, have brought in Sean Mannion to run the unit. Mannion, who coached Green Bay’s quarterbacks last season, was a journeyman NFL quarterback from 2015 to 2023. He’s installing a system rooted in pre-snap motion, under-center plays, and play-action concepts drawn from the philosophies of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. He becomes the sixth offensive coordinator in seven seasons for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will also be without his top receiver this year.
The Super Bowl champion Seahawks, meanwhile, replaced their previous coordinator with another disciple of Shanahan’s coaching tree. The new coordinator and his predecessor previously worked together in San Francisco, where the new hire served in various roles including tight ends coach and run game coordinator in 2025. He plans to largely preserve the system that helped quarterback Sam Darnold thrive.
Injured Stars Working Their Way Back
Quarterbacks Bo Nix, dealing with an ankle injury, and Daniel Jones, recovering from an Achilles injury, are both expected to be ready for Week 1. Nix was hurt during Denver’s playoff victory over Buffalo and missed the AFC Championship Game. Jones suffered his injury in Week 14 last season while the Colts were in the midst of a seven-game losing streak after starting the year 8-2.
Several other notable players are also returning from significant injuries. Tight end George Kittle is recovering from an Achilles injury and could return to San Francisco’s lineup within the first month of the season. Others making their way back include running back Cam Skattebo of the Giants (tibia/ankle), Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (shoulder), 49ers edge rushers Nick Bosa (ACL) and Mykell Williams (ACL), Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter (LCL), and Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (ACL).
