This week marks the unofficial start of summer as NFL teams dive into organized team activities (OTAs), a crucial phase leading up to the upcoming season. Although these workouts are voluntary, they provide both veterans and rookies the first chance to stake their claims for a spot on the 53-man roster—and potentially a starting job for the 2026 season. With multiple quarterback battles heating up across the league, teams are eyeing not only immediate success but also long-term solutions to their positional struggles. Moreover, some playoff teams are looking to fill crucial spots that became apparent weaknesses last season.
As the heat picks up, so does the competition. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing battles that will be unfolding in various camps this summer.
Quarterback Showdowns: Who Will Lead?
Arguably, the spotlight is on several quarterback duels that could determine the fate of franchises this season. One significant pairing features J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. McCarthy, who was the 12th overall draft pick in 2024, is now fighting for his starting role against the once-coveted Murray, who is preparing for a new chapter after being benched by the Arizona Cardinals. During a segment on 'Good Morning Football', Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson expressed excitement about the upcoming competition. However, given Murray's impressive track record—including a two-time Pro Bowl selection—it’s likely he will clinch the starting role. Much depends on head coach Kevin O'Connell's ability to mesh with Murray. If he succeeds, the Vikings could emerge as a powerhouse.
Atlanta's Quarterback Quandary
In Atlanta, new head coach Kevin Stefanski has a different kind of competition on his hands between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Both have intriguing backstories: Penix, recovering from an ACL tear, was a notable draft pick but has struggled to stay healthy; Tagovailoa, on the other hand, is a former Pro Bowler who is out to prove he’s still a top-tier quarterback after being released by the Miami Dolphins. Stefanski has stressed an open competition, indicating that both players will get equal opportunities during training drills. While Penix’s potential remains, Tagovailoa's higher level of experience makes him the favorite for the role.
Cleveland's Quarterback Dilemma
Over in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders are set for a fierce competition. Following an Achilles injury that kept Watson sidelined last season, new head coach Todd Monken sees promise in Watson’s recovery and has noted his athleticism in early workouts. Conversely, Sanders is making strides in his second year. Monken has made it clear that both players will be evaluated closely as training camp progresses, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Watson leaves fans restless for a turnaround in Cleveland’s quarterback struggles.
Protecting the Quarterback: NFL Tackle Battles
As teams focus on their signal-callers, offensive lines are equally crucial. The Carolina Panthers are dealing with a significant hole at left tackle after Ikem Ekwonu suffered a severe injury last postseason. Rasheed Walker, a veteran free agent, will compete against rookie Monroe Freeling. Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized the importance of this competition as Ekwonu’s future remains uncertain. While Freeling's athleticism is enticing, Walker’s experience likely gives him the edge to protect quarterback Bryce Young come the regular season.
Crowded Backfields and Competing Talents
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for their own unique backfield competition with Jaylen Warren and free-agent acquisition Rico Dowdle. Both backs had impressive seasons last year, and head coach Mike McCarthy sees potential in Dowdle to lead the charge. His previous experiences and understanding of McCarthy’s offense suggest he may earn more touches than Warren, who has proven to be an explosive third-down option.
Cornerback Challenges in Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers are also faced with complications as they evaluate their cornerback position. Carrington Valentine, coming off a lackluster season, finds himself in a position battle against new acquisitions Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse. Reports indicate that Valentine’s spot could be in jeopardy due to his underwhelming performance last year, while St-Juste aims to cement his role as a reliable starter in the Green Bay defense.
Ravens Edge Rushing Competition
The Baltimore Ravens are vying for a starter opposite of their newly-acquired edge-rusher, Trey Hendrickson. Candidates include Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, and rookie Zion Young. While all three have unique skill sets, the pressure remains on them to meet the challenges of a defense that struggled to generate pressure last season. Young’s ability to adjust to the NFL may secure his spot opposite Hendrickson, with Green and Robinson also vying for significant roles.
Linebacker Competition in Tennessee
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are hoping for improvement on defense, with Cody Barton competing against rookie Anthony Hill Jr. for the green dot linebacker role. Barton’s production declined last season, igniting hopes that Hill can emerge as a core contributor. Titans fans are eager to see if Hill can deliver on his potential to change the narrative on the team’s linebacker corps.
As summer rolls on and OTAs continue, these position battles will define the upcoming NFL season. The competition promises excitement and unpredictability that fans can look forward to as teams attempt to kickstart their 2026 campaigns.
