The NFL’s offseason schedule continues with three-day minicamps starting this week for 10 teams, while the remaining 22 teams will continue with organized team activities before holding their minicamps next week. The offseason meetings and on-field sessions are voluntary until minicamp, where attendance becomes mandatory, and teams can fine players who choose not to attend. These practice sessions help coaches and players prepare further for training camp, which begins in late July, leading into preseason and the regular season.
One of the top storylines to follow as minicamps get underway is the potential for contract disputes to lead to holdouts. Several talented wide receivers, including the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, and Broncos’ Courtland Sutton, may skip minicamps due to unresolved contract issues. Quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Cameron Heyward are also seeking extensions but have different approaches to attending voluntary workouts. Additionally, the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are facing contract disputes, with Higgins even requesting a trade.
New coaching regimes have been implemented with seven teams hiring new head coaches and the Raiders promoting their interim coach to a full-time position. These minicamps will be the first time for the new coaches to meet with their teams at full capacity, along with new offensive and defensive coordinators. Minicamp practices will provide valuable opportunities for coaches to teach their systems and for players to familiarize themselves with their new coaches and teammates before training camp and potential position battles.
At least five teams, and possibly six, are expected to have quarterback competitions this summer. Several teams like the Commanders, Raiders, Patriots, Broncos, Vikings, and Giants must settle on starters, and the competition may intensify during minicamp as players aim to separate themselves and secure the starting role. The Bears have already named their 2024 No. 1 pick, Caleb Williams, as the starting quarterback, while the Commanders have yet to decide between Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
High-profile players recovering from serious injuries are using OTAs and minicamp practices to evaluate their progress and readiness for the upcoming season. Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and Daniel Jones, along with non-quarterbacks like Nick Chubb and Trevon Diggs, are working to return to full strength. The evaluation process during minicamps will help coaching and training staffs determine the players’ readiness before training camp.
Several recognizable players have changed teams this offseason, including pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, running back Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry, among others. With a few OTA sessions under their belts, these players are getting more familiar with their new teams and roles, with minicamp providing them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities further. Rookies from the recent draft class will also have a chance to compete in minicamp and continue to learn and adapt to the NFL environment as they prepare for training camp.
The NFL announced significant changes to the kickoff format this offseason, requiring all players on the kicking team to line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. The receiving team will line up nine players on their 35-yard line, with two returners downfield, and the kickoff will be from the kicking team’s 35-yard line. Minicamp will offer players the first extended opportunity to learn and execute the new kickoff format, with some teams already starting to experiment during OTAs. This special teams experimentation will be crucial in adapting to the modified kickoff rules before the preseason and regular season games.
