The National Football League (NFL) is set to ramp up its action in the coming days with mandatory minicamps. The majority of teams have already begun their minicamp sessions, while others will do so between June 16-19. Coaches are using these practices to assess player performance and identify areas for improvement ahead of training camps.
Several notable storylines are emerging from the NFL offseason work. Aaron Rodgers has rejoined his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a bid to secure one last moment of Super Bowl glory. However, he faces an uphill battle as new teammate Mike Tomlin’s squad is adopting a conservative offense that differs significantly from Rodgers’ previous schemes.
Contract disputes are also on the horizon as players who skipped offseason workouts now face mandatory participation. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt are among those who have taken OTAs under their belt, while others, like Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, have expressed frustration with their contract situations.
The Minnesota Vikings are sticking by their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, despite Rodgers’ interest in continuing his career with the team. McCarthy has impressed teammates with his leadership skills and is likely to remain the starter for Week 1 if he emerges from the offseason unscathed.
Kirk Cousins’ future remains uncertain after his deal with the Falcons was impacted by the arrival of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Cousins still views himself as a starter but faces an awkward position, as the Falcons have penciled him in as their backup QB despite his struggles last season.
The Jaguars’ 2025 No. 2 pick Travis Hunter is expected to make his minicamp debut and potentially deliver early highlight opportunities. Meanwhile, quarterbacks Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, and Ashton Jeanty will be competing for starting jobs in the Tennessee Titans, Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively.
Coaches are also evaluating quarterback situations with crowded rooms in Cleveland and New Orleans. The Browns have Joe Flacco vying for the starting job, while the Saints are uncertain after Derek Carr’s retirement led to a wave of uncertainty. In Indianapolis, Daniel Jones is competing with 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson for the starting gig.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6407193/2025/06/09/nfl-minicamp-aaron-rodgers-steelers-micah-parsons