Full Breakdown
NFL Training Camps 2026: Position Battles Define Roster Futures
6/23/2026, 7:07:55 AM
Overview of Training Camp Start Dates and Preseason Schedule
NFL teams completed organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps and will resume practice in late July. The Philadelphia Eagles report to camp on July 28, the New York Jets on July 25 for rookies and July 28 for veterans, and the New England Patriots on July 21 for rookies and July 24 for veterans. The first preseason game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6 (Hall of Fame Game), with subsequent weeks of preseason action from Aug. 13-15, Aug. 20-23, and Aug. 27-29.
Offseason Moves Shaping the Battles
The Eagles cleared wide receiver A.J. Brown by trading him to the New England Patriots, reuniting him with former head coach Mike Vrabel. The Jets exchanged cornerback Sauce Gardner for a draft pick with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving Brandon Stephens as the presumptive CB1. The Patriots lost tight end Austin Hooper to the Atlanta Falcons, creating a vacancy behind starter Hunter Henry.
Key Position Battles
Philadelphia Eagles – WR2 Competition
Eagles must decide the second wide receiver. Makai Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver, logged 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns at USC. Dontayvion Wicks recorded 39 catches for 581 yards and four touchdowns in his best NFL season. Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore, both former Eagles, remain in the mix.
New York Jets – CB2 Competition
After trading Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens is expected to start at CB1, leaving the opposite cornerback slot open. Azareye'h Thomas, who saw 159 coverage snaps last season, allowed a 48 % completion rate, one touchdown, and an 84.9 passer rating. Nahshon Wright, acquired from Chicago, logged 704 snaps, surrendering 800 yards and eight touchdowns. Rookie D’Angelo Ponds posted a 50 % completion rate against, zero touchdowns allowed, and a 55.4 passer rating.
New England Patriots – TE2 Competition
With Austin Hooper’s departure, the Patriots need a backup for starter Hunter Henry. Eli Raridon, a third-round pick, recorded 48 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns at Notre Dame and is the frontrunner. Undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin and 2025 undrafted free agent C.J. Dippre are expected to provide depth rather than compete for the primary backup role.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that Lemon, despite his college production, has yet to prove consistency at the NFL level. Wicks’ output of 39 receptions is modest compared with league averages for a second-year receiver. Wright’s 704 coverage snaps yielded 800 yards and eight touchdowns, suggesting a potential fit at a lower depth tier. Ponds, while statistically efficient, remains a rookie with limited NFL experience.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources do not provide official depth-chart announcements or direct quotations from coaches, leaving the final roster decisions uncertain.
What’s Next
The Eagles, Jets, and Patriots will convene for training camp on July 28, July 25/28, and July 21/24 respectively. Their first preseason appearances begin with the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, followed by three weeks of regular preseason matchups.
