Full Breakdown
Cardinals and Panthers Lead NFL’s 2026 Training-Camp Kickoff
7/23/2026, 1:09:02 PM
Early Camp Kickoff: Cardinals and Panthers Report First
The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers were the first teams with full rosters when veteran players reported on Wednesday. Their early start is tied to the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on August 6, giving them a head-start on the 32-team schedule that will be complete by July 28.
Background: Hall of Fame Game Sets the Pace
Both clubs will open the preseason with the Hall of Fame Game, the league’s earliest start date, and will have a chance to evaluate new personnel before the regular season begins on September 9.
Key Storylines
- Quarterback contract dispute – Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett entered camp without a revised contract. He can earn up to $5.39 million this season, but only $1.5 million is guaranteed.
- Injury updates – Right tackle Taylor Moton was placed on the non-football injury list because of a blood clot in his lung; the team expects him to miss the regular season. Cornerback Jaycee Horn remains sidelined with a foot injury that required stitches.
- Coaching direction – The Cardinals are in their first year under head coach Mike LaFleur, who inherited a roster that went 1-11 in the games Brissett started last season. The Panthers, defending NFC South champions, are led by offensive coordinator Brad Idzik (now handling play-calling) and added edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd.
- Championship aspirations – Panthers general manager Dan Morgan reiterated the goal of winning a Super Bowl, while guard Robert Hunt expressed excitement about returning after a year away.
Official Statements & Responses
- Robert Hunt, Panthers guard, said, “I’m excited to be here… I feel like I haven’t played football in a year, so I’m glad to be back.”
- Derrick Brown, Panthers defensive tackle, noted the tone for the new season is set and the team expects a “hard camp.”
- Jacoby Brissett reported to mandatory minicamp to avoid fines; his participation Thursday will indicate whether he will “hold in” until a new deal is reached.
Data & Statistics
- Taylor Moton: blood clot in lung; expected to miss the regular season.
- Jaycee Horn: foot injury with stitches; return timeline not set.
- Jacoby Brissett (2025): 3,366 passing yards, 23 TDs, eight INTs; Cardinals went 1-11 in his starts.
- Brissett’s contract: potential earnings $5.39 million, $1.5 million guaranteed.
What’s Next
- August 6: Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio – first preseason contest for both clubs.
- July 28: All 32 NFL teams expected to have veterans in camp, completing the league-wide rollout.
- September 9: Regular-season opener kicks off the 2026 campaign.
