By the start of training camp, teams want their rosters and depth charts mostly figured out.
That’s the dream. It doesn’t always happen.
There’s plenty left to be settled around the NFL as training camps open up, whether it’s key unsigned players, those returning from injury, crucial position battles or anything else that teams stress about over the offseason. Here are the top five unresolved issues as training camps begin:
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Down at the bottom of the 49ers’ roster is a key name: Aiyuk, under the “Reserve/Left Squad” list.
Yes, Aiyuk is still technically on the 49ers despite an offseason of melting down and ripping the team and anyone else who comes to mind.
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It seemed like Aiyuk was set to join the Commanders once the 49ers inevitably cut him. But Aiyuk seemed to torch that plan when he ripped Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, a former college teammate. It was one of many unhinged episodes with Aiyuk that played out on social media this offseason. His behavior, which dates back to him going AWOL on the 49ers last season as he was rehabbing a serious knee injury, is why he’s no sure thing to land with anyone this season. That uncertainty comes despite the fact he’s just 28 years old and had a 1,342-yard season in 2023. This drama might linger for a while.
What will happen with Brandon Aiyuk during the 2026 season? (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
(Brooke Sutton via Getty Images)
The Colts were fantastic in the first half of last season. They were already regressing before Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury, but that setback effectively ruined the Colts’ season. Jones tore his Achilles on Dec. 7, which makes for a fairly quick turnaround to the start of this season.
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Jones was fully cleared for training camp, which is a great sign, but there should be questions if Jones, 29, bounces right back to last season’s level. He is a quarterback who relies on mobility, and that’s harder coming off an Achilles tear. It’s also notable that the Colts have a scary lack of depth behind Jones. Indianapolis needs Jones to look healthy during camp.
A late signing of a big-name player can excite a fan base. But there are reasons, on and off the field, that Diggs and Hill are among some recognizable names who are still unsigned. Both were superstars a few years ago, but their play has slipped and Hill is coming off a massive knee injury. Also, both have been caught up with off-field drama for a while, which complicates matters. Diggs is coming off a 1,000-yard season with the Patriots and is the more likely of the two to sign, and a team like the Commanders could use a veteran No. 2 receiver. But any team’s fans should keep expectations modest if they sign either fading star during camp.
Will Patrick Mahomes look like his normal self?
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL late last season, but the stories about his recovery this offseason have all been positive. The team is hopeful Mahomes is cleared for training camp in the upcoming days, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. But, like Daniel Jones, there’s a difference between being on the field and looking completely healthy.
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The Chiefs had a rough 2025 season and the only way they bounce back is if Mahomes is back to an MVP level. We’ll get a better idea in training camp if Mahomes is limited in any way.
Does Jalen Hurts adapt to the Eagles’ new offense?
Hurts is coming off a poor season, and not only did the Eagles change offensive coordinators, they’re overhauling their scheme. Sean Mannion, a first-time coordinator, is expected to have a scheme that mirrors Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, which would mean Hurts lining up under center more than he has before with plenty of motion and play-action passes. Hurts has reportedly resisted similar changes before, but all stories from Philadelphia about the new offense and Hurts have been positive this offseason.
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Complicating matters is the trade of A.J. Brown, who might not have been happy last season but was still a dangerous receiver. There will be endless reports from Eagles training camp about the new offense and how Hurts is fitting in it.
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