Five key NFL questions with training camps underway

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is also considering his options between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in the year's most depressing competition.

One battle that appears not to be taking place is in Las Vegas . Veteran Kirk Cousins will begin camp as QB1 , putting No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on track to begin his NFL career as a backup.

Do the Philadelphia Eagles already have edge-rusher concerns?

On Wednesday, the Eagles placed Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Philadelphia acquired the six-year vet during the 2026 NFL Draft from the Vikings for 2026 and 2027 third-rounders and promptly extended Greenard on a four-year, $100M contract.

The team isn't concerned about the setback impacting his regular-season availability, with general manager Howie Roseman telling reporters, "One of the things we know about Greenard is he is going to be ready to play."

Even with an optimistic outlook, the Eagles may want to explore the edge-rusher market. After tallying 24.5 sacks from 2023-24, Greenard was limited to three last season while only appearing in 12 games after undergoing December season-ending shoulder surgery. Philadelphia also added Arnold Ebiketie and AJ Epenesa in free agency, and they combined for 4.5 sacks in 2025. Both should have more opportunities in training camp with Greenard sidelined, and they'll need to impress for Philly to feel comfortable with its pass rush.

Do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers honor defensive lineman Vita Vea's trade request?

Vea, 31, requested a trade from the Buccaneers ahead of training camp and is a hold-in until a deal (or contract extension) materializes. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New England Patriots are an option to trade for the nine-year veteran, and he'd pair with tackle Milton Williams to form an elite interior duo.

Vea could help plenty of teams, and Tampa Bay may be able to turn his request into an advantage by driving his price up in trade talks. As injuries unfortunately but inevitably occur, some team might be desperate enough to give the Bucs an overwhelming offer.

What impact does head coach Kyle Shanahan's absence have on the San Francisco 49ers?

"It's been weird," quarterback Brock Purdy said about not having Shanahan at training camp as he recovers from injuries suffered in a serious car accident, including a concussion and fractures to three ribs, his left hand and nose.

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Chris Foerster is acting as interim coach, while offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has handled play-calling duties. Purdy praised the staff, adding, "But I will say I think the assistant coaches have done a good job with stepping up."

General manager John Lynch pushed back against concerns of Shanahan missing regular-season games, but the preseason could still be valuable for the assistants to take lead roles in case he does.

"That's not what we're anticipating," Lynch said, "But just like we talked about with players ... he's got to meet certain markers."

Per Spotrac, the Niners have the second-oldest training-camp roster, giving them the kind of veteran leadership necessary to make up for Shanahan's absence.

Who are the top extension candidates?

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) and Bijan Robinson (Falcons) didn't participate during their respective Wednesday training-camp practices as both seek rookie extensions. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is the league's highest-paid back on a per-year basis ($20.6M), and both Gibbs and Robinson have valid cases to reset the market.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is also extension-eligible after a career-best season in 2025. NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill noted he also wasn't a participant during team drills on Wednesday.

Falcons wideout Drake London, another member of the 2022 draft class, signed a four-year contract worth $35.3M annually earlier this offseason. Something close to that number ($34M-$36M) could be enough to get a deal done and Olave on the practice field.