Sizzling NFC East training-camp position battles

With training camps underway, here’s a look at the top position battles to watch for teams in the NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys

KICKER | Tristan Vizcaino vs. Brandon Aubrey vs. Anybody: After missing five extra points and a field goal in two playoff games, Brett Maher was released in the offseason, opening the door for Aubrey, Vizcaino or someone else to win the job. 

Vizcaino has 12 field-goal attempts in his NFL career. Aubrey has none. Vizcaino has played for four teams over the past four years, appearing in just seven games. Aubrey is a former soccer player who spent time with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer before winning two USFL championships with the Birmingham Stallions.

As special-teams coordinator John Fassel put it, “Anybody else on earth who is not on the team right now is under consideration. That’s everybody, really.” Don’t be surprised if Dallas brings in former Packer Mason Crosby, who played 12 years for head coach Mike McCarthy.

New York Giants 

WIDE RECEIVER | Everybody vs. Darren Waller: General manager Joe Schoen took a quantity-over-quality approach with his wide receivers this offseason. The Giants’ No. 1 receiver will probably be tight end Darren Waller, leaving Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Jalin Hyatt, Sterling Shepard, Jamison Crowder and Wan’Dale Robinson to fight for No. 2.

Last season, Slayton led the team with 724 yards receiving, good for 47th among NFL receivers. Robinson and Shepard are coming back from ACL injuries and Campbell will likely work from the slot this fall. 

After being claimed off waivers in November, Hodgins proved to be a favorite target of QB Daniel Jones. The former Bill finished the regular season strongly with four touchdowns in his last five games and should get plenty of looks throughout training camp.

Philadelphia Eagles

RIGHT GUARD | Cam Jurgens vs. Tyler Steen vs. Jack Driscoll: The Eagles must replace Isaac Seumalo, who signed as a free agent with Pittsburgh in the offseason. Driscoll started three games last season at right guard when Seumalo suffered an ankle injury, but the Eagles swing tackle didn’t play well.

Jurgens was drafted as heir apparent to Jason Kelce, but with the All-Pro center returning for his 13th season, head coach Nick Sirianni said Jurgens will get first shot to play right guard. Jurgens should also see work at center while the team rests their 35-year-old starter.

That leaves plenty of opportunity for Steen. The team’s third-round pick will get to show what he can do in place of Seumalo. The 6-foot-five, 315-pound rookie played left tackle for Alabama in 2022, but the Eagles drafted him to play guard. If Steen plays well, Jurgens could be stuck on the bench for another year.

Washington Commanders

QUARTERBACK | Sam Howell vs. Jacoby Brissett: Taylor Heinicke is now with the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz is hunting bears in Alaska. That leaves former fifth-round pick Howell and journeyman Brissett to compete for the starting job.

Howell won his only start for the Commanders this past season, a meaningless Week 18 game against Dallas – which puts him only 17 wins behind Brissett. According to the Commanders' website, Howell impressed as the QB1 with several strong throws on the first day of camp, but a lot can happen between now and the regular season.

Brissett started 11 games for the Browns last season but won only four. If neither quarterback plays well, new ownership could have eyes on Southern Cal QB Caleb Williams in 2024.