NFL Training Camp News: Dez Bryant and 10 Likely Training Camp Blowups

Training Camps are getting underway across the NFL, ushering in the possibility for conflicts to rise and tempers to flare. In Dallas, Dez Bryant authored the first chapter in what is likely to be a very interesting story as the Cowboys continue training camp.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of position battles, contract disputes, and feisty veterans looking to fend off eager rookies. Let’s take a look at 10 potential training camp conflicts.

No. 10: Matt Leinart and the Arizona Cardinals

Leinart is fighting for his reputation and looking to take a positive step in his career. The embattled signal-caller has been given the keys to one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. But if he screws up, Derek Anderson is waiting in the wings.

Kurt Warner’s production set high standards for Leinart to follow. Everything from his arm strength to leadership skills will be under the microscope this season. Pressure brings the best out of some competitors and the worst out of others. Leinart could be headed towards a meltdown in the desert.

No. 9: LaDainian Tomlinson and Rex Ryan

For the moment, the contract negotiations between the Jets and three players, including Darrelle Revis, are dominating the headlines.That could change as the season draws nearer. The Jets welcomed LaDainian Tomlinson with open arms and plan to split carries between the veteran running back and promising youngster Shonn Greene. How exactly that will work remains to be seen.

Tomlinson still believes he has what it takes to be a featured back, which means he would likely prefer to start and handle a considerable workload. Rex Ryan could see things differently, especially if Greene improves his receiving skills out of the backfield. That sets up the possibility for a conflict, although it might never actually make the headlines.

No. 8: Michael Bush and Darren McFadden

By all accounts, the two running backs have a good relationship.

Things change in the heat of the moment.

Injuries, horrible offensive line play, and of course, the unstable quarterback situation in Oakland have made success elusive for the speedy McFadden.

Meanwhile, Bush has produced when called upon and promises to play a big part in Oakland’s off-season.

He could even steal the starting job and the bulk of the carries from McFadden.

This battle is worth watching, especially from a fantasy football perspective.

No. 7: Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, and the San Diego Chargers

Jackson has emerged as one of the best receivers in the NFL and is ready to get paid.

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is known for being stubborn and isn’t likely to give in, especially with Jackson already suspended for the first three regular season games of the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, McNeill is a vital piece of the Chargers’ offensive line and wants a long-term deal.

Both players are apparently prepared to sit out the entire season and could be noticeably absent from training camp.

No. 6: Mike Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles

Vick just can’t seem to find his way back in the spotlight for the right reasons.

The NFL isn’t expected to discipline Vick after he was cleared of any involvement in the recent nightclub shooting in Virginia.

That means Vick will be ready to go when the season begins.

If Kevin Kolb struggles early in the season, there will likely be rumblings to give Vick a bigger role in the offense.

Not exactly what Andy Reid wants to deal with.

Vick has played the role of model teammate so far during his stint in Philly, but that could change if he doesn’t see the field next season.

No. 5: Mike Martz, Jay Cutler, and Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen has a great deal of talent and a track record of success, but he could be the odd man out in Chicago.

He isn’t likely to go out quietly.

Incoming offensive coordinator Mike Martz utilizes tight ends mostly as blockers in his system. With that in mind, the Bears spent big money to lure massive Brandon Manumaleuna from the Chargers.

Olsen’s ability to impact the Bears offense suggests that he should have a role, but Martz is stubborn and likely to stick to his ways.

The Bears shopped Olsen briefly earlier in the offseason

The wild card in all of this is Jay Cutler.

Cutler’s frustration with receiving corps was evident last season.

The cast of characters returns largely intact, meaning Cutler could once again face frustration and want Olsen on the field for every snap.

It could come down to a battle of wills between Martz and Cutler.

No. 4: Albert Haynesworth and the Washington Redskins

Who is big Albert going to fight with? There are so many possibilities.

After initially scoffing at the idea of dropping weight and moving to nose tackle under the new coaching staff in Washington, Haynesworth is apparently ready to comply.

For the moment, that should be enough to end the criticism of coaches, fans, and teammates like London Fletcher.

Evidently a $21 million dollar roster bonus wasn’t enough to make Haynesworth happy.

No. 3: Marshawn Lynch and the Buffalo Bills

After saying he wanted out of Buffalo earlier this year, Lynch has changed his tune. Meanwhile, the trade rumors between the Bills and the Seahawks have slowly died down.

Lynch appears ready to battle with Fred Jackson for the bulk of the carries as the Chan Gailey era gets underway in Buffalo.

Gailey is likely to lean heavily on rookie C.J. Spiller in a third down role, which doesn’t bode well for the loser of the starting running back battle.

If the reliable Jackson wins over Gailey and his staff, Lynch could find himself on the outs and make his displeasure known.

At the moment, all indications are that the Bills aren’t interested in anything less than a second-round pick in exchange for Lynch’s services.

This situation is certainly worth watching.

No. 2: Darrelle Revis, David Harris Nick Mangold, and the New York Jets

The Jets might be a popular pick for the Super Bowl, but there is work to be done first. It starts with keeping three core players happy. All-Pro cornerback has expressed displeasure with his contract, which will pay him just over $1 million next season.

Revis wants to get paid for what he is: the best cornerback in football. The two sides don’t appear to be anywhere close to a deal.

Elsewhere, linebacker David Harris and center Nick Mangold are seeking new deals. Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum appears to be using stall tactics and ready to play hardball if things get ugly. Veterans report to training camp on August 1. It will be interesting to see who shows up.

No. 1: Dez Bryant and Roy Williams

Dez Bryant took a surprising approach to Roy Williams’ attempt at the standard practice of rookie hazing.

He simply said no.

Bryant’s proclamation that “I’m here to play football” created a variety of reactions throughout the landscape of the NFL. The popular opinion is that Bryant’s actions could do more harm than good in the coming weeks.

Bryant and Williams don’t figure to become friends anytime soon as they fight it out for the No. 2 receiver spot.

You can bet you haven’t heard the last of this particular squabble.