.jpg?w=1280 "BROWNS-QUARTERBACKS")
Every NFL Team's Most Important Remaining Position Battle
NFL teams will iron out remaining roster wrinkles in the final weeks of training camp and the preseason.
At this point in the offseason, clubs have most of the depth chart set in stone.
Coaches may need to see more out of the rookies, new acquisitions and players coming off injuries, though.
Here's a look at every team's most important training camp battle ahead of Week 2 of the preseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge-Rusher
1 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Cardinals Football")
Contenders: Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, Jordan Burch
The Arizona Cardinals signed edge-rusher Josh Sweat, reuniting him with head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was his defensive coordinator for two years in Philadelphia.
Based on that connection and a new four-year, $76.4 million deal, Sweat will be the unquestioned starter on one side of the Cardinals defense. The team must identify his pass-rushing mate on the other side.
Collins is a versatile defender who's played inside and outside linebacker. Though under Gannon's staff, he's played less than 59 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023 and 2024, which leaves room for another player to assert himself in the rotation at linebacker.
Last offseason, Ojulari tore his ACL. Recently, Arizona activated him from the physically unable to perform list.
Burch is the wild-card candidate, who had his best pass-rushing season in his last year at Oregon, logging 8.5 sacks. The Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2025 draft.
Even though Burch only logged one tackle in the Cardinals' Week 1 preseason outing, he generated constant pressure and altered plays in the Kansas City Chiefs' passing game.
Burch could push Collins for a key role opposite Sweat.
Atlanta Falcons: Safety
2 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Falcons Rookie Camp Football")
Contenders: Jordan Fuller, Xavier Watts, DeMarcco Hellams, Ronnie Harrison
The Atlanta Falcons haven't re-signed Justin Simmons, which leaves the starting spot alongside Jessie Bates III open for competition.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris coached Fuller between 2021 and 2023 as Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator. In those three years, the versatile defensive back lined up at both safety positions and in the slot. Morris could move him around the secondary in Atlanta as well.
Atlanta selected Watts in the third round of this year's draft. At Notre Dame, he was a ball hawk, registering 13 interceptions over the last two years.
In the Falcons' Week 1 preseason game, Hellams put his name on the radar with a jaw-rattling hit. After that contest, Atlanta signed Harrison, who brings a wealth of starting experience but will probably need time to work his way into the rotation.
Though defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will call plays, Fuller's familiarity with Morris gives him a good chance to earn a prominent role in the Atlanta secondary.
Baltimore Ravens: Inside Linebacker
3 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Eagles Ravens Football")
Contenders: Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan
In 2024, Simpson started 13 games alongside Roquan Smith, but he ceded snaps to Malik Harrison and Chris Board in the last four weeks of the season.
The Baltimore Ravens didn't re-sign Harrison or Board, which leaves the spot open for Simpson to reclaim it.
The Ravens selected Buchanan in the fourth round of this year's draft. Bleacher Report scout Matt Holder described him as "a good athlete to be an effective coverage linebacker."
As a pass defender, Buchanan could outshine Simpson, who struggled in coverage last year, allowing a 121.4 passer rating. The rookie has looked impressive at training camp, but the third-year veteran saw an extended run with a few starters in the Ravens' first preseason game.
Even if Simpson holds off Buchanan for the lead spot, the latter could take notable snaps on obvious passing downs.
Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver No. 3
4 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bills Camp Football")
Contenders: Josh Palmer, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel
The Buffalo Bills' key starters have solidified themselves on both sides of the ball. They have an attention-grabbing battle at a rotational receiver position.
Samuel has a long history with offensive coordinator Joe Brady that goes back to their time together with the Carolina Panthers. However, the Bills added quality depth at wideout that could bury him on the depth chart.
The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia believes Palmer "will be a staple" in the Bills offense and could lead the receiver unit in snaps.
At 25 years old, Moore still has upside. He's racked up at least 538 receiving yards in four consecutive terms despite the New York Jets' and Cleveland Browns' suboptimal quarterback situations. With Josh Allen under center in Buffalo, the fifth-year pro could have a breakout year if he secures a significant role.
Samuel didn't suit up against the New York Giants in Week 1 of the preseason. Palmer caught two passes for 21 yards and may have a lead for the No. 3 receiver spot.
Carolina Panthers: Safety
5 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Panthers Football")
Contenders: Nick Scott, Demani Richardson, Lathan Ransom
The Carolina Panthers filled one starting safety spot with the addition of Tre'von Moehrig, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal in free agency.
The Panthers re-signed Scott on a one-year pact. According to The Athletic's Joseph Person, he's operated as a starter, helping Moehrig catch up to speed in Ejiro Evero's system.
Though once Moehrig has a firm grasp of the defense, Richardson, who's less experienced than Scott, could slide back into a lead position. He started in the last three games of the previous season.
A fourth-rounder out of Ohio State, Ransom can bring sound tackling to a defense that missed the third-most tackles (132) last season. It's no surprise he made stops all over the field in Carolina's Week 1 preseason matchup with the Cleveland Browns, registering four tackles (three solo).
In competition with a primary special teamer and an inexperienced starter, Ransom could climb the depth chart for the top spot next to Moehrig.
Chicago Bears: Left Tackle
6 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bears Lions Football")
Contenders: Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo
The Chicago Bears only have one question mark along the offensive line, on quarterback Caleb Williams' blind side.
Since 2022, Jones has started in 40 games at left tackle. While solid, he may not have upside that's comparable to Trapilo's ceiling.
Jones and Trapilo saw action in Week 1 of the preseason, which is an indication that the Bears will continue to evaluate them in a crucial battle. Keep in mind Chicago has a new offensive coaching staff that isn't tied to Jones.
If Trapilo doesn't earn the job this year, Chicago could promote him to the starting role while Jones tests free agency next offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: Right Guard
7 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bengals Chiefs Football")
Contenders: Cody Ford, Lucas Patrick
The Cincinnati Bengals will likely start two new guards in the upcoming season.
They selected Dylan Fairchild in the third round of the 2025 draft and restructured Cordell Volson's contract, which looks like a pay cut when you dig into the details.
Assuming Fairchild starts on the left, it leaves Ford and Patrick to battle at right guard.
The Bengals re-signed Ford, a good sign for him after he started in nine out of 16 games, mostly at left tackle, last season. The club signed Patrick to a one-year deal.
Before the Bengals' first preseason game, ESPN's Ben Baby noted: "Ford is firmly in the RG1 spot."
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
8 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Browns Football")
Contenders: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns recently signed Tyler Huntley. Right now, he's a non-factor behind the top four QB contenders who have been with the team since the spring.
Flacco is the probable front-runner to fill in for injured starter Deshaun Watson. He put together solid outings under head coach and offensive play-caller Kevin Stefanski in 2023, leading Cleveland to the playoffs.
Flacco has an edge over Pickett and Gabriel, who have missed time because of hamstring injuries.
Sanders had the NFL world buzzing about his Week 1 performance. He completed 14 out of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Huntley was the only other Browns signal-caller to suit up for that game.
Despite Sanders' eye-opening performance, Stefanski hasn't decided if he'll give the rookie fifth-rounder reps with the first-team offense.
Flacco's experience with the offense makes him the favorite to win the position.
Dallas Cowboys: No. 1 Running Back
9 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Cowboys Camp Football")
Contenders: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Phil Mafah, Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis
Who's going to lead the Dallas Cowboys' backfield in 2025? That's the biggest question new head coach Brian Schottenheimer must answer this summer.
The Cowboys allowed Rico Dowdle to sign elsewhere in free agency, which created a void in the backfield. They signed Williams and Sanders, two veterans coming off a down season, and selected Blue and Mafah in the fifth and seventh rounds of the 2025 draft, respectively.
According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, Blue earned first-team reps at training camp, but he bruised his ankle, which sidelined him for the team's Week 1 preseason game.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported Sanders has been dealing with a knee injury since the first week of August.
Dallas didn't dress Williams for its first preseason game. So, Davis and Mafah handled the bulk of the carries. The former led the team with 63 rushing yards, and the latter finished with 36 rushing yards in a productive outing for the Cowboys' ground game.
With a fully healthy group, Williams likely gets the most touches. If Blue can get back on the field for preseason action, he can make a strong case to share the bulk of the workload.
Denver Broncos: No. 1 Running Back
10 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Broncos 49ers Football")
Contenders: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey
Javonte Williams led the Denver Broncos in rushing yards for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Denver added Harvey and Dobbins.
The Broncos selected Harvey in the second round of the 2025 draft, the fifth running back to come off the board. Based on his draft status, he'll have opportunities to claim the lead role.
Even though the team listed Harvey as the No. 5 tailback on the depth chart, he saw time with the starters in Week 1 of the preseason. The rookie registered seven carries for 25 yards and a reception for four yards.
Dobbins didn't play in the Broncos' preseason opener, which is an indication that he's the front-runner in this competition. Last season, the 26-year-old led the Los Angeles Chargers' backfield, rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns.
Harvey and Dobbins will likely take on significant workloads, though the latter seems fit for an early-down role and more carries.
Detroit Lions: Center
11 of 32
Contenders: Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge
Glasgow and Ratledge have recently taken snaps at center and right guard, respectively. The latter is a rookie, and the former has nine years of NFL experience. So, it makes sense for the Detroit Lions to slide the veteran from left guard to the pivot.
Remember, Glasgow lined up primarily at center through the 2018 campaign in his first stint with the Lions.
As most teams do with offensive linemen, Ratledge has taken reps at multiple spots and also spent some time at center. At Georgia, he started all of his games at right guard. The Lions should keep Ratledge where he's most comfortable.
Glasgow should be the front-runner to replace retired center Frank Ragnow.
Green Bay Packers: Left Tackle
12 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Packers Jaguars Football")
Contenders: Rasheed Walker, Jordan Morgan
The Green Bay Packers want to see Morgan develop into a starter. He's a 2024 first-rounder who will have an opportunity to earn a job at left tackle. If not, the 24-year-old could start at right guard, where he lined up last season.
Over the last two years, Walker has been a solid pass-blocking tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he only allowed three sacks while on the field for 562 pass-blocking snaps last season. Yet the Packers have taken a peek at what Morgan can do at left tackle while Walker deals with a groin injury.
Walker has done enough to retain his starting job unless Morgan looks like the next coming of David Bakhtiari in Green Bay. The latter has a few weeks to impress the staff, though he may have a stronger path to a starting role at right guard.
Houston Texans: Left Tackle
13 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Texans Rookie Camp Football")
Contenders: Cam Robinson, Aireontae Ersery, Trent Brown
The Houston Texans' offensive line will look drastically different from last year's group that featured five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil at left tackle.
The Texans traded Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. They signed Robinson and Brown and then selected Ersery in the second round of the 2025 draft.
Brown is recovering from a torn patellar tendon and hasn't been in action, though he's cleared for football activities (h/t KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson). Initially, Ersery took reps at right tackle while Robinson lined up at left tackle, but the latter suffered a lower leg injury in the team's second week of training camp.
In place of Robinson, Ersery has taken snaps at left tackle, and he fared well at the position in the Texans' Week 1 preseason matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Ersery will likely earn one of the two starting jobs at tackle. Robinson's availability could determine what side the rookie lines up on for Week 1.
Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback
14 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Colts Camp Football")
Contenders: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts have two former first-round picks in competition to lead their offense, the most important position on the roster.
The quarterback battle took a scary turn when Baltimore Ravens edge-rusher David Ojabo planted Richardson on a sack in Week 1 of the preseason.
Richardson left the game with a dislocated pinkie on his throwing hand and didn't return to action. Jones entered the contest earlier than expected, and he had an uninspiring performance, completing 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards.
Days later, Richardson returned to the practice field. He missed time in the spring because of a shoulder injury and can't afford to be out in a crucial stretch amid a quarterback battle.
According to The Athletic's Zak Keefer, Richardson outplayed Jones in the practices before the Colts' first exhibition game. Because Jones did nothing to put himself in the pole position, Richardson could bounce back off an injury in Indianapolis' second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Safety
15 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Jaguars Eagles Football")
Contenders: Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, Antonio Johnson, Caleb Ransaw
The Jacksonville Jaguars replaced Andre Cisco, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency. They inked Eric Murray to a three-year, $19.5 million deal, which indicates he'll start at one of the safety spots. Jacksonville must sort out the other position with multiple contenders in contention.
Savage is the most experienced starter of the group. Entering his seventh season, he's logged 38 pass breakups and 10 interceptions while lining up in both safety spots. He and Murray could be an interchangeable duo.
Wingard has played well in spots, but he's been mostly a backup for six seasons in Jacksonville, starting in 28 out of 86 contests. With less experience, Johnson is also trying to work his way up the depth chart. He did see an increased snap count between 2023 and 2024, though.
The Jaguars' current regime selected Ransaw in the third round of the 2025 draft. He suffered a lower-body injury that sidelined him for Week 1 of the preseason. The rookie could have a slow start to his career if he's not back on the field soon.
Savage could win the job, but he may not keep it. The 28-year-old has struggled in coverage, allowing a passer rating above 106.9 for four consecutive seasons.
Kansas City Chiefs: Left Tackle
16 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Chiefs Camp Football")
Contenders: Josh Simmons, Wanya Morris, Jaylon Moore
The Kansas City Chiefs could start a new left tackle for the fourth consecutive season. This time, Simmons has a shot to earn the position and solidify himself as the long-term starter on Patrick Mahomes' blind side.
Simmons has recovered from a torn patellar tendon to make a legitimate push to open the season as a starter. While opinions differ on his Week 1 preseason performance against the Arizona Cardinals, he didn't allow a sack or look lost among pros.
Simmons faces veteran competition for the left tackle spot.
In 2024, Morris served as the Chiefs' primary starting left tackle until Joe Thuney took over the role late in the season. He's veteran insurance along with Moore, who has started in 12 games over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
Unless Simmons looks awful in the Chiefs' last two preseason games, he should be in line to start Week 1.
Las Vegas Raiders: Starting Cornerback
17 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Raiders Football")
Contenders: Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Decamerion Richardson
Most teams have at least one sure-fire starter at cornerback. The Las Vegas Raiders have none.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has a new vision for the secondary. The club released Jack Jones and traded Jakorian Bennett, two of its starting boundary cornerbacks from last season.
In the spring, Stokes, who has 32 starts on his resume with the Green Bay Packers, and Porter, a rookie third-rounder handled the bulk of first-team reps. Once training camp kicked off, Richardson worked his way into the starting rotation on the boundary.
None of the contenders in this battle stood out in a positive way or lost momentum in the Raiders' first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Though, by default, Stokes is in a good spot because of his experience.
Los Angeles Chargers: Center
18 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Broncos Chargers Football")
Contenders: Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Andre James
Based on the Los Angeles Chargers' offseason moves, they weren't pleased with Bozeman at center last season.
Los Angeles signed James, who started 59 games at center with the Raiders between 2021 and 2024. Johnson has gone through his ups and downs at guard. This offseason, he's in the middle of a battle at the pivot.
In the Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions, Johnson had a rough debut at center. In Week 1 of the preseason, the Chargers experimented with their left guard-center combination, flipping James' and Johnson's positions.
Due to the lack of quality candidates in this battle, the Chargers may scour the free-agent pool for plug-and-play options ahead of their season opener. If not, James is the safest option because of his experience and decent performances with the Raiders.
Los Angeles Rams: Inside Linebacker
19 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Camp Football")
Contenders: Nate Landman, Troy Reeder, Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac
The Los Angeles Rams will have at least one new starter at inside linebacker. They allowed Christian Rozeboom to sign elsewhere in free agency. Assuming Omar Speights retains one of the spots in the middle of the defense, he'll have a new partner alongside him.
Los Angeles signed Landman to a one-year deal, and he's made his presence felt at camp with his playmaking ability and communication.
Still, don't count out Reeder, who's played five seasons as a part-time starter with the team.
As a rookie fifth-rounder out of Ole Miss, Paul is inexperienced, but he had a solid outing in the Rams' Week 1 preseason matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, logging five tackles (one solo). Dolac, who's an undrafted rookie out of Buffalo, had a decent showing as well, registering six tackles (two solo).
Landman is in pole position, but he has a couple of youngsters ready to push him for the spot.
Miami Dolphins: Cornerback
20 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Dolphins Football")
Contenders: Cam Smith, Jack Jones, Kendall Sheffield, Jason Marshall Jr.
The Miami Dolphins traded Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers, released Kendall Fuller, and Kader Kohou suffered a season-ending knee injury. As a result, this team doesn't have any clear-cut starters at cornerback.
Smith hasn't shown much promise. He's contributed primarily on special teams and played just 153 defensive snaps in his first two seasons.
Sheffield has more experience than Smith, but he's a backup who started in his last game with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2020 campaign.
Miami signed Jones a few days after the veterans reported to training camp. Barring a strong showing in the exhibition games, he probably has a steep hill to climb for a lead role.
Marshall generated buzz during the spring. In Miami's Week 1 preseason matchup with the Chicago Bears, he recorded a pass breakup on an errant throw. The rookie fifth-rounder also showed some toughness battling a hamstring injury in the days before the game.
Despite the big pool of competition, Marshall has shown early signs he can carve out a starting role in the Dolphins' unsettled secondary.
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback No. 2
21 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Vikings Camp Football")
Contenders: Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon
Based on preseason Week 1 usage and snap count, the Minnesota Vikings had a clear pecking order for the No. 2 and 3 cornerback spots. Rodgers and Okudah took the field with some starters, and Blackmon saw extended time with most of the backups.
According to The Athletic's Alec Lewis, the Vikings set the hierarchy in the spring. Still, Blackmon, who flashed in his 2023 rookie campaign, could flip the depth chart with quality performances through the summer.
Coming off a torn ACL, Blackmon may need time to remind everyone of the player who showed promise in the Vikings' secondary two years ago. For now, you can pencil in Rodgers and Okudah at cornerback alongside Byron Murphy Jr.
New England Patriots: Left Guard
22 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Patriots Football")
Contenders: Jared Wilson, Cole Strange
In his first two years with the New England Patriots, Strange served as the starting left guard. In an injury-riddled 2024 campaign, he moved to center.
This year, he could return to left guard. Before training camp, the Boston Globe's Ben Volin tabbed Strange as the front-runner to earn the position, though there's more than enough time for Wilson to claim it.
Based on a recent practice, the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed believes Wilson has the inside track to the lead position.
Wilson and Strange can make strong cases for themselves in the remaining training camp practices and preseason contests.
New Orleans Saints: Quarterback
23 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Saints Chargers Football")
Contenders: Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, Jake Haener
Derek Carr's retirement opened up a spot under center for the New Orleans Saints. The club selected Shough in the second round of this year's draft and returned two backups for this competition.
In Week 1 of the preseason, the Saints quarterbacks didn't provide a ton of highlights, though Shough showed some resilience with a touchdown drive after he threw a pick-six. The second-rounder completed 15 out of 22 passes for 165 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He outplayed Rattler and Haener.
Rattler completed seven out of 11 passes for 53 yards. Haener only led two drives, throwing an interception in one of them.
Regardless of who wins this battle, the Saints will experience rough stretches with their passing game. That said, Shough did OK for his first game in the pros. The rookie is going to make mistakes; he needs to learn from them.
New York Giants: No. 2 Cornerback
24 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Giants Browns Football")
Contenders: Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott
The New York Giants have a surprising battle in the secondary between Banks, who's a first-rounder from the 2023 draft, and Flott, who's played in the slot and on the boundary in three years with the team.
Flott has quad and knee injuries that sidelined him for the Giants' Week 1 preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Banks played through the first half of that contest, but he didn't separate himself in the competition.
During the broadcast of that game, general manager Joe Schoen was complimentary of Banks' performance but also pointed out a missed opportunity to make a play on the ball because he didn't turn his head around.
Following an underwhelming extended run, Banks must show more on the field to beat out Flott for the spot opposite Paulson Adebo on the boundary.
New York Jets: Center
25 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Eagles Jets Football")
Contenders: Joe Tippmann, Josh Myers
The New York Jets must get the quarterback-center combination right with their new-look offense.
Over the last two years, Tippmann has started in 31 out of 33 games with the Jets. Despite some issues in pass protection, allowing five sacks last season, per Pro Football Focus, he's been a decent starter at the pivot.
However, new Jets quarterback Justin Fields has experience taking snaps from Myers, who was his college teammate between 2018 and 2020 at Ohio State.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Tippman and Myers have split first-team reps at center.
We didn't see the Jets center battle in full swing in Week 1 of the preseason, though. Myers took snaps at the pivot, and Tippmann shifted to left guard in place of John Simpson, who's dealing with a back injury.
This Jets battle seems far from over.
Philadelphia Eagles: No. 2 Cornerback
26 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bengals Eagles Football")
Contenders: Kelee Ringo, Adoree' Jackson, Jakorian Bennett
The Philadelphia Eagles released Darius Slay, which opened up a spot on the boundary of the secondary opposite promising second-year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Ringo and Jackson are the top contenders for the position, though the Eagles added Bennett via trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to spice up the competition.
Both Ringo and Jackson struggled in the Eagles' first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals' first-team offense. In his 2023 rookie campaign, Ringo had some bright spots, but he allowed an alarming 137.5 passer rating in coverage last season. Jackson has been a decent No. 2 cornerback for most of his career.
Bennett may have too much ground to make up as a newcomer in this battle, but he could make an impact during the regular season if no one gains a firm grip on the job.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Safety
27 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Steelers Jaguars Football")
Contenders: Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark
Though pundits have heavily discussed the Pittsburgh Steelers' pecking order at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, the team might have a contested position in its secondary.
While on 93.7 The Fan's The Pomp And Joe Show, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussed a competition between Thornhill and Clark for one of the safety positions (h/t SI.com's Jack Markowski):
"Thornhill is always around the action, been in the right place at the right time for some picks. Especially in the two-minute drill for the last week or so. Clark is always around the ball too. I think Thornhill has a little bit of an edge right now, he came in a little bit late, but Clark is playing well [too]. He'll push him to the end of the preseason."
Pittsburgh inked Thornhill and Clark to one-year deals, though the team signed the former four months before the latter, which is why it's a bit surprising that this position is still up for grabs.
Clark came along in July, but he's made a strong initial impression. While Thornhill is the front-runner, he may not be locked in as a starter.
San Francisco 49ers: Safety
28 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams 49ers Football")
Contenders: Ji'Ayir Brown, Richie Grant, Marques Sigle
The San Francisco 49ers need a playmaker to replace oft-injured but talented All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, who signed with the Denver Broncos.
Brown may be losing his grip on a starting job. Following ankle surgery, he's missed practices, which has allowed Grant to get reps with the first-team defense, along with Jason Pinnock, who's primed to start at free safety.
Among the four players in contention for the open spot, Sigle was the only one to suit up against the Broncos in Week 1 of the preseason, and he exited in the second quarter because of an injury.
Until Malik Mustapha is ready to return from a torn ACL, Brown could be a full-time starter in consecutive seasons.
If Brown can't shake the injury bug, free-agent signee Grant will have a chance to develop in a starting role following an inconsistent four-year run with the Atlanta Falcons.
Seattle Seahawks: Right Guard
29 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Dolphins Seahawks Football")
Contenders: Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes, Jalen Sundell
If the Seattle Seahawks want the same version of Sam Darnold that played at a true Pro Bowl level with the Minnesota Vikings last season, they must patch up the interior of their offensive line.
Rookie first-rounder Grey Zabel looks like the presumptive starter at left guard. Head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters that Olu Oluwatimi is dealing with back tightness. He's in line to retain his starting position at center.
The Seahawks need a more definitive front-runner at right guard.
Last season, Bradford held the position before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 12. The Seahawks took Haynes in the third round of last year's draft, and he served as a backup for the entire 2024 campaign.
ESPN's Brady Henderson mentioned Sundell as an outside option at right guard, but he noted Bradford has taken most of the first-team reps in this competition.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nickelback
30 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Titans Buccaneers Football")
Contenders: Christian Izien, Jacob Parrish
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sent a clear message to their cornerback room on Day 2 of the 2025 draft when they selected Benjamin Morrison and Parrish in the second and third rounds, respectively.
Morrison is still recovering from hip surgery, so he won't push Jamel Dean for a starting job on the boundary. But Parrish already looks like a draft steal.
ESPN's Jenna Laine noted Parrish has logged multiple interceptions at practice. He flashed his ball-hawking tendencies in the Buccaneers' Week 1 preseason matchup with the Tennessee Titans, registering two pass breakups.
Izien had a solid showing against the Titans with two tackles (one solo), though Parrish's impact plays jumped off the screen. Tampa Bay's coaching staff may find it difficult to keep the rookie out of the starting nickel lineup.
Tennessee Titans: Inside Linebacker
31 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Titans Buccaneers Football")
Contenders: James Williams Sr., Otis Reese IV, Cedric Gray
The Tennessee Titans will have two new starters at inside linebacker. They traded Kenneth Murray Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys and allowed Ernest Jones IV to sign elsewhere in free agency.
With a three-year, $21 million deal, Barton seems like a lock to start in one of the off-ball linebacker spots, while Williams, Reese and Gray battle for the position alongside him.
Williams has emerged as the favorite to win the job, and his Week 1 preseason performance may help him solidify a spot atop the depth chart.
According to Nick Suss of the Nashville Tennessean, Williams strengthened his grip on the pole position in this competition:
"Williams has been the clear front-runner for the No. 2 linebacker job since the spring, and he played like someone who has no intention of giving up that status…Throw in the fact that his competition, Cedric Gray, whiffed on a few tackles, and Williams' lead only seems to be growing."
Reese didn't suit up for the game against the Buccaneers and seems like an afterthought in this battle. He may remain part of the core special teams unit.
Williams is closing in on a starting role.
Washington Commanders: Right Tackle
32 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Commanders Camp Football")
Contenders: Andrew Wylie, Josh Conerly Jr.
The Washington Commanders acquired five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to upgrade at left tackle. In the first round of the draft, they selected Conerly, who primarily played the same position at Oregon.
Yet, the Commanders will give Conerly a chance to beat out Wylie on the right side.
Wylie isn't a household name, but he's a solid pass protector. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn't allow a sack while on the field for 534 pass-blocking snaps in 2024.
The Commanders didn't dress Wylie for Week 1 of the preseason. According to PFF, Conerly had a solid outing and only gave up one pressure.
Wylie is the safe option. Still, Conerly's upside may be too intriguing to leave him on the sidelines.
Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap, unless otherwise noted.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")