Biggest Roster Decision Hovering Over Each NFL Division Heading into 2026 Training Camp

As NFL teams report to training camp, general managers and coaches have major decisions to make that will significantly impact the upcoming season.

In addition to quarterback battles, teams must sort out roles and workloads at key positions. We'll also see clubs add notable free agents to fill roster needs.

So, let's take a look at the biggest roster decisions for each division with projections and possible solutions for these depth chart question marks.

AFC East: Should the Dolphins Add a Veteran Wide Receiver?

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert

The Miami Dolphins placed rookie third-rounder Chris Bell on the non-football injury list. Although they can activate him at any time, he'll likely return with some restrictions in a gradual ramp-up to full activities. The Louisville product hasn't participated in the team's offseason program while recovering from a torn ACL.

In the meantime, quarterback Malik Willis will throw to the league's worst collective group of receivers led by Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington and Tutu Atwell. Rookies Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. are also in the mix, but they'll need a standout summer to earn lead roles.

To help Willis' development in his first year as a full-time starter, the Dolphins should sign a veteran wideout. Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen are still available, and they would all be the No. 1 receiver on this team. 

If any of the veteran receivers are interested in a high-volume target share, the Dolphins should sign that player before a playoff contender beats them to it.

AFC North: Who Will be the Browns' Starting QB?

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Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns are the only team in the AFC North with a quarterback battle, and there's no front-runner for the position heading into training camp.

During a Bleacher Report live stream, NFL insider James Palmer said Shedeur Sanders has shown improvement and closed the gap in his battle against Deshaun Watson for the starting job.

Palmer also shut down trade rumors swirling around Sanders. He thinks the Browns will keep their dueling signal-callers heading into the regular season and perhaps throughout the campaign.

Watson has struggled through three shortened seasons in Cleveland. The new coaching staff can give him another opportunity to rediscover his Pro Bowl form, though the team should see what Sanders can do in his second season if this is a close competition.

AFC South: How Do the Jaguars Optimize Travis Hunter's Receiver-Cornerback Skill Set?

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Travis Hunter

Last offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded a haul of draft picks to move up for Travis Hunter, sending two first-rounders along with second and fourth-round picks to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the No. 2 overall selection. 

In 2025, the Jaguars saw glimpses of Hunter's special talents, but not nearly enough to justify what they gave up for him in draft capital. He hauled in 28 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown and recorded three pass breakups while allowing a 68.3 passer rating in coverage.

Hunter only suited up for seven games, though. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7.

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Hunter will be a "full go" at training camp, be unleashed on the defensive side of the ball and still play wide receiver.

Coming back from injury, Hunter will have a lot on his plate this summer as the Jaguars balance his snap count between offense and defense. Keep in mind that Jacksonville has a solid trio of receivers with Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers in the top three spots on the depth chart. 

Hunter could be an explosive component to the aerial attack, though he'll probably spend most of his time and energy in the secondary for the upcoming season.

AFC West: How Will the Raiders Sort Out Their QB Depth Chart?

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders' first order of quarterback business should be signing No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who's their only unsigned rookie. Assuming they check that off the list, the coaching staff needs to set some expectations for him.

According to The Athletic's Sam Warren, quarterback Kirk Cousins took all the first-team reps through mandatory minicamp. In all likelihood, the 14-year veteran, who played in head coach Klint Kubiak's system during his time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, will start in Week 1.

But if Mendoza makes strides at training camp, he could move into the primary backup position.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Raiders will "sprinkle" Mendoza in with the first team in the coming weeks. The rookie could show enough to make the Raiders feel comfortable about shopping Aidan O'Connell before Week 1.

Regardless, Kubiak and his staff must set benchmarks for Mendoza's development. Even if he doesn't start one game in the upcoming season, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner can still make strides in his transition from college to the pros this summer.

At some point this year, Mendoza should at least be the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart. If so, O'Connell could be suiting up elsewhere as a backup.

NFC East: Do the Commanders Sign or Develop a Reliable No. 2 Wide Receiver?

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Antonio Williams

Last offseason, the Washington Commanders signed Deebo Samuel to fill the No. 2 wide receiver spot, though he became the No. 1 option for several weeks in the previous season because Terry McLaurin missed seven games due to injury.

Samuel is still a free agent. So, the Commanders need a new secondary target at receiver. Perhaps they believe rookie third-rounder Antonio Williams can fill that role, or that Treylon Burks starts to play up to first-round expectations. 

Washington can also look for outside help again. Stefon Diggs told the world that he's the league's best No. 2 receiver, which makes him a logical fit based on roster need. Keenan Allen may be appealing if Williams isn't impressive out of the slot at training camp.

ESPN's John Keim expects the tight ends to be heavily involved in the passing game, which will compensate for the loss of Zach Ertz, who's a free agent recovering from a torn ACL. Still, Washington should be eyeing a perimeter playmaker as veteran insurance for Williams. 

NFC North: Who Will Emerge as the Vikings' Starting QB?

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J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray

Among three open quarterback battles, the Minnesota Vikings' competition may be the most predictable in terms of who wins it. 

ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote that the gap between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy "was not close" during OTAs.

Sports Illustrated's Will Ragatz saw Murray make throws that set him apart from McCarthy in this battle.

"And for the second straight practice that we've been allowed to watch, there were enough eye-popping throws from Murray that make it hard to imagine McCarthy having a realistic chance to win this competition," Ragatz wrote. 

Minnesota will likely give McCarthy a chance to compete this summer. With that said, there are conflicting reports about the team's timeline to name the starter.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported that head coach Kevin O'Connell doesn't expect to extend this battle "until the end of training camp."

However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes Murray and McCarthy will battle "right up to the start of the season."  

Based on comments and thoughts from local beat reporters, Murray is the front-runner in this competition, and the Vikings could be ready to name the winner sooner rather than later. Regardless of the timing on the quarterback decision, all signs point to Murray taking snaps under center in Week 1. 

NFC South: Who Will the Falcons Name as Starting QB?

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Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa

The Atlanta Falcons will host a quarterback battle between two lefties with extensive injury histories. Michael Penix Jr. is the 26-year-old incumbent with upside. After six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa brings a wealth of experience, starting in 76 career games.

While on the mend from offseason knee surgery, Penix has fallen behind in this battle. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team hadn't cleared him for 11-on-11s during the spring.

The Athletic's Josh Kendall cited Penix's uncertain recovery timetable and Tagovailoa's accuracy as reasons why the team will tab the latter as its Week 1 starter:

"Stefanski has been very clear about how much he values accuracy, and Tagovailoa has been much better over the course of his career. Health is also a major factor. We don't know if Penix will be cleared for full activity at the beginning of training camp, and any time he loses could be costly." 

Because of Penix's extended absence, Tagovailoa may win this battle by default. He could experience a career revival under Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year.

NFC West: How Do the Cardinals Find a Solution with 'Unhappy' Josh Sweat?

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Josh Sweat

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Arizona Cardinals are "in agreement" that quarterback Jacoby Brissett deserves a pay raise as their 2026 starter. So, they'll likely work with him on a new deal.

The Cardinals' pathway to a resolution with Josh Sweat seems more complicated ahead of training camp.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the edge-rusher is "unhappy" in Arizona, though he didn't specify the reasons why he is discontent with the team.

Last offseason, the Cardinals signed the 29-year-old to a four-year, $76.4 million deal. He went on to record a career-high 12 sacks, 28 pressures and 30 tackles (13 for loss) in the regular season.

Sweat might push to rework his deal to reflect last year's production, or he may want to part ways with a rebuilding team that will likely finish at the bottom of the standings in consecutive seasons.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.