NFL Training Camp Battles: Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders Vie for QB1

NFL training camp battles intensify as Deshaun Watson competes with Shedeur Sanders, who averaged a 3.24-second time to throw last season.

NFL training camp battles are underway as teams prepare for the 2026 season and the final 53-man roster deadline at the end of August. In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are alternating reps for first-year head coach Todd Monken. Sanders enters camp needing to improve his processing speed after averaging 3.24 seconds from snap to throw last year, the longest duration among 38 quarterbacks with at least six starts. Watson is working to justify a $230 million guaranteed contract while Monken plans to utilize both signal-callers during the preseason.

In Minnesota, Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are splitting repetitions in an open competition. McCarthy is fighting to retain his role following a 10-game debut in 2025, while head coach Kevin O'Connell aims to finalize a starter by the August 19-20 joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. The Atlanta Falcons face immediate depth issues at the position; Michael Penix Jr. requires up to four weeks for right ACL recovery, and Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined with a tight back. This left undrafted free agent Jack Strand as the only healthy quarterback for the first day of 11-on-11 drills, forcing the signing of veteran Cooper Rush.

AFC Position Battles and Roster Depth

The Buffalo Bills are prioritizing the left guard spot to protect quarterback Josh Allen, designated as No. 17. Veteran Austin Corbett, who has 78 career starts, currently leads 26-year-old Alec Anderson for the position. In Miami, the wide receiver room features Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell as the current top trio. No returning Dolphins receiver surpassed 317 yards last season, leaving opportunities for rookies Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Chris Bell, the latter of whom starts on the active/NFI list.

New England’s receiver competition involves seven potential roster candidates, including Kayshon Boutte and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams. While A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are locks, Pop Douglas and Efton Chism III are competing for inside roles. The New York Jets are evaluating the cornerback spot opposite Brandon Stephens. Nahshon Wright, who recorded five interceptions for the Bears last year, is trailing 2025 third-round pick Azareye'h Thomas in early camp sessions.

Line and Secondary Competitions

Baltimore is searching for a replacement for three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum at center. Ethan Pocic, owner of 97 career starts, is competing with Danny Pinter, who has 10 starts and has worked primarily with the first team while Pocic recovers from a December Achilles tear. In Houston, rookie Keylan Rutledge is practicing with the starters at center despite playing right guard at Georgia Tech. He is competing against incumbent Jake Andrews, who started every game last season. Tennessee is also reshuffling its interior line, where Austin Schlottmann’s 18 starts and familiarity with Brian Daboll give him an edge over Andre James, who has 61 career starts.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers as QB1, marking their first consecutive-season starter since 2020-21. Behind him, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are vying for the backup role alongside rookie Drew Allar. In Indianapolis, Anthony Richardson Sr. remains on the roster following a trade request, competing with Riley Leonard to back up Daniel Jones. Jones is returning from a 2025 Achilles tear.

Defensive and Special Teams Adjustments

Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is evaluating Mansoor Delane, L'Jarius Sneed, and Kristian Fulton for outside cornerback spots. The nickel position involves a three-way battle between Chris Roland-Wallace, Jadon Canady, and Kader Kohou. In Philadelphia, the departure of Reed Blankenship has opened a safety spot. Cooper DeJean is transitioning from nickel to pair with Andrew Mukuba, while Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II compete for sub-package reps.

The Detroit Lions have moved All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle following the release of Taylor Decker. This move opens the right tackle spot for No. 17 overall pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom, who started 11 games for Miami last year. In Jacksonville, Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs are competing to replace linebacker Devin Lloyd. Miller brings 11 starts and seven pass breakups from the last two seasons, while Combs played only 28 defensive snaps as a rookie. Finally, the Green Bay Packers are testing rookie Brandon Cisse and Carrington Valentine at cornerback while Keisean Nixon recovers from a hamstring injury.