NFL front offices have wrapped up most of their heavy offseason work. With free agency and the draft complete, rosters are near the 90-man limit, and voluntary workouts are underway across the league.
From now until mid-June, coaches and players will lay the groundwork for training camps, which kick off in late July. Free agents need to adjust to new systems, rookies are finding their footing, injured players continue rehab, and position battles are already heating up.
Several key storylines remain unresolved heading into training camp season.
**Schedule release**
The NFL will unveil the full 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, with the international games released Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET. Teams already know their opponents, and a few dates have been announced: the season opener features the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, Sept. 9; the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams play in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 (Netflix); and the Baltimore Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sept. 27. The remaining 269 games and their order will be revealed Thursday, giving teams and fans clarity as the road to Super Bowl LXI (Feb. 14, 2027) in Los Angeles begins.
**Aaron Rodgers watch**
For the second straight year, the Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide whether to play or retire. Rodgers visited the Steelers over the weekend but hasn’t signed. The team, now led by head coach Mike McCarthy (replacing Mike Tomlin), believes that even at 42 (turning 43 in December) Rodgers can help them compete for the AFC North title and return to the playoffs. Steelers owner Art Rooney hoped for a decision around the draft, but Rodgers continues to delay. McCarthy, familiar with Rodgers from their Green Bay days, starts voluntary practice on May 18, and the quarterback might decide by then if he doesn’t repeat last year’s June minicamp deadline. If he doesn’t join, Pittsburgh will rely on veteran Mason Rudolph, second-year quarterback Will Howard, and third-round pick Drew Allar.
**A.J. Brown trade**
Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown’s unhappiness is no secret. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl LIX champion is expected to get a fresh start this summer. Because of his contract structure, a deal likely won’t happen until after June 1. It’s widely believed Brown will land in New England, where he could boost quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense.
**Brandon Aiyuk’s status**
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains a key figure in ongoing contract negotiations. After a stellar 2025 season, Aiyuk is seeking a long-term extension, but the 49ers have been cautious with their salary cap. Trade rumors have circulated, though the team has expressed a desire to keep him. A resolution is expected before training camp, either with a new deal or a trade that reshapes San Francisco’s receiving corps.
**Anthony Richardson’s future**
Just five years ago, the Indianapolis Colts used the No. 4 pick on Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. But injuries and inconsistent play have clouded his path. The Colts added competition in the draft, and Richardson will need to prove he can stay healthy and perform consistently in training camp to secure the starting job.
Will A.J. Brown be traded after June 1? The Eagles’ cap flexibility increases then.
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