Aaron Donald’s contract is a major training camp story as the 2018 season kicks off.
NFL training camps have opened up across the league. Here are ten thoughts on some of the top stories across the league as camps open.
1. Aaron Donald is once again holding out. I don’t blame him. He deserves to get paid but he is not worth the reported $30 million per season he is seeking. Sorry.
2. Falcons owner Arthur Blank once again proved that he is a smart businessman and loyal by re-working Julio Jones contract.
3. The 49ers are one of the most talked about teams in the NFL heading into this season but will Jimmy Garoppolo and company live up to the hype? We’ll find out in the coming weeks but there is no denying the high expectations in the city by the bay.
4. The Cleveland Browns open camp with dreams of making the playoffs. The talent is there but will Josh Gordon be there and will the coaching be good enough to get them over the hump? We’ll find out soon enough. As of now, I am actually buying the 2018 Browns.
5. It is hard to believe how many veteran free agents there are still on the market. Most notably wide receiver Dez Bryant, safety Kenny Vaccaro and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. It will be interesting to see how long they stay on the market. Each of them still have something in the tank so you have to figure they’ll sign.
6. The Green Bay Packers are another team that people are labeling a super bowl contender after missing the playoffs last season. The return of Aaron Rodgers is obviously fueling people’s confidence in them. Rodgers and the offense will be fine. Will the new look defense under Mike Pettine be good enough to put them over the top? That’s the key.
7. Something tells me the Jacksonville Jaguars peaked last season. I still don’t think they have enough pieces on offense. Running the football and playing good defense can only get you so far.
8. The Minnesota Vikings were already a legit super bowl contender. The death of offensive line coach Tony Sparano will motivate them even more.
9. It has to be business as usually for the Buffalo Bills and LeSean McCoy until the NFL completes their investigation into allegations against McCoy. However, there is no doubt the situation is a distraction for Sean McDermott’s team.
10. The Raiders have to give Khalil Mack some more money and get him into camp. Mack is currently holding out. At 27, he is one of the five best defensive players in the game. He needs to be paid. Never mind this trade talk.
See. I managed to give you ten thoughts about teams opening camps without mentioning the Patriots, Giants or Cowboys. It is possible folks.