2026 NFL offseason: Biggest surprise players on each team
Braelon Allen has established a lead in the New York Jets' competition for the second-string running back position. His performance during training camp has generated significant hype as the team evaluates players for the 2026 season. This development follows other early camp standouts across the league, including Rueben Bain Jr. in Tampa Bay and former Ohio State rookies. Teams are currently using these practices and preseason games to determine if rosters improved over the offseason.
What changed
Braelon Allen is now identified as the frontrunner for the Jets' RB2 role.
Live updates
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Braelon Allen Emerges as Standout in New York Jets Training Camp
Braelon Allen has established a lead in the New York Jets' competition for the second-string running back position. His performance during training camp has generated significant hype as the team evaluates players for the 2026 season. This development follows other early camp standouts across the league, including Rueben Bain Jr. in Tampa Bay and former Ohio State rookies. Teams are currently using these practices and preseason games to determine if rosters improved over the offseason.
Why it matters
NFL training camps serve as the primary evaluation period for depth charts before the regular season. These sessions allow teams to identify breakout players and test the health of returning starters.
Still unconfirmed
- Braelon Allen has the clear-cut leg up in the Jets' RB2 competition.
- Ohio State Buckeyes rookies are performing well in their NFL training camps.
What to watch next
- Preseason game performance for Braelon Allen
- Final roster cuts for the New York Jets
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
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Falcons Extend Bijan Robinson as NFL Training Camps Begin
The Atlanta Falcons signed 24-year-old running back Bijan Robinson to a three-year contract extension following a brief standoff. Robinson led the NFL last season with 2,298 all-purpose yards. This financial move coincides with the start of NFL training camps, where teams are identifying early standouts. In Denver, Jaylen Waddle and Evan Engram showed promise during the first fan-open practice, and quarterback Bo Nix tested a surgically repaired ankle. Tampa Bay's Rueben Bain Jr. is emerging as a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Why it matters
Contract extensions for elite running backs often redefine market values for the rest of the league. These early camp performances provide the first glimpse into roster depth and health before the regular season begins.
What is confirmed
- Bijan Robinson signed a three-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Robinson recorded 2,298 all-purpose yards last year, leading the NFL.
- Robinson is 24 years old.
What to watch next
- Official financial terms of the Robinson extension
- Performance metrics for Rueben Bain Jr. in upcoming Buccaneers practices
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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- www.nytimes.com — Falcons to sign Bijan Robinson to 3-year extension that resets RB market: Sources
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Broncos and Buccaneers highlight early 2026 training camp reports
NFL teams have transitioned into training camp with several players emerging as early standouts. In Denver, Jaylen Waddle and Evan Engram impressed during the first practice open to fans, while quarterback Bo Nix appeared comfortable on a surgically-repaired ankle. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year in edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., who is attempting to overcome a draft-day slide. Green Bay has also begun its camp with the first three practices completed.
Why it matters
These early camp performances establish the depth charts and individual momentum heading into the 2026 regular season. The focus remains on how new additions and recovering players integrate into their respective offensive and defensive schemes.
Still unconfirmed
- Rueben Bain Jr. is the premier candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
- Bo Nix is playing on a surgically-repaired ankle.
- Evan Engram is in his second year in Denver.
- Jaylen Waddle and Evan Engram performed well in the Broncos' first fan-open practice.
- The Green Bay Packers have completed three training camp practices.
What to watch next
- Updates on Rueben Bain Jr.'s contract status with the Buccaneers
- Further reports on Bo Nix's ankle health during camp
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (9)
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Bucs' Bain Named Top Candidate For Defensive Rookie of the Year
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- www.denverpost.com — Broncos training camp report: Evan Engram, Jaylen Waddle shine in first open practice
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Former teammate backs incoming Real Madrid signing to surpass Lamine Yamal – “He’s a complete player”
- cowboyswire-eu.usatoday.com — Titans live practice updates for Aug. 1: Latest news, training camp schedule
- www.nwaonline.com — Engram excited by Broncos’ additions
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- www.cbssports.com — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers from model that nailed De'Von Achane's superb season
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2026 NFL Offseason: Surprise Players
The 2026 NFL offseason is underway with teams preparing for the new season. Several teams are focusing on key players and new additions to improve performance. The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with roster changes after a captain's retirement.
What's confirmed:
- NFL training camps are now open.
- The Baltimore Ravens went 8-9 last season.
- The Dallas Cowboys face roster changes following a captain's retirement.
Still unconfirmed:
- Dillon Gabriel, Jalin Hyatt, and Kaleb Johnson could be surprise releases after 2026 training camp.
- The Baltimore Ravens are ranked in the top five in recent power rankings despite missing the playoffs last season.
confidence 60%Sources used for this update (4)
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NFL Training Camps Open Amid Roster Shifts
NFL training camps are now open as teams prepare for the 2026 regular season. The Dallas Cowboys face roster changes following the retirement of a 2025 captain. Other teams are focusing on key players and new additions to improve their performance.
Still unconfirmed:
- A 2025 Dallas Cowboys captain is retiring from the NFL.
- The Tennessee Titans made significant investments around Cam Ward before his second season.
- Malcolm Rodriguez is attempting to regain a starting role with the Detroit Lions for 2026.
- Caleb Williams is ranked as the most important player for the Chicago Bears in 2026.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
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NFL Offseason: Unexpected Standouts Emerge from Spring Practices
Reporters and analysts identified surprise players from all 32 teams following mandatory minicamps. These athletes include rookies and veterans who showed promise before training camps begin in late July. Some players are already expected to impact their teams this fall.
What's confirmed:
- NFL Nation reporters and analysts identified unexpected performers from all 32 teams after mandatory minicamps.
- Training camps are scheduled to start in late July.
Still unconfirmed:
- Kaleb Elarms-Orr is emerging as a linebacker for the Bills.
- Greg Dulcich has a significant role in the Dolphins passing game.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
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NFL Teams Identify Surprise Standouts Following 2026 Minicamps
NFL Nation reporters and analysts have highlighted unexpected performers from all 32 teams after the conclusion of mandatory minicamps. These players include a mix of rookies and veterans who impressed coaches before the late July start of training camp. Notable names emerging from the offseason activities include Elarms-Orr, Dulcich, and Benson.
What's confirmed:
- NFL Nation reporters selected one surprise player from every NFL team following the conclusion of mandatory minicamps.
- Training camp is scheduled to begin in late July.
Still unconfirmed:
- Cam Ward is a potential breakout player for 2026.
- Joe Burrow is expected to redefine the narrative for the Giants in 2026.
- Elarms-Orr, Dulcich, and Benson are among the notable surprise performers identified by ESPN reporters.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (13)
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