As the NFL preseason opens, teams across the league face high-stakes roster decisions.
The NFL preseason is underway, bringing critical evaluation opportunities for coaching staffs across all 32 franchises. Exhibition matchups offer the clearest window to solidify depth charts, settle tight position battles, and evaluate how new acquisitions fit into team systems. While some organizations face straightforward transitions, others enter September with glaring questions at key positions.
Quarterback Battles and New Signal-Callers in Miami and Cleveland
The Miami Dolphins enter the exhibition slate with a distinct signal-caller transition. Although there is no open quarterback competition, the team features new quarterback Malik Willis running the offense. Willis logged limited action with the Green Bay Packers over the previous two seasons, providing a small sample size where he demonstrated he could operate Matt LaFleur’s scheme. In Miami, however, he is learning a new Bobby Slowik system without the high-tier weaponry he enjoyed in Green Bay, making preseason reps essential for his development.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns face an intense quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson holds the inside track for the starting role, though his performance has struggled since arriving via trade from Houston. Sanders experienced growing pains during his rookie campaign but injected fresh hope into the franchise while working to quicken his internal clock.
Roster Turnover and Offensive Line Reconstruction for the Browns and Commanders
Cleveland’s roster overhaul extends far beyond the pocket. The Browns stand as the only team since 1970 to lose its top five offensive line starters in a single offseason. With Cam Robinson, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin all gone from a 2025 unit battered by injuries, a brand-new group takes over. First-round pick Spencer Fano is slated for left tackle, flanked by Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Live preseason action provides vital reps for a unit learning to play together.
In the nation’s capital, the Washington Commanders face their own steep trench challenge. The team lost five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a triceps injury during practice, creating an immediate test for third-year pro Brandon Coleman. While Coleman has logged 18 starts at left tackle including the playoffs, he battled durability concerns and spent time benched at guard last season. Head coach Dan Quinn stated that the franchise does not intend to look outside the building for a replacement, putting immense pressure on Coleman to protect Jayden Daniels’ blind side as Washington prepares for a joint practice and preseason opener against Miami.
Rookies Take the Big Stage and Pittsburgh’s Preseason Debate
Rookie quarterbacks around the league are finally stepping into live game action. In Arizona, the Cardinals host a matchup that serves as a rematch of last season’s national championship game, giving fans a look at incoming signal-callers as Fernando Mendoza and fellow rookie QBs take the big stage. While Kirk Cousins projects as the Week 1 starter for Las Vegas, strong exhibition performances can alter coaching calculus.
In Pittsburgh, a public disagreement has surfaced between head coach Mike McCarthy and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding exhibition usage. Rodgers revealed that McCarthy wants him to play in the preseason, though the 42-year-old signal-caller maintains he sees no advantage to taking snaps before September. The debate unfolds as the Steelers host Green Bay — the franchise where both men previously won a Super Bowl — adding heavy narrative weight to the opening week of August football.
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