Offseason observations from all 32 NFL teams: Chiefs' rebuilt WR room, Kirk Cousins' impact (2024)

The NFL offseason workouts — OTAs and minicamps — are complete. Players and coaches are taking breaks before returning to training camp in July.

In most cases, the offseason workouts provided key insight into what teams need to do before reporting to camp and when they get there. Quarterbacks, as usual, were at the center of most observations, especially the six QBs taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Week 1 beginning Thursday, Sept. 5 with the Baltimore Ravens at the Kansas City Chiefs, we asked The Athletic’s NFL staff to provide one key observation for each team during this offseason.

Arizona Cardinals

There’s a lot of optimism here, unusual for a team coming off four wins. The biggest reason: Kyler Murray is on the field. Last year at this time, Murray was off to the side, working with Arizona’s conditioning staff, trying to recover from ACL surgery. It affected the Cardinals’ entire season. After missing the first nine games, Murray spent the rest of the season learning a new offense and trying to find his way back. It showed. The Cardinals still have questions, but having an offseason to build around Murray should make a difference. In addition to voluntary and mandatory practices, Murray put in extra work with the receivers on weekends, trying to perfect rhythm and timing. — Doug Haller

Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins’ addition to the lineup made it clear quickly in Atlanta that last year’s experiment of trying to have second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder grow alongside the young offensive triumvirate of tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson (all under 24) likely was never going to work. Pitts, London and Robinson all raved about Cousins’ wealth of experience and preparedness and the fact that those things allowed him to essentially coach them on the field. All three youngsters felt like it immediately upped their games during OTA and minicamp practices. — Josh Kendall

KP on repeat! pic.twitter.com/Zb710SgiqK

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 6, 2024

Baltimore Ravens

If OTAs and minicamps are any indication, there will be starting competitions at three offensive line spots this summer. The trade of starting right tackle Morgan Moses and the free-agent departures of starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson leave the Ravens with questions alongside established starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris did a ton of juggling throughout the offseason workouts. Three starting candidates — Daniel Faalele, Josh Jones and Ben Cleveland — saw action at guard and tackle. Rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten worked in at right tackle. Andrew Vorhees, who missed his rookie season while recovering from a knee injury, got front-line reps at guard. How the offensive line shakes out is the team’s biggest storyline of training camp. — Jeff Zrebiec

Buffalo Bills

The Bills’ reliance on smaller linebackers has left them shorthanded at times. They weren’t even spared from injuries during spring’s unpadded, contact-less workouts. GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott were concerned enough about their linebacker depth to extend late minicamp tryout invitations to veteran Shaquille Quarterman and undrafted rookie Stephen Hillis because Baylon Spector, Dorian Williams, Edefuan Ulofoshio and Nicholas Morrow were hobbled. All will be fine this year if former All-Pro Matt Milano and breakout star Terrel Bernard stay healthy. Bernard has recovered from his ankle injury, while Milano’s broken right leg had healed enough for limited participation in minicamp. — Tim Graham

Carolina Panthers

Part of Bryce Young’s issues as a rookie was finding receivers who could separate. But last year’s No. 1 pick appears to have found one. The Panthers traded for former Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson because of his quick-twitch route running and ability to shake coverage, both of which were on display this spring. Johnson seemed to wear out his welcome in Pittsburgh with a mercurial attitude and sideline fits when he didn’t get the ball. He’s been on his best behavior in Charlotte but hasn’t lost his swagger. “I told (Young) as soon as I got here: ‘I’m trying to make you better, bro. … Just know I’m gonna always be open.’ ” — Joseph Person

Chicago Bears

The Bears’ defense enjoyed testing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the revamped offense, which now includes receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. The defense — one of the best in the NFL over the second half of last season — couldn’t fully rush Williams, but it still won the majority of team drills during the offseason program. “The big thing this camp (was) just to be annoying, to be honest, and kind of messing with them a little bit,” linebacker T.J. Edwards said. Part of being annoying meant talking a lot of trash. — Adam Jahns

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ schematic expansion under new offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher was apparent throughout the offseason program. The shift to versatility and unpredictable usage was a recurring theme in every position group. All receivers worked inside and outside, tight end Mike Gesicki shifted all around the line of scrimmage and the running backs were far more active in the passing game. Joe Burrow discussed extra “eye candy” and being able to dictate more to defenses this season with new personnel groups and scheme tweaks. The collection of players capable of excelling in multiple areas — before truly dropping the ultimate versatile weapon of Ja’Marr Chase in — provides an exciting tool belt for Burrow. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Cleveland Browns

I have questions — pretty significant ones — about the Browns’ receiving corps. Amari Cooper missed the whole offseason program because he wants a new contract, and Jerry Jeudy missed the last three weeks with what the team says is a minor injury. But Deshaun Watson needs playmakers, and the Browns still seem to have Cooper, tight end David Njoku and a bunch of questions. Spring football is supposed to be for the wide receivers because the practice rules prohibit contact by the defense. I just didn’t see many big plays from the Browns, and I still wonder what the Browns will get from Jeudy, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman when the season begins. — Zac Jackson

Dallas Cowboys

The connection between Brandin Cooks and Dak Prescott stood out most. It was a solid rapport last year at this time, but it was obvious during OTAs and minicamp that the two now have a full year working together. They were on the same page in all drills, but it particularly stood out on some deep ball throws. CeeDee Lamb is the Cowboys’ clear No. 1 wide receiver. There’s no questioning that Cooks is their No. 2. If Cooks stays healthy, he’s capable of an 800- to 1,000-yard season with double-digit touchdowns. QB Trey Lance was the most-watched player during the offseason program. His training camp and preseason play will determine his roster spot and role. — Jon Machota

Denver Broncos

After 12 practices — 10 OTAs and a pair of minicamp sessions — it is difficult to see how Zach Wilson fits in at quarterback for the Broncos. The fourth-year quarterback has unique arm talent in a QB room that also includes rookie Bo Nix and veteran Jarrett Stidham. But Wilson looks like someone who may need more time to adjust to Denver’s offense, even more so than Nix. Perhaps training camp could alter the equation, but at this point, it’s hard to envision Wilson starting for Denver in Week 1. And he has ground to make up if he’s going to win the backup job. — Nick Kosmider

Detroit Lions

This spring really felt like a graduation of sorts for the Lions under Dan Campbell. The first two years of this rebuild were about roster turnover, finding building blocks to lean on and teaching the basics. Last year around this time, the roster was much improved but still young. Assistant coaches said they had to spend time coaching up the new coaches on staff. But this offseason felt like the perfect blend of experience and continuity. You see it in how they practice. These guys know the system, with Aaron Glenn on Year 4 as defensive coordinator and Ben Johnson on Year 3 as offensive coordinator. That’s rare these days. For players, there’s less overthinking and more acting off instinct, something Campbell stressed. — Colton Pouncy

Green Bay Packers

The answer here is more of a question: Who in the world is going to be the Packers’ kicker come Week 1 in Brazil? Anders Carlson missed a field goal and/or extra point in nine of the final 12 games last season, including a 41-yarder in the fourth quarter of a three-point divisional-round loss to the 49ers. He didn’t have any competition from late May through the end of the season, but the Packers now have three kickers and have given each equal run this offseason with each having their impressive moments. Can the incumbent hold off youngster Jack Podlesny and veteran Greg Joseph? — Matt Schneidman

Houston Texans

The offseason splash for the Texans centered on the acquisition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs. But another wideout caught the attention of coaches during minicamp. John Metchie drew praise from coach DeMeco Ryans, who said the third-year wideout appears to have made a significant leap from last season to this. Metchie missed all of his rookie season because of a cancer diagnosis. He returned to action last season and recorded 16 catches for 158 yards. However, now with a season under his belt, and another offseason to hone his craft, Metchie’s development was obvious to Ryans, who said “you talk about a guy that’s improved a lot through these OTAs and minicamp. He’s looking more explosive this second time around.” — Mike Jones

Indianapolis Colts

Adonai Mitchell was mad he had to wait during the draft, refusing to believe 10 fellow wide receivers — the number drafted ahead of him — were better than him. That remains to be seen, but so far, Mitchell has shined with the Colts. The 21-year-old was Indianapolis’ standout player during the spring and made at least one noteworthy catch during every practice that was open to the media. Colts QB Anthony Richardson praised Mitchell and gave him the compliment every receiver likes to hear: “He gets open a lot.” If those two can get on the same page early and often, their connection could help Indy end its three-year playoff drought. — James Boyd

Jacksonville Jaguars

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. seemed to make a positive impression, which should be the case for a first-round pick. Thomas is in a good spot because the Jaguars already have a cache of proven skill players, so he can come into his own at his own pace. However, if he can solidify an early role as a speed-driven deep threat, the Jaguars should be ecstatic. The question is how his skills will translate in a more physical training camp environment along with answering the challenge of maintaining consistency in a challenging offense. — Jeff Howe

Kansas City Chiefs

Entering training camp, Patrick Mahomes appears to have a lot more viable passing options than he did a year ago. Just as a reminder, the Chiefs started last year with Kadarius Toney as their No. 1 receiver. This time, Toney will likely be fourth or fifth on the depth chart. Mahomes showed promising chemistry with newcomer Marquise Brown during the OTAs and minicamp, and the addition of rookie Xavier Worthy should allow the Chiefs to have a potent deep-passing attack. Rookie tight end Jared Wiley, playing behind Travis Kelce, showed strong receiving skills. Even if Rashee Rice is suspended as expected, Mahomes should have plenty of pass catchers he trusts when the Chiefs host the Ravens to open the season. — Nate Taylor

Hollywood put on a show today 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Amy0fPXWjr

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 12, 2024

Las Vegas Raiders

There isn’t much separating Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in the race to become the starting quarterback. They split reps fairly evenly with the first-team offense throughout OTAs. While they’ve both taken quickly to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s system, neither stood out much during practices. The defense decidedly had the upper hand regardless of who was at quarterback. Minshew and O’Connell are similar as quarterbacks who have average arm talent, athleticism and size. As a result, they both have to use their minds rather than their bodies to excel. That hasn’t materialized in practice. This will come down to who manages to create separation between training camp, joint practices and preseason games. — Tashan Reed

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers capped all their OTAs with what Jim Harbaugh terms a “fourth-quarter finishing” period. Practice would end. The team would huddle for a speech from Harbaugh. Then groups would split up by positions to go through various exercises. The idea is to simulate the extra effort needed at the end of games. Players carried medicine balls for 50 yards. They dragged sleds and flipped over large weighted contraptions. They did pushups and planks. Harbaugh participated in all the fourth-quarter finishing periods. As edge rusher Joey Bosa said: “He’s part of the guys. He’s not this guy outside looking in. He voiced that to me, that his favorite part of all of it is being with the guys and the connections he makes.” — Daniel Popper

Los Angeles Rams

The kids aren’t (all) kids anymore! One of the youngest rosters in the NFL in 2023, with a couple of notable exceptions, is now a season older and wiser. That means head coach Sean McVay got his offseason programming off the ground more quickly than last spring because the staff was not spending that time teaching drills to 44 rookies for the first time. There are a couple of notable position changes, including the move of left-handed offensive lineman Steve Avila to center, but a benefit to Avila’s development there was the attendance at the voluntary and mandatory practices by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford — despite an ongoing contract dispute the Rams must solve by September. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Miami Dolphins

Mike McDaniel isn’t hiding from failure. Many coaches would dismiss a 24-season playoff win drought as a media-driven narrative that largely has nothing to do with the current players and coaches. And that would be fair. But McDaniel has decided to lean into the failures, knowing that his team — which has lost in the first round of the playoffs two years in a row — will face questions all year about its ability to finally take that next step. This offseason, instead of scheduling meetings at traditional times, he scheduled them for “7:24, 3:24, 5:24 — (highlighting) that number 24. … You do that to empower guys to know what’s coming. To understand it, to not run from it. … If you’re going to achieve success where people are predicting failure, you’re going to have to go above and beyond.” — Jim Ayello

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are sticking with their plan at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, whom the team drafted at No. 10, did not take a first-team rep. This isn’t a reflection of his play at all. Instead, it’s a sign that the team’s strategy — to take the long-term and slow-and-steady approach to quarterback development — is more than just news conference fodder. Expect Sam Darnold to start for Minnesota in Week 1 and well into the season, depending on his health and performance. He placed passes accurately all spring and comfortably mingled with teammates and coaches. This is unquestionably Darnold’s best-ever NFL situation, and it’ll be fascinating to see what that means in the form of results on the field. — Alec Lewis

New England Patriots

Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback. He took all of the first-team reps, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt made clear that wasn’t a fluke, referring to Brissett as the starter. Of course, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye will have a chance to change that stance in training camp. But the Patriots realize that their supporting cast for a quarterback isn’t great, and Maye is going to have to be the obvious winner in a competition between he and Brissett to become the Week 1 quarterback. If the competition between them is even close, Brissett is probably under center in the opener. — Chad Graff

New Orleans Saints

A cloud of indecision hovered since last season about whether or not four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore would remain with the Saints. He tried to quell those concerns while participating in mandatory minicamp and speaking emphatically about wanting to be with the team rather than wanting or worrying about a trade. His presence adds to a very good cornerback group along with Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and 2024 second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry. Still, I’m thinking the Saints would listen if another cornerback-needy team came knocking with trade discussion. But for now, New Orleans should be very strong in the secondary. — Larry Holder

New York Giants

You need only check social media to see all the Malik Nabers hype thanks to some already impressive grabs and big days in the spring. Yes, it’s obvious there’s a slight resemblance to former Giants superstar Odell Beckham Jr., thanks to those one-handed receptions and their shared LSU roots. But beyond the eye-popping highlights on social media, the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft has received praise from teammates who’ve noted his quick understanding of the playbook. The rookie already appears at ease with his teammates in the wide receiver room and beyond. It should be encouraging both to the Giants and their fans to see the top pick and presumed No. 1 receiver acclimating so quickly. — Charlotte Carroll

New York Jets

The Jets have a much better backup plan at three key offensive positions in 2024: quarterback (Tyrod Taylor backing up Aaron Rodgers), running back (Braelon Allen behind Breece Hall) and left tackle (Olu Fashanu behind Tyron Smith). GM Joe Douglas took a lot of risks this offseason, but augmenting some of their stars with capable backups was crucial after a disastrous 2023 — and 2022 for that matter. Taylor is flawed but a high-end backup who’s a noticeable upgrade over Zach Wilson. Allen has unexpected juice in the passing game and should bring more to the table than Dalvin Cook. And Fashanu is a first-round pick (he improved as OTAs went on) who gets the chance to sit and learn behind a future Hall of Famer. It’s an ideal setup in all three spots. — Zack Rosenblatt

Philadelphia Eagles

The secondary is noticeably more equipped. The Eagles, who surrendered the second-most passing yards in the NFL in 2023, desperately needed to repair this portion of the defense. They doubled up in the draft by adding Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, and Isaiah Rodgers was reinstated after serving a one-year gambling suspension. The group is so packed that the Eagles are now cross-training James Bradberry, whose regression warranted the revamp, at safety. Cornerback will be the most interesting and competitive position battle in camp. Kelee Ringo has been significantly sharper, deflecting several passes; he’s logged a significant number of first-team snaps. Rodgers, too. Mitchell and DeJean may begin their careers as platoon defenders in nickel and dime packages. — Brooks Kubena

Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s easy to just go with Russell Wilson and how he has quickly captured the attention of the city, but that’s not a surprise. The surprise is that the Steelers seem perfectly satisfied watching how the WR2 position plays out in camp among a host of middle-of-the-road receivers. Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Denzel Mims, Marquez Callaway and Dez Fitzpatrick all have varying degrees of experience behind George Pickens. Whether they address the position before the season could hinge on the play of rookie Roman Wilson. But the entire group has been underwhelming enough that a big swing appears imminent. — Mark Kaboly

San Francisco 49ers

The cornerback group looked deeper than it has in years. The best player at the position, Charvarius Ward, is coming off offseason core surgery and didn’t take part. And the No. 2 guy, Deommodore Lenoir, wasn’t on the field for minicamp. But the 49ers still had plenty of bodies at the position. Veteran Isaac Yiadom took a lot of snaps and seems like the early leader to be the No. 3 corner. Rock Ya-Sin, Ambry Thomas and Darrell Luter Jr. also are in the mix. Meanwhile, second-round pick Renardo Green looked as feisty as advertised. He mostly lined up at nickel cornerback where he had some good, competitive matchups with fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall. If Green continues to impress, he could be the Week 1 nickelback, which would enable Lenoir to concentrate on outside cornerback. — Matt Barrows

Seattle Seahawks

We finally have more insight into what the Seahawks’ offense will look like under new coordinator Ryan Grubb. The former University of Washington OC said the offense won’t be as pass-happy as his Huskies were, and he plans to use fewer pre-snap motions and shifts, but Grubb wants to put a lot of responsibility on his quarterback, something starter Geno Smith has welcomed. The results have been mixed, as the defense — called by new head coach Mike Macdonald — has had its moments, but Macdonald said he’s been impressed with Smith’s play. The offense will have an extra opportunity to test itself during the preseason in joint practices with the Titans, something the team never did under Pete Carroll. — David DeChant

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vita Vea could be better than ever in 2024. At 29, the seven-year veteran is entering the sweet spot of his career with a new look after losing a significant amount of weight in the offseason while working out with former teammate Ndamukong Suh. Vea has been listed at 347 (he claims that’s his current weight) but probably weighed closer to 367. The Bucs have wanted him to slim down for a while. In addition to potentially being quicker and more explosive, Vea also could be healthier. Over the last three seasons, he has missed games with toe, groin, pec, calf, foot and knee injuries. — Dan Pompei

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are going to resume competent offensive line play after a two-year hiatus. It’s not great that the favorite to start at right tackle, Nicholas Petit-Frere, lost last season to a shoulder injury, was rehabbing and unable to participate in minicamp. But Lloyd Cushenberry was a key signing at center, Peter Skoronski looks poised to have an improved second season at left guard, and first-round pick JC Latham is impossible to miss. He’s huge, athletic and has the voice and presence of a seasoned veteran. Does that mean he’s ready to step in and excel at left tackle in this league? No, but it’s easy to see why legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan was so enamored with him during the draft process. — Joe Rexrode

Washington Commanders

Hope has returned to the nation’s capital and not only with the fan base following last year’s franchise sale. Holdovers Terry McLaurin and Jonathan Allen were among those talking sunshine and rainbows now that the new regime with head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters pumped energy into the building. Same with free-agent signings like Bobby Wagner. That Jayden Daniels has shown chops on the field while being one of the hardest workers off it added more spark. The overall roster doesn’t scream contender, but perhaps Washington can surprise if the rookie QB shines quickly and this collective buy-in remains. — Ben Standig

(Top photos of Xavier Worthy, Kirk Cousins, Jayden Daniels: Jamie Squire, Kevin C. Cox, Simon Bruty / Anychance / Getty Images)