Training camp notebook: Key storylines from NFL's early practices

With every NFL team officially in training camp, we'll recap and analyze the biggest storylines around the league.

State of RB market

It's a dire situation for NFL running backs looking for a second contract.

Consider the case of New York Giants star Saquon Barkley. Barkley failed to fetch a long-term contract after the Giants placed the franchise tag on him this offseason. As a result, the 26-year-old pondered sitting out the season. Barkley also joined a Zoom call with other top backs to discuss solutions to the position's financial woes. A few days later, Barkley caved and signed a one-year deal worth only $900,000 more than his original franchise tag's value.

Las Vegas Raiders back Josh Jacobs, who hasn't signed his franchise tag or reported to camp, is in a similar position, while other rushers will be in this spot soon. The running back market has been the hottest topic of training camp thus far, and it's been amplified by those speaking out about the issue.

"We don't have no security right now," Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris said Wednesday, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "You guys are using us to accomplish what you guys want. And then when it's time for us to re-up or ask for something that we think is right, you guys just turn the cheek and say, 'Well, you have wear and tear.'"

Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb recently pointed out that the position is the only one where production hurts value due to wear-and-tear concerns. Indianapolis Colts rusher Jonathan Taylor's agent also called out team owner Jim Irsay over the state of the market, which has now reportedly escalated to Taylor requesting a trade.

It seems inevitable that Taylor, Harris, and others will face the same difficulties that have cursed the position if they hope to reset the market. But, for now, Jacobs is the only top running back holding out following Barkley's return. There's no doubt Jacobs has earned a long-term deal after leading the NFL in rushing yards last season, but he - like his position mates - doesn't have much leverage. He could take it as far as sitting out the entire season. NFL star Le'Veon Bell took that route in 2018 but didn't reset the market. Bell eventually signed with the New York Jets and lasted just 17 games before being released.

There aren't many options available at the moment for running backs other than to swallow the bitter pill of reality. However, for the first time, it seems like there's a coordinated effort among backs and their agents to improve the position's financial outlook. Change won't come overnight, and maybe not at all. But the 2023 offseason could be the catalyst that sparks meaningful action.

Other notable holdouts, standoffs

Along with Jacobs, a few other NFL stars are holding out from training camp or are amid a contract dispute with their clubs.

Nick Bosa: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is nowhere to be found in the San Francisco 49ers training camp. There's not too much to be concerned about. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan don't expect Bosa, who's in the final year of his rookie deal, to rejoin the team until he's signed an extension. That contract should at least make Bosa the highest-paid edge rusher in the league. The former No. 2 overall pick recorded 34 sacks over his last two seasons and will be eyeing T.J. Watt's $28-million average as his starting point in negotiations.

Chris Jones: The Kansas City Chiefs are without their biggest defensive piece in training camp due to contractual matters. Jones is holding out in hopes of reportedly landing an extension that'll break the $30 million per year barrier. Aaron Donald is the only other defensive tackle who earns more than that. Jones certainly has a case to join Donald. His 15.5 sacks led all defensive tackles last season, and he's got four Pro Bowls to boot. Jones is subject to $50,000 fines for every day he's away from training camp, but that'll be chump change if he lands his megadeal.

Danielle Hunter: (Editor's note: This article was published before Hunter and the Vikings agreed to a new contract.) Hunter isn't expected to participate fully in practices "off the bat," according to Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. It might not be a true holdout, but Hunter's still in a contract standoff. Earlier this week, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also sidestepped answering whether he believes Hunter will be on the team this campaign. Entering the final year of his contract, the 28-year-old is slated to earn a base salary of $4.9 million this season. His low pay plus a 10.5-sack campaign in 2022 gives Hunter fair reason to want a new deal. But will that contract come from the Vikings? Minnesota is reportedly open to trading him, and the club already elected to ship off pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith earlier this offseason.

Familiar faces in new places

A lot has changed since the last time NFL football graced our screens. Aaron Rodgers is a member of the Jets now. Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Baltimore Ravens. DeAndre Hopkins will be wearing a Tennessee Titans jersey. There's been a ton of movement across the league, and some are creating shockwaves in their new homes.

There's a buzz around the Jets that hasn't been there in years, maybe decades. It's all because of one man: Aaron Rodgers, who looks the happiest he's been in years. Don't believe it? The four-time league MVP took a reported $35-million pay cut this week to help New York. Ask the Green Bay Packers how many discounts Rodgers gave them in his last few years. But whether on the field or in the locker room, the 39-year-old is elevating the Jets to places it hasn't been in a long time.

It appears Beckham is loving life with his new team in Baltimore. The superstar receiver hasn't only looked like his old self with his high-energy dance moves, but, more importantly, he seems completely healthy again. Beckham missed the 2022 season as he rehabbed from an ACL tear. However, he's already building good chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Hopkins is slowly getting up to form at Titans camp after missing some time with an excused absence to tend to personal matters. It shouldn't take long for him to acclimate. But if there's one pass-catcher who's turning heads because of their speed and smooth route running, it's Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley. Despite not making an NFL appearance since 2021, Ridley looks like he hasn't missed a beat.

It seems JuJu Smith-Schuster fits in effortlessly wherever he goes, and the New England Patriots have been no different. Smith-Schuster said he worked with Mac Jones behind the scenes, and it has shown on the field early on. The 26-year-old has also made a new fan in Bill Belichick, which is no easy task.

One under-the-radar move that could pay dividends is the Giants' acquisition of tight end Darren Waller. Injuries have plagued the former Pro Bowler over the last two seasons, but he appears poised to be the massive pass-catching threat he was in the past. Waller has drawn rave reviews in his first week at camp, and his partnership with quarterback Daniel Jones could pay off massively.

When will Burrow get paid?

It's been a game of leapfrog when it comes to quarterbacks getting their paydays this offseason. Three times in the last couple of months, a talented passer has become the highest-paid player in NFL history only to be supplanted shortly after. Justin Herbert currently owns the top spot, but he shouldn't get comfortable. Everyone is just waiting for the Cincinnati Bengals to reward Joe Burrow with a lucrative deal.

Highest paid-players in NFL history (AAV):

All sides aren't saying much at the moment. Team president Mike Brown said he's bound himself not to discuss negotiations. Burrow has sidestepped concerns, telling the media it'll get done "when it gets done."

Technically, Burrow's extension doesn't have to get inked this summer. He's still under contract in 2024 on a fifth-year option, but there's little point in dragging this along, especially for Burrow.

Burrow suffered a calf injury in practice Thursday that'll knock him out for several weeks. Though it doesn't sound like much, it's a reminder that every snap the signal-caller takes without a long-term contract puts him in jeopardy of a serious injury that could cost him a fortune. Cincinnati also has other key extensions it'll eventually need to worry about. Tee Higgins is currently eligible for an extension, while Ja'Marr Chase will be due in 2024.

Burrow is expected to unseat Herbert as having the league's highest annual salary when his deal gets done. It's not a matter of if but when at this point. However, after an injury scare in practice this past week, the 26-year-old should push for this deal to get done sooner rather than later.

Injuries already taking their toll

The worst part of training camp is the injuries, as a team's season can take unexpected hits before the initial optimism of football's arrival can even settle. Luckily, there haven't been too many serious injuries, with Burrow expected to be fine after a few weeks. However, two of the biggest casualties so far come from the Miami Dolphins secondary and Chiefs receiving corps.

What was expected to be one of the league's most feared cornerback combinations in Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard is now delayed until further notice. Ramsey underwent meniscus surgery after injuring his knee Thursday, and his earliest return is reportedly set for December. Miami can be grateful it isn't a season-ending ailment. Still, it's a major blow for a secondary slated to face Herbert, Rodgers, Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, Jalen Hurts, and Patrick Mahomes during his absence.

Kansas City's wide receiver depth chart got a major shakeup once Kadarius Toney suffered a knee injury early in camp. Toney required surgery and is uncertain for Week 1. Though he's an important piece, his injury opens a grand opportunity for a number of wideouts to develop a rapport with Mahomes. While Travis Kelce and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have their places confirmed, the rest of the pecking order is anyone's guess. An intriguing battle between Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Richie James, Justyn Ross, and Justin Watson has been playing out in camp. It appears James and Rice have made the most of their increased opportunities.