ESPN NFL

Running back Jaylen Warren acknowledged the shift from Mike Tomlin's high-intensity, nonstop practice approach to Mike McCarthy's more controlled, science-based methodology. Warren noted the difference in physical intensity during the first padded practice under McCarthy but expressed understanding of the philosophy focused on player health and longevity, stating 'At the end of the day, we're trying to keep guys up, keep them healthy. The season's the most important thing and winning is the most important thing.' Warren also indicated he was prepared for the backs-on-backers drill if it occurs under McCarthy, saying 'As long as we have it, I'm prepared' and 'I'm trusting the process that they got us going through.'

Robinson signed a record-setting three-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons that includes $51 million guaranteed; Dan Campbell said Robinson's deal is 'certainly not gonna hurt' the Lions' contract negotiations with Gibbs, setting the stage for a new deal for the Detroit star running back.

Gibbs holds the NFL record for most touchdowns scored in a player's first three seasons with 49; he is widely respected as one of the most electrifying players in the league with blazing speed and elite receiving ability; teammate Jameson Williams stated Gibbs should be the NFL's highest-paid running back, saying 'Nobody close. He's the best' and emphasizing film study over stats.

Gibbs is holding out and missing practices at training camp while contract negotiations continue with the Lions; he completed a conditioning test last week in which Campbell noted Gibbs had a minor back issue but nothing severe; Gibbs stated 'only time will tell' on his return and deflected questions about whether a new deal is required before returning to the field.

Rookie running back Jeremiah Love signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $53,022,816 deal with the Arizona Cardinals, making him the only running back in NFL history with more than $40 million guaranteed (ahead of Bijan Robinson's $51 million).

Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. signed a three-year, $54 million extension with the Falcons as the team continues locking up young offensive talent.

Wide receiver Drake London signed a four-year, $141.05 million extension with the Falcons as part of the team's offseason effort to lock up young talent.

Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs is holding in while awaiting a contract extension, similar to Robinson's recent hold-in at Falcons training camp.

Saquon Barkley's annual salary of $20.6 million with the Philadelphia Eagles is now second-highest among running backs after Bijan Robinson's new deal at $22.25 million per year.

Two-time Pro Bowler and 2025 All-Pro Bijan Robinson signed a three-year, $75 million extension with the Falcons, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history at $22.25 million per year, surpassing Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million). Robinson led the NFL in scrimmage yards last season (2,298) and was fourth in rushing yards (1,478). He is expected to be a focal point for the Falcons this season under new coach Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

Receiver Justin Jefferson has chosen his words carefully throughout the quarterback competition process, repeatedly stating that it 'doesn't matter' which quarterback Kevin O'Connell ultimately selects. Jefferson emphasized that the competition is about who comes to practice and performs better, noting it is still early in training camp for anyone to understand who the No. 1 guy will be. He committed to pouring into both quarterbacks and ensuring that whoever is selected, the team is not starting over or starting fresh.

In his 10th season, running back Aaron Jones had never entered a training camp without an established starting quarterback until 2025. He spent six seasons in Green Bay playing with Aaron Rodgers before the Packers transitioned to Jordan Love in 2023, and Sam Darnold took almost every first-team practice rep when Jones arrived in Minnesota for the 2024 season. Jones said he has tried to remember how his performance and that of the rest of the offensive huddle could ultimately impact the quarterback competition's outcome, emphasizing that every rep matters for both quarterbacks and that the competition raises the level of everybody's play.

Kyler Murray is engaged in an open quarterback battle with J.J. McCarthy to determine the Vikings' Week 1 starter. Murray is much quieter than McCarthy and less familiar with his surroundings; whereas McCarthy might sprint 40 yards downfield to celebrate during practice, Murray is more likely to wait at the line of scrimmage for a fist-bump. As a veteran, Murray appears aware that everything he says publicly will be scrutinized for deeper meaning, and on the first day of camp, he did not directly answer a question about which Vikings players he worked out with during the summer break.

McCarthy was understood to be the top quarterback when Vikings camp began in 2025, entering his third season at age 23 with only 10 games and 243 pass attempts in his professional career. Many players developed personal affinity for McCarthy during the previous two years, drawn by his connective personality and efforts to overcome a rookie season lost to injury. Vikings tackle Brian O'Neill expressed strong support, saying 'I love that kid. If I was judged after my first 10 games in the NFL, I'm not playing right now,' highlighting McCarthy's youth and limited sample size as mitigating factors in the quarterback competition.

Skattebo is returning from a dislocated ankle and tibia fracture, raising durability concerns. Tyrone Tracy Jr. averaged 18.6 touches when Skattebo was sidelined last season, indicating Tracy has RB2 upside if Skattebo misses time due to injury recurrence.

Montgomery's arrival to Houston creates a committee with Woody Marks, but Marks remains an intriguing target. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said he's seeing a "Year 2 jump" from Marks, noting his improved speed and decision-making, which could lead to a larger role than expected in the committee.

Tuten is being drafted as Jacksonville's starter, but he remains unproven. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is an appealing late-round target because Jacksonville's backfield might be less settled than drafters assume, and Rodriguez has a path to weekly value if he outperforms Tuten or if Tuten misses time.

White's arrival to Washington creates competition for Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but Croskey-Merritt is projected to handle 51.4% of the Commanders' backfield touches compared with 44.7% for White, indicating Croskey-Merritt remains the favored option.

Price is being drafted as Seattle's starter, but Zach Charbonnet, who is recovering from a torn ACL, is the better value in the double-digit rounds. Price might lead the backfield early, but Charbonnet has the size, experience and nose for the end zone to force a committee once healthy.

Barkley is averaging 21.7 touches per game as an Eagle, establishing him as the clear lead back. Tank Bigsby would inherit a significant portion of that workload if Barkley misses time, indicating Bigsby's upside is tied to Barkley's health.

Robinson is the projected lead back for the Atlanta Falcons in 2026, with Brian Robinson Jr. serving as insurance. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has a history of using multiple backs in a physical rushing scheme, suggesting a potential committee approach if Bijan Robinson misses time.

Swift is projected to handle roughly 55% of Chicago's backfield touches from Week 7 onward, with Kyle Monangai handling the remaining 45% in a committee approach. Swift sat out Week 9, allowing Monangai to demonstrate his value with 29 touches for 198 yards and 22.8 fantasy points.

Hubbard is projected to share the backfield with Jonathon Brooks, who is expected to handle 46% of the Panthers' backfield touches. This indicates a committee approach in Dave Canales' offense that prioritizes the running game.

Williams is projected to handle approximately 60% of the Rams' backfield touches compared to Blake Corum's 40%, indicating a committee approach in Sean McVay's elite offense. Williams and Corum are interchangeable in McVay's scheme, meaning both could see significant volume.

Irving sat out seven games last season and struggled with efficiency, prompting Tampa Bay's decision to sign Kenny Gainwell. The source projects Irving at 281 touches compared to Gainwell at 170, indicating a reduced role and potential committee backfield in 2026.

Dowdle was an excellent example of insurance value last season. He filled in brilliantly while Chuba Hubbard was sidelined for multiple weeks, scoring at least 30 fantasy points in consecutive games in Weeks 5 and 6. Dowdle finished as the RB10 from Week 5 onward despite being drafted in only 8.3% of ESPN leagues, demonstrating the value of stashing talented backups who are one injury away from a starter's workload.

Tracy deserves at least a bench spot after stockpiling at least 200 touches and 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. He averaged 18.6 touches after Cam Skattebo was sidelined last season and contributes as both a runner and receiver. Skattebo is returning from a dislocated ankle and tibia fracture, so durability remains a concern. An improved O-line gives Tracy RB2 upside if Skattebo misses time.

Marks remains an intriguing target despite David Montgomery's arrival. He handled 220 touches as a rookie and averaged 13.1 fantasy points in eight games with at least 14 touches. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said he's seeing a "Year 2 jump" from Marks, noting his improved speed and decision-making, which could lead to a larger role than expected in the committee. If Montgomery misses time, Marks would have a clear path to RB2 production.

Rodriguez is an appealing late-round target because Jacksonville's backfield might be less settled than drafters assume. Bhayshul Tuten is being drafted as the starter, but he remains unproven. Rodriguez has averaged 12.9 fantasy points in his three career games with at least 14 touches. He offers little as a receiver, but his rushing ability gives him a path to weekly value if he outperforms Tuten or if Tuten misses time. Head coach Liam Coen likes to use multiple backs in his offense.

Croskey-Merritt remains a fascinating target because Washington's backfield is still unsettled. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry as a rookie and ranked 23rd among running backs in rushing yards despite receiving only 175 carries. Rachaad White's arrival creates competition, but Croskey-Merritt is projected to handle 51.4% of the Commanders' backfield touches, compared with 44.7% for White. Kaytron Allen is projected to account for the remaining 3.9%.

Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in January, but reports suggest he could return earlier than originally expected. Week 1 appears ambitious, but an October return remains possible. Rookie Jadarian Price is being drafted as Seattle's starter, making Charbonnet the better value in the double-digit rounds. Charbonnet has averaged 16.3 fantasy points in 15 career games with at least 14 touches, showing what he can do with volume, and Kenneth Walker III's departure gives Charbonnet a path to a significant role once healthy. Price might lead the backfield early, but Charbonnet has the size, experience and nose for the end zone to force a committee.

Bigsby combines explosive rushing ability, efficiency and a nose for the end zone. At 210 pounds, he is difficult to bring down and excels at creating yards after contact. Bigsby also averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry last season and gets to run behind an Eagles O-line returning all five starters. He has received at least 14 touches in a game seven times in his career, averaging 15.4 fantasy points in those contests. Saquon Barkley has 21.7 touches per game as an Eagle, and Bigsby would inherit a significant portion of that workload if Barkley misses time. He offers limited stand-alone value but is worth targeting in the double-digit rounds and would move firmly onto the RB2 radar if Barkley sustained a major injury.

Robinson recorded at least 200 touches in each of his first three seasons (all with the Commanders), before serving as Christian McCaffrey's backup in San Francisco last season. Robinson has the experience and physicality to handle a larger role if Bijan Robinson sits out significant time. Tyler Allgeier has departed for Arizona, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski has a history of using multiple backs in a physical rushing scheme. Brian Robinson has not contributed much as a receiver so far in his career, but he has averaged 13.8 fantasy points in 25 career games in which he got at least 14 touches. Atlanta returns four O-line starters and added Bill Callahan as coach of the unit, giving the Falcons a chance to field one of the league's better run-blocking crews. Brian Robinson would have RB1 upside if Bijan were sidelined.

Monangai forced his way into a committee as a seventh-round rookie, playing 41% of Chicago's offensive snaps and averaging 4.6 yards per carry on 169 attempts. From Week 7 on, the backfield settled into roughly a 55/45 split in favor of D'Andre Swift (not counting the Week 9 game Swift sat out). Monangai still finished as the RB30 despite needing several weeks to earn a larger role. He showed what he could do in that Week 9 game, turning 29 touches into 198 yards and 22.8 fantasy points. Chicago's O-line finished fifth in run block win rate and ranked among the league's best in yards before contact last season. Monangai offers stand-alone flex value and would move firmly into the RB1 conversation if Swift misses time.

Brooks has totaled only nine career carries after tearing the same ACL twice, first at the University of Texas and again during his rookie season, but Carolina selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft because of his versatility as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. The source projects Brooks to share the backfield with Chuba Hubbard and handle 46% of the Panthers' backfield touches, but he has enough talent to eventually take over the lead role. He is a low-cost, high-upside bench stash who could become a second-half league winner, but managers will need to be patient. Dave Canales' offense prioritizes the running game and has produced solid fantasy production from its lead backs. Brooks would move onto the RB2 radar if Hubbard sits out.

Corum is an insurance back with league-winning upside in Sean McVay's elite offense that led the league in total yards and points last season. The Rams' backfield is projected to be close to a 60/40 split between Williams and Corum, respectively. Corum averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry on 145 attempts last season behind an O-line that finished second in run block win rate and should remain one of the league's best in 2026. The beauty of McVay's scheme is that Williams and Corum are interchangeable; Corum is on the flex radar in deeper formats and would move into the RB1 conversation if Williams sits out.

Gainwell showed last season what he can do when given enough work, averaging 18.6 fantasy points in 10 career games with at least 14 touches. The source projects Irving at 281 touches and Gainwell at 170, suggesting Gainwell should have stand-alone value in deeper formats. Tampa Bay's decision to sign Gainwell indicates he will have a role, and he could push into RB1 territory if Irving misses time, given his ability as both a runner and receiver behind a Buccaneers offensive line that could be one of the league's best in 2026.

The tight end is a breakout candidate in Year 5 after recovering from severe hamstring issues. Dulcich developed chemistry with Malik Willis in the spring that has carried over to camp. He posted 222 receiving yards over the last five games in 2025 and could flirt with the team lead in catches. The source observed him making a nice catch over the middle in team drills during camp.

The Dolphins plan to use Achane in dual-threat action with Malik Willis when the timing is right. Coming off a 67-reception season, Achane is a prime candidate to lead the team in catches. The source notes the Dolphins will lean on the running game early in the season due to the lack of a No. 1 receiver.

The Dolphins' free agent signing is being developed as a passer despite his dual-threat capabilities. GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, who worked with Willis in Green Bay, praised his complete athletic toolkit: 'There is nothing that he does not have [athletically]. He can beat you with his legs, putting a ton of pressure on the defense. If you watch him throw a football, he can attack all three levels of the field.' Willis also possesses intangibles including weather resilience and 'quiet confidence' that Sullivan initially mistook for indifference. Willis is on a reasonable three-year, $67 million deal with $45 million guaranteed and a $25.9 million cap hit in 2027, offering flexibility if he proves viable.