Sportsnaut
The 2025 NFL offseason is basically behind us with players from all 32 teams set to begin organized team activities ahead of minicamp followed by training camp. While NFL training camp is a far bigger focus, there are plenty of NFL storylines to keep an eye on during OTAs.
Let’s dive into the top storylines for NFL OTAs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have patiently waited months for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Much like his mentor Brett Favre did, Rodgers has milked the waiting game and headlines since March. It’s now June and Pittsburgh is rostering a quarterback room led by Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ organization committed themselves to this saga since the offseason started and they’re going to see it through, with no other viable options available. Mandatory veteran minicamp (June 10-12) is an unofficial deadline, but Rodgers isn’t on the roster and Pittsburgh seems ready to let him keep dragging this out. The future Hall of Fame quarterback will be one of the most talked-about players this month, but at least a resolution is near because we can’t see Tomlin tolerating Rodgers skipping minicamp.
Related: NFL QB rankings 2025
The Detroit Lions have one of the best NFL rosters in 2025 and one of the five best head coaches in football. Everyone’s focus now centers on offensive coordinator John Morton and first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Morton has some experience – 2017 with the New York Jets – but he’s filling the shoes of Ben Johnson. As for Sheppard, he’s highly regarded as a positional coach, but there’s going to be an adjustment period for him as a defensive play-caller. Recent history regarding teams with two new coordinators doesn’t bode well for Detroit, but the Lions’ talent and Campbell’s eye for coaches are reasons for hope. OTAs will be everyone’s first great look at how these coordinators want to run things in 2025.
Related: Detroit Lions insider addresses the likelihood of a Trey Hendrickson trade
The Chicago Bears finally landed a franchise-caliber quarterback in Caleb Williams last offseason, but the concerns his father had about the franchise were proven accurate. Fortunately, Chicago landed the big fish this offseason with Ben Johnson as head coach. Johnson and the front office then overhauled the interior offensive line, finally providing Williams with the infrastructure he will need to be successful. NFL OTAs are just the beginning of the Williams-Johnson era, but Chicago is finally building this thing the right way. June provides the football world with a first look at what this core can be capable of.
Related: Former NFL GM not convinced on Caleb Williams’ future
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