NFL training camp: 5 faces in new places to watch this summer

NFL training camp is in full swing, with veterans joining rookies to embark on a new season. After a full offseason, some players we know and expect to wear a uniform are now in new cities with new teams — and hopefully, new versions of success on their journeys.

Here are five veterans to keep an eye on and watch this season as they switch teams and try to build on the success they’ve had in the past.

There hasn’t been a single free agent signing that would have the impact of what Kirk Cousins ​​may, or may not, do for the Falcons. Michael Penix selection aside, signing Cousins ​​was a huge win for Atlanta just based on how Cousins ​​played last season. The trio of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinecke was a far cry from the stability Atlanta had under Matt Ryan for over a decade. Now, the Falcons are in a position to capitalize on the offensive talent they’ve accumulated over the last three years and actually get back to the playoffs. Cousins ​​was fantastic in 2023 before tearing his Achilles tendon, playing the best ball of his career. If this version of Cousins ​​is what the Falcons get in 2024, they should be absolutely thrilled with his investment.

Hollywood Brown has joined the Chiefs as they try to improve what was a painstakingly bad group of wide receivers from last season. Brown may not be a world champion or even a conventional WR1, but for this Chiefs team, he should have enough power to make a difference alongside Patrick Mahomes. Brown hasn’t had 1,000 yards in a season since 2021, when he was a third-year player in Baltimore, but he has the skills to produce with Mahomes — shoot, almost everyone does. Mahomes is clearly good enough to win the Super Bowl without a great supporting cast around him, but Brown’s presence should make the march to the playoffs less painful than last season.

The Texans should have one of the best pass rusher duos in the league, with Danielle Hunter joining reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl edge rusher Will Anderson. The Texans are still experiencing a defensive renaissance under second-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, and this duo will raise the ceiling when it comes to their postseason hopes. Overall, the Texans’ defense is probably a year away from being the dominant unit people expect under the Ryans, but having two explosive playmakers on the defensive line will make a huge difference for them.

For those who enjoy feats of pure determination and longevity, tune in to Raiders defensive line duo Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. Not only are these two good players who will make life hell for opposing offensive lines, they are also ironmen who play an unusual amount of snaps for defensive linemen. Crosby played 95% of the Raiders’ defensive tackles last season as an edge rusher. Wilkins has been on the field for more than 80% of snaps over the past two seasons. Crosby has never missed a game in his career, while Wilkins hasn’t missed a game in three seasons. An incredible sequence of being on the field in a position that simply attacks the human body. If the Raiders get anything from Tyree Wilson? Attention.

A division rival becomes the new home for Saquon Barkley, who has a chance to really prove himself with the Eagles. Barkley didn’t spend much time on the market before signing a three-year deal with Philadelphia that finally gave him the second contract he was looking for — and it’s a huge opportunity for him. The Eagles’ offensive line is getting a bit of a makeover as Jason Kelce retires and moves into the broadcast booth, but this is still the best offensive line situation Barkley has had in his career. He also has the advantage of playing with Jalen Hurts, who should open up opportunities in the run game, as defenses are key to stopping him on the ground.