NFL training camp: Cardinals' J.J. Watt, Jets' Mekhi Becton, among stars reporting for duty
More players began arriving for 2021 NFL training camp across the league Tuesday with some new faces in new places, including defensive lineman J.J. Watt reporting for duty with the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 draft pick in 2021, arriving for his first media session of camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In Baltimore, quarterback Lamar Jackson said he wants a new jersey number -- but not until he earns it. The New York Jets were missing the face everyone wants to see as the team tries to hammer out a contract with rookie quarterbackZach Wilson, but second-year left tackle Mekhi Becton arrived for camp at his target weight and looking ready to start the season. And the Washington Football Team rewarded journeyman tight end Logan Thomas with a new contract after he produced 72 catches last season.
Here's what you need to know from camps across the league:
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Lamar Jackson wants a ring, then a new jersey number
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback said he has a personal reason to change his jersey number, although he has to achieve something in order to make the switch. "If we win the Super Bowl, I'm going to No. 1," he said. "I want the No. 1. That's my first number ever. My dad told me, 'Get No. 1 because that's the best. You're the best.' And it always stuck with me."
Jets open camp without No. 2 pick Zach Wilson
There is more than the usual sense of urgency to resolve the contract dispute because Wilson, drafted at No. 2 in 2021, is the presumptive starting quarterback. The Jets have no veterans on the roster at the position, only James Morgan and Mike White, neither of whom has regular-season experience.
More:
- Aaron Rodgers shows up for first day of Packers training camp
- Washington extends tight end Logan Thomas
- Dolphins' Xavien Howard reports despite unhappiness with contract
- Vikings name new OL coach; Rick Dennison still with team
- WR Randall Cobb expects trade back to Green Bay
- NFL says no restrictions on Deshaun Watson at Texans camp
- Jamal Adams reports to Seahawks amid contract talks
- Bucs' Bruce Arians balks at perceived criticism about wristbands
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What our NFL Nation reporters saw today
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who is in "very good shape" according to GM Ryan Pace, is expected to practice on Wednesday after he missed the entire offseason program -- and mandatory minicamp -- for undisclosed reasons. Goldman also opted out of the 2020 season for COVID 19-related reasons. His return to anchor the middle of the Bears' defensive line would be a major boost for first-year coordinator Sean Desai, who takes over a group that finished just outside the top-10 in total yards allowed last season.-- Jeff Dickerson
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who said in early June that he had not been vaccinated for COVID-19, declined to say on Tuesday as players reported to camp at Wofford College whether that had changed. Running back Christian McCaffrey took a similar stance, saying it was personal. But both were not wearing masks as they did group interviews without the required social distancing for non-vaccinated players. That's a good indication they are among the at least 85 percent, according to a league source, on the team who have been vaccinated.-- David Newton
Coach Jon Gruden addressed the media in a face-to-face conference for the first time since January of 2020 and said every Raiders player had reported to camp and hit their respective playing weights. He also reiterated that his entire staff was vaccinated, adding that every player was as well, "with the exception of about four or five guys. So, we're proud of that."-- Paul Gutierrez
