NFL Training Camps are set to begin in late July, but until that time there are OTAs (Organized Team Activities) where teams can take an early look at their players and prepare for the upcoming season. Let’s look at some of the early winners and losers from OTAs.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh finally signed future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to be their quarterback for 2025. Rodgers’s presence gives Pittsburgh’s offense stability and his leadership should help them win important games.
Winner: Caleb Williams
So far, so good for Williams. Williams is expected to make a HUGE jump in his second season and right now he is looking more confident in the pocket and seems to have an idea of the offense Ben Johnson wants to run.
Loser: Cincinnati Bengals
Not only have they not signed DE Trey Hendricksson to a contract, but they have also not been able to sign rookie DE Shermar Stewart due to the front office looking to void future guarantees if a default occurs in a particular year of his contract. It’s gotten so bad that Stewart’s agents are talking about him sitting out the entire season and throwing his name back into the 2026 draft.
Winner: J.J. McCarthy
It’s McCarthy’s team now in Minnesota and he’s looked every part of team leader. His short and intermediate passing are getting rave reviews.
Winner: New York Giants Defense
If the Giants want to compete in 2025 they will need to rely on their defense, specifically their pass rush. Abdul Carter and Brian Burns will both need double digit sacks to force opposing quarterbacks into making bad decisions. Word out of Giants camp is that the defense looks aggressive and hungry.
Loser: Haason Reddick/Bucs
Reddick signed a one-year $14 million contract with the Buccaneers in the offseason but has decided to skip OTAs. Considering he has barely played any football over the past two years, Todd Bowles needs to stop being nice and make sure that Reddick shows up for his new team.