Several NFL teams will start training camp programs next week, which means rookies will shine, veterans may become expendable and disgruntled players could find a new home as coaching staffs sculpt 53-man rosters.
A club may only need a few practices to realize a major need and inquire about a player who might be available on the trade market. In other cases, coaches will allow camp battles to go on through August before they make a call on who starts at an open position.
Either way, we're going to see surprising reports about acquisitions and competition between and among teammates for contested spots atop depth charts.
Before the offseason rolls into the second half of July, we have eight bold training camp predictions, which include trade acquisitions, a notable roster cut and early projections for pivotal position battles.
Bengals Cut RB Joe Mixon as Chase Brown Emerges in the Backfield
In a frustrating offseason for top-tier running backs, the Cincinnati Bengals must settle a contract situation with Joe Mixon.
Back in February, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin sparked speculation when he said, "I don't know" when asked about the Pro Bowl running back's future with the team.
The Bengals, who will likely sign quarterback Joe Burrow to a massive extension in the coming weeks, can save $10 million if they release Mixon.
With that in mind, head coach Zac Taylor has touted Trayveon Williams as a potential contributor in the upcoming season, and the club selected running back Chase Brown in the fifth round of this year's draft.
The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. also raised the idea that the Bengals might explore the free-agent market for a running back.
"Running back could come into play depending on Mixon's situation as well as their view of the competition for Samaje Perine's third-down back role."
If the Bengals feel confident in Brown and Williams or a free-agent pickup as a tandem, Mixon may be expendable at a devalued position.
Over the past two years, Brown rushed for 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns at Illinois. Last year, he logged 328 carries, showing his ability to handle a high volume of touches on the ground. If Brown looks impressive at camp, his rise could come at Mixon's expense.