The mandatory minicamp reveals that Rogers Steele’s Dynamic, Cleveland competing Chedure Sanders and rookies star in eye opportunities and includes a full minicamp schedule.
Every NFL season whispers its secrets during a mandatory mini camp. In fields trimmed by the summer sun, quarterback competitions ignite, new leaders appear, and rookie sensations begin to prove their sensitivity.
This is the final rehearsal of football, as the pads have not yet been hit. Here, some snaps promise a burden of greatness and expectations. For players like the Shedeur Sanders and Aaron Rodgers, this week is more than just preparation. That’s a statement. And for fans, it’s the first glimpse into the upcoming season.
Quarterback spotlight: Rogers, Sanders, McCarthy
Chedur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ QB Derby includes Joe Fraco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, but Sanders has a unique weight. He’s not just an audition, talented and charismatic guy. He defines his place. This is his moment of showing off the NFL-enabled calmness and pocket presence, supported by the national spotlight.
“He’s going to get a chance in the QB Room with zero power on the stars, with the exception of Chedure Sanders.”@colincowherd Cleveland’s lack of star power says it gives rookies a great opportunity to get started. pic.twitter.com/zuwnph03rt
– Colin Kauhard lol/w/wide (@theherd) June 9, 2025
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
As the face of Pittsburgh’s new franchise, Rogers brings both controversy and hope. At 41, he must balance the veteran glow and the locker room built on blue-collar grit. Minicamp is the first to see if the partnership will be able to rediscover their Super Bowl dreams.
JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Viking
After missing out on his newcomer year, McCarthy is now walking completely under the center. With Sam Darnold of Seattle, he reigns. This week we will be testing his transition to the NFL Pace and setting the tone for whether he is the future in Minnesota.
Roster Shake Up: Jones, Vrabel, Hunter, and Co.
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson is on the sidelines. Jones steps into the center. He pursues his comeback and aims to rebuild his trust in his arms and understanding. From here, it starts here during practice, not stadium lights.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots
Turbulence after Belichick haunts Foxborough. Vrabel leads defense and cultural overhauls. How does his presence change the practice, competitiveness and identity of a team that is eager to return to glory?
Mike Vrabel explains why he has already pre-empted and cancelled his mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday.
“I felt hopefully we could do two days of work here and go to the offseason program, and yet we didn’t want to work, we didn’t want to come out. pic.twitter.com/cct0cjabcg
– Tom Carroll (@yaboitcfresh) June 9, 2025
Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rookie Break Contract: Hunter’s versatility is already turning his head. The defensive coach wants him – as well as the offensive coach. Expect buzz and the rep as he continues the blurry position line.
Mandatory Mini Camp Dates for All Teams
Here’s a team-by-team guide to the NFL-wide minicamp window:
AFC East
-
Buffalo Bills: June 10th-12th
-
Miami Dolphins: June 10th-12th
-
New England Patriots: June 9th-11th
-
New York Jets: June 10th-12th
AFC North
-
Baltimore Ravens: June 17th-19th
-
Cincinnati Bengals: June 10th-12th
-
Cleveland Browns: June 10-12
-
Pittsburgh Steelers: June 10th-12th
AFC South
-
Houston Texans: June 10th-11th
-
Indianapolis Colts: June 10-12th.
-
Jacksonville Jaguars: June 10th-12th
-
Tennessee Titans: June 10th-12th
AFC West
-
Denver Broncos: June 10-12
-
Kansas City Chiefs: June 17th-19th
-
Las Vegas Raiders: June 10-12
-
Los Angeles Chargers: June 10th-12th
NFC East
-
Dallas Cowboys: June 10th-12th
-
New York Giants: June 17th-18th
-
Philadelphia Eagles: June 10th
-
Commander Washington: June 10-12
NFC North
-
Chicago Bears: June 3rd – 5th
-
Detroit Lions: Cancel (Hall of Fame Extension Camp)
-
Green Bay Packers: June 10th-12th
-
Minnesota Viking: June 10th-12th
NFC South
-
Atlanta Falcons: June 10th-11th
-
Carolina Panthers: June 10th-12th
-
New Orleans Saints: June 10th-12th
-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: June 10th-12th
NFC West
-
Arizona Cardinals: June 10th-12th
-
Los Angeles Rams: June 16th-18th
-
San Francisco 49ers: June 10th-11th
-
Seattle Seahawks: June 17th-19th
Why Mini Camps are more important than looks
The essential mini camps are not flashy. There’s no pads, pre-season, or crowd roars either. But for the coach, they are the true serum. Clear preparations, adapt to schemes, and build intimate relationships. For veterans, they are the pulsation of physical preparation. For rookies and backups, they are committed to glimpses of trust and responsibility.
In one backfield conversation, “I don’t define your season these days, but I’ll let you know,” and Rogers, Sanders, centerstage McCarthy, as well as Jones, Hunter and coaching shift the league-wide. I feel that mini camps this year are more important than most people.
Because soccer was not built in September. It’s assembled with all the snaps before it, all the h fuss and reps – and this week, a lot of stuff whispers what might come next.
