NFL Training Camps Set to Open as 2026 Season Approaches

Published:Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 20264 min read

Updated:Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026

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The NFL offseason is nearing its end, with training camps opening across the league and all 32 teams beginning preparations for the 2026 season. Seattle was the first club to welcome rookies on July 17, followed by San Francisco on July 18. Most teams will bring in their veteran rosters between July 24 and July 28, creating the first extended opportunity for coaches to evaluate new signings, NFL draft picks and returning starters in full-team practices. Training camp provides answers to questions that remain unresolved after organized team activities and minicamps. Quarterback competitions will receive the most attention, but battles along the offensive line, in the secondary and for the final wide receiver spots could also reshape depth charts. Rookies receive several days of additional work at many camps before the veterans arrive. That early period allows coaching staffs to introduce playbooks and evaluate younger players before practices become faster and more complex. NFL rules generally permit teams to open rookie camp seven days before the mandatory reporting date for veterans. The first preseason game arrives Aug. 6, when the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers meet in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The NFL’s three full preseason weekends follow Aug. 13-15, Aug. 20-23 and Aug. 27-29. Rosters must then be reduced to 53 players by Aug. 30. The upcoming games in August allows for fans to gauge how their teams look for the 2026-27 season as well as engage in some NFL preseason betting.

2026 NFL Training Camp Start Dates

The dates below show each team’s rookie and veteran reporting schedule.

Arizona Cardinals: Rookies and veterans July 22
Atlanta Falcons: Rookies July 24; veterans July 28
Baltimore Ravens: Rookies July 24; veterans July 28
Buffalo Bills: Rookies July 21; veterans July 28
Carolina Panthers: Rookies July 21; veterans July 22
Chicago Bears: Rookies July 25; veterans July 28
Cincinnati Bengals: Rookies July 25; veterans July 28
Cleveland Browns: Rookies July 23; veterans July 28
Dallas Cowboys: Rookies and veterans July 28
Denver Broncos: Rookies July 22; veterans July 28
Detroit Lions: Rookies July 25; veterans July 28
Green Bay Packers: Rookies July 27; veterans July 28
Houston Texans: Rookies July 21; veterans July 28
Indianapolis Colts: Rookies July 27; veterans July 28
Jacksonville Jaguars: Rookies July 25; veterans July 28
Kansas City Chiefs: Rookies July 24; veterans July 28
Las Vegas Raiders: Rookies July 23; veterans July 28
Los Angeles Chargers: Rookies July 23; veterans July 28
Los Angeles Rams: Rookies and veterans July 25
Miami Dolphins: Rookies July 21; veterans July 28
Minnesota Vikings: Rookies July 26; veterans July 28
New England Patriots: Rookies July 21; veterans July 24
New Orleans Saints: Rookies and veterans July 28
New York Giants: Rookies July 23; veterans July 28
New York Jets: Rookies July 25; veterans July 28
Philadelphia Eagles: Rookies and veterans July 28
Pittsburgh Steelers: Rookies and veterans July 28
San Francisco 49ers: Rookies July 18; veterans July 25
Seattle Seahawks: Rookies July 17; veterans July 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rookies July 27; veterans July 28
Tennessee Titans: Rookies July 23; veterans July 28
Washington Commanders: Rookies July 24; veterans July 28

How Training Camp and Preseason Affect Betting

Training-camp developments can quickly influence Super Bowl futures, division odds, season win totals and player award markets. A serious injury to a quarterback or another high-value starter may cause sportsbooks to shorten the odds on division rivals while lengthening the affected team’s championship price. Depth-chart news also matters. A rookie winning a starting quarterback job can move Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, while an unexpected running-back committee may affect rushing totals, touchdown markets and fantasy projections. Preseason betting requires a different approach than regular-season wagering. Starters often play limited snaps, meaning coaching plans, quarterback rotations and roster depth can be more important than overall team strength. Bettors should monitor press conferences and beat-reporter updates for information about expected playing time. Preseason results should also be evaluated carefully. A dominant performance against backups does not necessarily predict regular-season success, but improved offensive-line play or a strong showing from a new quarterback can still produce movement in futures markets before Week 1. Odds and availability remain subject to change.

About the Author: Sean Chaffin

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and former teacher in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He has covered poker and casino gaming for many years, and is a big football fan. Follow him @PokerTraditions.