The NFL offseason revs up another gear on Monday as eight teams—each with a fresh head coach—open their voluntary organized team activities. It’s a pivotal moment for franchises laying the groundwork for the 2026 season, with new systems, new faces, and new expectations taking shape under the spring sun.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the clubs reporting to practice this week are the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans. That’s a quarter of the league diving into the next phase of their offseason programs, and all eight are breaking in new sideline bosses.
For those teams, OTAs are about more than just drills and conditioning. They’re the first real chance to establish a culture, build chemistry, and start installing offensive and defensive schemes. With voluntary attendance, however, not every star will be on the field—some veterans prefer to train independently—so expect plenty of headlines about who shows and who doesn’t.
Raiders Get First Look at Fernando Mendoza
One of the most intriguing storylines belongs to the Las Vegas Raiders, who will have their first overall draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, on the field with non-rookie teammates for the first time. The rookie signal-caller has already generated buzz, and now he gets to work alongside the veterans in a setting that blends instruction with competition. How quickly he adapts could shape the Raiders’ entire season.
Aaron Rodgers Reports to Steelers OTAs
Perhaps the biggest OTA headline comes from Pittsburgh, where veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has reported to the Steelers facility to begin work with new/old head coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers inked a one-year deal worth up to $25 million, per Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor, and is expected to be on the field for the team’s 11 AM ET session.
Rodgers’ presence means the Steelers are on track to start the same quarterback in back-to-back seasons for the first time since Ben Roethlisberger retired. That kind of continuity is rare in today’s NFL, and it could give Pittsburgh a leg up as they aim to re-enter the playoff picture. The team’s recent struggles have been well documented, but with a proven winner under center, optimism is rising. The Steelers are among several teams hoping to flex their way back into prime-time after being largely overlooked in the 2026 schedule.
New Coaches, New Beginnings
Beyond the headliners, each of the eight teams has its own story. The Cardinals are looking to rebound after a disappointing stretch, while the Falcons hope their new leadership can unlock an offense that already boasts young talent. The Ravens and Bills remain perennial contenders, but both are tweaking their formulas after playoff exits. The Dolphins and Titans are also in transition, aiming to climb back into the AFC conversation.
Voluntary OTAs are just the start. They set the tone for the rest of the offseason, but they don’t guarantee success in the fall. Still, for these eight clubs, the work begins now—and for fans, it’s the first real glimpse of what their teams might look like when the games count. Vegas odds already have a few of these teams among the favorites to dominate in 2026, but the real test starts on the practice field.
