NFL Confidential: What Are Execs, Scouts Watching In Training Camp?

We're only in the opening days of NFL training camp. However, there are plenty of things observers around the league are keeping their eyes on as we're getting a peek at how teams might look in the 2026 season. 

So, we asked scouts and executives around the NFL what they're focused on as teams are starting to put on the pads in practice. While most are focused on on-field matters, there was one off-field story that's emerged that some around the league are keeping tabs on. 

Here's more on what NFL scouts and executives are following during the opening week of training camp. 

Eric D. Williams: A couple league sources I spoke with said they’re keeping a close watch on the contract impasse between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and the front office.

Mayfield publicly voiced his displeasure, saying he feels disrespected and undervalued by Tampa Bay’s contract offer sheet and that he deserves to be paid like a franchise quarterback.  

The 31-year-old Mayfield is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million deal. However, the Bucs lost seven of their last nine games last season, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Mayfield’s 27 interceptions over the last two seasons are second to only Geno Smith (32) over that time frame.

But since Mayfield’s arrival, he’s led Tampa Bay to NFC South division titles in two of the last three seasons he served as the team’s starter, including throwing for 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024.

"It’s interesting that Tampa Bay and Mayfield have not been able to agree on an extension and Baker came out saying he feels disrespected," an NFL contract negotiator told me. "When I worked in NFL front offices, we never wanted a player in our