Boosting their cornerback depth was paramount for the Green Bay Packers as they sought roster upgrades after capping a five-game skid to end their 2025 season with a wild-card playoff collapse. The impact of their moves is evident from the fact that Keisean Nixon finds himself in a competition to keep his starting spot one year after he earned a Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement. Nixon occasionally has worked with the second-team defense in training camp following the Packers’ offseason additions of rookie second-round pick Brandon Cisse and veteran free agent Benjamin St-Juste.

Making the playoffs wasn’t nearly enough last season for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. Despite winning 11 games each and making it to the postseason, the Chargers and Eagles made the decision that some change was needed and both sought out new offensive coordinators to spark struggling units. Including teams that changed head coaches, there are 22 of the 32 teams with a new primary play-caller on either offense, defense or both sides of the ball.

The Cincinnati Bengals are focusing on adding veteran players with playoff experience to their defense, aiming to replicate their successful 2021 strategy. The team has signed Boye Mafe, who won the Super Bowl last season with Seattle, and two-time Super Bowl champion Bryan Cook. It also traded for veteran Dexter Lawrence and signed Jonathan Allen. Mafe is already making an impact in training camp, sharing advice with younger players. Cook, a Cincinnati native, is motivated to win in his hometown. Expectations are high as the Bengals blend experienced leaders with emerging talent.

Ja'Quan McMillian knows his Christmas will be filled with references to the biggest play of his career: the overtime interception of Josh Allen's heave to Brandin Cooks that set up the Denver Broncos' 33-30 victory in the AFC playoffs. The teams play again in Denver on Dec. 25, but really, his whole offseason was filled with reminders of his much-debated pick at the Broncos' 20-yard line that ultimately ended Buffalo's season.

Tom Brady believes Adam Vinatieri is the epitome of clutch NFL players. That is the four-time Super Bowl champion kicker's legacy as he prepares to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the third full-time kicker to receive this honor. Vinatieri retired with records for career points, field goals and consecutive field goals made. His iconic kicks, like the 45-yard field goal in the 2002 AFC divisional playoff against the Raiders, cemented his place in NFL history. Vinatieri's career spanned 24 years with the Patriots and Colts, earning him a spot among the NFL's all-time greats.

Bo Nix is back leading the Denver Broncos after surgeries on his right ankle. The third-year quarterback feels great and is working with the starters again. He missed the AFC championship game because of his injury, but now he's ready for the upcoming season. Coach Sean Payton says Nix is right where the team expected health-wise. Nix is determined to use his scrambling ability, which he calls a strength. He's building chemistry with new teammate Jaylen Waddle and is excited about the team's potential. New play-caller Davis Webb is also helping Nix feel confident and prepared.