NFL training camps are underway, marking the unofficial start of the 2026 season. Journalists Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Ben Solak completed their annual camp tours, visiting 11 teams over the past week: the 49ers, Bengals, Bills, Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Steelers and Seahawks.
The Seahawks' camp in Renton, visited Aug. 7, is generating early optimism around a new offensive system. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury has impressed the defense with his aggressive playcalling, described by safety Julian Love as "dialing it up."
Love pointed to the timely playcalling and pre-snap adjustments from veteran players such as wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Sam Darnold. "We think they have our script, pretty much," Love said, adding that the offense was "on our ass the first few days."
A key element of the new offense involves frequent use of two tight ends. Tight end AJ Barner said the Seahawks will have two tight ends on the field "very, very often." That personnel grouping will support the motions and shifts that were a staple of the San Francisco offense, where Fleury previously coached.
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is lined up for a major role in 2026. Love cited Shaheed's "blinding speed" as a consistent problem for the defense throughout camp. Shaheed, primarily an outside receiver, is also being moved around the formation. Reporters observed him in the backfield during one portion of practice last week.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's heavy workload is expected to continue after he accounted for 36 percent of targets last season.
Fleury's early offseason approach drew praise from head coach Mike Macdonald. Fleury focused on fundamentals and existing stylistic play before fully implementing his scheme. Macdonald said that choice "really resonated with me."
The new offense maintains the "same bones" as last season's system under former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Barner said, but incorporates "a little more variation in the running game."
The running back rotation will feature "two, possibly three guys in a game plan," starting with the preseason, Macdonald told reporters.
Elsewhere, 49ers veterans are reportedly concerned about preseason injuries. The Raiders plan to start Kirk Cousins over Fernando Mendoza at quarterback. The Steelers' defense is drawing attention as a potential top unit in the league.
