NFL veterans will report to training camp this week as the teams prepare for the 2022 season. Here’s what’s happening in the league leading up to the first preseason game in less than two weeks:

Murray’s New Deal Includes Film Study Addendum

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s recent $230.5 million contract extension would make him the second-highest paid player in the league behind Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers at $46.1 million per season. To help ensure that Murray lives up to his huge contract, the Cards also require that the quarterback meet a minimum of four hours of independent film study per week and hope it can help them have a better showing in this season’s playoffs. 

Although reports are that Murray already studies film on his own, he mentioned in a 2021 interview that watching game film wasn’t at the top of his list of priorities. He was selected to the Pro-Bowl for the second straight season in 2021 after throwing for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns while missing three games with an ankle injury. The Cardinals made the playoffs but were blown out by the Los Angeles Rams in last year’s NFC Wild Card game.

Brown Jr. Not Reporting To Chiefs Training Camp

After failing to sign a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, OT Orlando Brown Jr. decided to skip the start of training camp as he could not reach an agreement with the team before the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. However, Brown cannot be penalized for not attending camp as he has yet to sign the $16.66 million tag.

Brown was disappointed that he didn’t receive a long-term deal from the team and declined their five-year $91 million extension proposal. The team feels they need stability at tackle but are unwilling to pay a top-tier salary to a player that’s not the best in the league at his position. The Chiefs also don’t have many other options without Brown to fill the starter’s job but aren’t looking at figuring out his replacement just yet. 

He was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens during the 2021 offseason and started 16 games for the Chiefs in 2021. Brown was also selected for his third consecutive Pro-Bowl last season.

Steelers Cut Veteran Edmonds Ahead of Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut one of their veteran players just hours before training camp opened. Running back and special teams leader Trey Edmonds was released after spending four seasons with the franchise. He has been waived or released by the team five times and was the final cut they made in 2021 to reach their 53-man roster requirement. Pittsburgh re-signed him to their practice squad the next day.

The move opens up a spot for another running back on the depth chart before teams must make the first cuts to their current 90-man rosters on August 16. Pittsburgh currently has five running backs on the roster competing for positions and is led by Najee Harris, who set Steelers rookie records last season for rushing and all-purpose yards.