Patriots, Bears, 49ers headline eight teams starting OTAs today: Key storylines

Eight more NFL teams begin their voluntary Organised Team Activities (OTAs) today, ushering in a new chapter as we pass the halfway point of the offseason.

With 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills, it's an opportunity for rookies to get their first taste of going up against seasoned pros, and where fans begin dreaming about what the new season has in store.

We bring you one thing to look for at OTAs from each team, as the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders take to the practice field.

Chicago Bears

The Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson partnership enters Year Two

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This time last year, Johnson was laying the groundwork for a new Bears' offense after taking over as the new head coach in Chicago.

This time around, he's trying to build on last year's success and help Williams continue his rapid ascent up the ladder of the league's top quarterbacks.

With no D.J. Moore in Chicago, it's incumbent on Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland to continue building upon the chemistry they have with Williams.

Detroit Lions

The health of Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph

The Lions skipped their rookie minicamp entirely, so OTAs are literally the first time the rookie class takes the field, with first-round offensive tackle Blake Miller and defensive end Derrick Moore the headliners.

While it's important for the first-year players to cut their teeth, the more pressing concern is a trio of standout veterans who are coming off injuries.

Tight end LaPorta has been nursing a back injury, defensive back Brian Branch is coming off a torn Achilles, and safety Kerby Joseph is working his way back from a knee injury.

Branch's recovery timeline extends into the 2026 season, so he definitely won't be making an appearance at OTAs.

It wouldn't be surprising if Detroit plays it cautiously and eases LaPorta and Joseph into the mix, but if the Lions are to challenge in 2026, they could really do with them both at full speed by the end of August.

Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud has a point to prove

There has been heavy scrutiny surrounding Stroud since his horror show performance in the AFC Divisional game vs. the Patriots.

The early signs are that he's off to a good start, with talk of his physical transformation and a renewed mindset.

Stroud's offensive line was at fault for some of the issues in that January loss to New England, but that unit has been overhauled in free agency.

How that new line performs may dictate the outcome of the Texans' season, and the hard work starts in OTAs.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye's new favourite target is..?

Quarterback Drake Maye entered last year as a promising second-year quarterback and ended up having a stellar season before losing the MVP vote to Matthew Stafford by the narrowest of margins.

New England allowed Maye's top target, Stefon Diggs, to walk in free agency. Former Green Bay receiver Romeo Doubs was brought in to fill the void, signing a pretty hefty four-year, $68 million deal.

Whether the Patriots bring in A.J. Brown after June 1 or not, Doubs should be one of Maye's favourite targets in OTAs and heading into the 2026 season.

New Orleans Saints

Shough's first OTAs as the starter

Tyler Shough walks into OTAs for the first time as the unquestioned quarterback, and after nine starts, Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration and a strong finish to 2025, expectations are high.

But what everyone really wants to see is how Shough gels with a new-look receiving corps bolstered by the arrival of first-round rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

With a series of other new arrivals in Travis Etienne Jr., Noah Fant and Oscar Delp, there will be plenty to watch at the Saints' OTAs.

New York Jets

All eyes on Klubnik in New York

Geno Smith is the starter; that much is not in any doubt. What's not settled is who backs him up, and the Jets are apparently pretty high on fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik after he stood out at rookie minicamp.

Per a recent report, the team is giving Klubnik "a runway" through OTAs and minicamp before deciding whether to add a veteran or perhaps turn their attention to the supplemental draft.

First-round picks Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper will also turn heads as they go against NFL defensive backs for the first time.

San Francisco 49ers

The start of the Mike Evans era

We know Brandon Aiyuk won't be at OTAs. GM John Lynch has made it clear he wants to trade the receiver after the player-team relationship soured last year.

But the 49ers came prepared, inking talented veteran Mike Evans to fill the void as the new 'X' receiver in the Brock Purdy-led offense.

Expect plenty of highlights as the Purdy-to-Evans show gets underway at OTAs.

Other storylines to watch include whether second-round rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling can truly "come in and make an instant impact," as Purdy previously suggested.

Washington Commanders

Daniels' revenge tour begins here

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Jayden Daniels hasn't been seen in a real practice since December 7 last year, when his season ended with his third injury in four months.

He's reportedly healthy now and walking into a completely new offense under new offensive coordinator David Blough.

The early signs are good, according to defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., who said, "He has that look in his eyes that he's ready to take over the league."

If the Commanders are going to bounce back to their 2024 form, they need a healthy and hungry Daniels leading the way, and rookie first-round linebacker Sonny Styles to live up to his incredible potential.