NFL Training Camps Open With Big Names Still Unsigned

Key Takeaways

• NFL training camps are opening on a rolling basis across the league, but there continues to be surprising amounts of proven talent to be had in free agency.
• Stefon Diggs – coming off a Super Bowl appearance with New England, where he posted 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 – is among the high-profile free agents still unsigned.
• Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill is trying to move on from a season-ending knee injury, while five-time All-Pro Bobby Wagner and perennial Pro Bowler Joey Bosa also remain unsigned, despite dominating the league in 2025.
• Lastly, the 49ers are the NFL’s leaders in cap space at $71.2 million, followed by the Titans ($53 million), meaning they can be a target destination for most players still unsigned as training camps open.

Camps Are Opening – But Free Agency Isn’t Over

Training camps are opening up throughout the league on a staggered schedule, beginning with the Cardinals, Panthers, and the rest to follow in the coming days or weeks. The Seahawks, for instance, had their rookies arrive on Friday with veterans to follow later this week, and the pattern repeats itself across the league through late July. Training camps often see a boost in business as teams begin to identify needs based on their practice squads and rosters. Players who were unsigned following the start of free agency in March also have another opportunity to find a new team, which is what’s happening in 2026.

The Biggest Name Still Unsigned: Stefon Diggs

As NFL training camps open, one player who has yet to sign elsewhere is Stefon Diggs, who was released by the Patriots to create cap space. The four-time Pro Bowler recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, but Diggs’ production decreased, and his cap hit was set to rise to $26.5 million. In addition, Diggs faced some off-field problems, as his live-in chef accused him of felony strangulation and assault, but he was found not guilty in May, and the NFL did not find any conduct violations. It remains to be seen whether a team signs him before the start of the season.

Tyreek Hill’s Uncertain Recovery

If teams are looking to add a dynamic receiver, arguably no free agent has more upside than Tyreek Hill. That being said, Hill has been limited this season due to a season-ending knee injury. Hill spoke about his rehabilitation in a video posted this week that showed him running for the first time since the injury. “I have no power in my left leg at all, so I’m trying to regain all the power back in my left leg,” he said. That means any team interested in Hill will most likely have to wait until he’s healthy again to see if he can get enough production out of his injured leg to be viable in the offence.

Available Veterans on Defense

As NFL training camps open, a few proven defensive leaders are notably absent from their teams’ rosters. Bobby Wagner, 36, is one of the league’s best linebackers, not to mention one of its underrated defenders. He recorded a second-team All-Pro season by tallying 162 tackles for Washington in 2025 before being released. Meanwhile, Joey Bosa is also unsigned after registering five sacks and five forced fumbles with the Bills on a one-year, $12.6 million deal. As training camps open around the league, both former stars remain free agents, unable to participate as their teams begin preparing for the upcoming season.

Why So Much Talent Remains Available

There is no doubt that lots of talent goes unsigned during the course of the NFL training camps. It may be an injury because players such as Hill do not get to experience all the reps they need during their off seasons. Another factor could be money since players such as Diggs demand to be paid top-dollar. The last factor is the roster, most depth charts are already final before the NFL training camps begin, and budget constraints usually play a role in the decision, especially with the salary cap. The 49ers ($71.2 million), Titans ($53 million), and Commanders have the budget to add veteran players for the duration of the NFL training camps.

Team-Specific Situations to Watch

A few team specific notes as well. The Raiders have been relatively quiet in the off season, with only a couple of their released or franchised players landing on a new team. Dylan Parham signed with the Jets to their practice squad, Kenny Pickett was unsigned by the Panthers, and Lonnie Johnson (first round pick) was released from his contract. Meanwhile in Cincinnati Bengals, DJ Turner II is waiting for a contract offer and is likely to get a franchise tag this season.

What Typically Happens Once Camp Starts

NFL camps tend to uncover which players are required for depth at specific positions. As teams begin to battle for roles and practice, the front office can determine the players needed to fill their ranks. This is often when front offices begin contacting free agents, and it tends to happen repeatedly throughout the summer. Players who were previously forgotten in July can find themselves with a new team by the start of the regular season. This usually occurs when teams have had enough time to test their depth charts and identify any potential shortfalls.

What Comes Next

As these camps begin to open on a weekly basis throughout the coming weeks, expect a number of free agents to begin finding new teams with their needs identified. Diggs and Hill will be two of the most sought-after players if they become available, but teams should also consider veteran options like Wagner and Bosa to fill holes on their depth charts. As usual, the 49ers and Titans could be a destination for most players, as they look to utilise their considerable cap space to address areas of need and prepare for the 2026 season. The next few weeks will be crucial for many teams as the preseason schedule begins to challenge them for roster spots.

A Note on Sourcing

This is a continually updating article about NFL teams, training camps, and free agencies. It will keep developing as the league continues to open its camps nationwide and news breaks in the coming days. This post has relied on reporting from Yahoo Sports, Front Office Sports, Newsweek, Bleacher Report, FanSided, ESPN, and CBS Sports, as of July 30, 2026, and it will keep updating as this information becomes available. To follow along with more NFL news and updates, head to Nexus of Nation.