July in the NFL is about money and mayhem.
Which contract extensions get done? Which don’t … and create bad blood?
Who gets released or traded — and how do those moves reshape contenders?
Whose injury recovery isn’t as promising as originally advertised?
Who lands in hot water off the field?
Here are seven things unsettled as the NFL creeps toward the start of training camps:
1. Are Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield going to sign new contracts?
Jackson’s contract negotiations are historically unpredictable.
The two-time MVP is signed through 2027, and Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is committed to extending him, though it seemed last season that Jackson and the team weren’t always on the same page.
Enter a new coaching staff.
Patrick Mahomes’ new contract pays him a top-of-market $64 million average annual value. Will the Ravens go there for Jackson?
Mayfield set a deadline for the Buccaneers: New deal by the start of training camp or play out the season. He has outperformed his rank as the No. 16-highest paid quarterback ($33.3 million AAV) over the past two seasons and wants to find a “middle ground,” though reports say the sides remain far apart.
2. Is Brandon Aiyuk going to play anywhere this season?
Aiyuk’s four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers is in the conversation for worst-ever contract considering head coach Kyle Shanahan intervened to stop a September 2024 trade to the Steelers because the receiver was coming off a 1,342-yard season. Since then, Aiyuk has played seven games due to a combination of injury and a bitter feud that included the 49ers voiding his guaranteed money.
And yet the more he uses unhinged social-media rants to try to talk his way out of town — and to the Commanders and with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels — the more the 49ers seem to dig their heels in on not releasing him. And the fewer suitors seem eager to add a potential locker-room cancer.
“He’s not doing himself any favors,” one NFL source told The Post.
3. When are Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson going to reset the running-back market?
The 2024 NFL leader in touchdowns from scrimmage (Lions’ Gibbs, 20) and 2025 leader in yards from scrimmage (Falcons’ Robinson, 2,298) are both due extensions.
They waited for the Jets’ Breece Hall (three years, $43.5 million) and Dolphins’ De’Von Achane (four years, $64 million) to get paid this offseason.
Both Gibbs — who is now in the workhorse role for the first time — and Robinson should surpass the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley’s $20.6 million AAV. Are they just waiting on each other?
“Whoever goes second,” a second source said, “will be the new highest-paid back.”
The Falcons already spent to extend tight end Kyle Pitts (three years, $54 million) and receiver Drake London (four years, $141 million).
If either contract doesn’t get done before training camp, could a surprise hold-in be in store?
4. Are the Cardinals going to keep their stars or embrace the tank?
Speaking of hold-ins, the Cardinals are playing with fire at the start of head coach Mike LaFleur’s tenure.
Seeking a raise commensurate with starting quarterbacks, journeyman Jacoby Brissett didn’t practice in minicamp. Does he have leverage, or are the Cardinals ready to roll with Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck considering Brissett was 1-11 as a fill-in starter last season?
Pass-rusher Josh Sweat delivered 12 sacks on the first year of a four-year, $76 million contract, but indications are that he wants to be traded, eyeing a reunion with Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Is former starter James Conner going to be traded to a team light on running backs? He took a pay cut to stick after the additions of Tyler Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love.
5. Where will the top win-now free agents sign?
Stefon Diggs, 32, wears out his welcome fast (three teams in the past three seasons), but his production for the Patriots was undeniable (85 catches for 1,013 yards).
Deebo Samuel, 30, shook off his injury-prone label to contribute 72 catches for 727 yards to the 2025 Commanders.
It would be interesting if they essentially traded places, but don’t count out the Vikings and Chiefs in the receiver market.
Left tackle Taylor Decker, 32, might have miscalculated his demand by asking for his release from the Lions. He could be a stopgap for the Cowboys or Steelers — or do the all-in Rams act fearing that Alaric Jackson could be subject to league discipline for his arrest (no felony charge) on suspicion of domestic battery?
Will the 49ers sign Joey Bosa, 30, to pair him on the defensive line with his brother? Retirement can’t be ruled out.
6. Will Alvin Kamara be traded or released?
The Saints’ all-time leading rusher is a fan favorite and doesn’t want to leave. At least not when the Saints reportedly haven’t yet approached him about a pay cut to lessen his $10.5 million salary-cap charge.
But it could be a win-win to let Kamara, 30, chase a Super Bowl ring elsewhere and let the Saints start fresh with free-agent signing Travis Etienne and three young backups.
7. Will Mahomes, Bo Nix and Daniel Jones be ready for training camp?
Keep an eye on social media. That’s usually where injured players post workout videos to create buzz about their recovery.
The story is the same for quarterbacks of three AFC contenders coming off major injuries: The Chiefs’ Mahomes (torn ACL), Broncos’ Nix (fractured ankle) and Colts’ Jones (torn Achilles) all participated in 7-on-7 during minicamp and all are expected to be ready for training camp.
No need to be pessimistic now, but expectations often change when it’s time for 11-on-11.
