# NFL 2026 Training Camp and Preseason Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [August 1, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067 "2026-08-01T00:33:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/41 "2026-08-24T18:18:56Z")
Jed York… dude, wtf? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/42 "2026-08-24T18:24:30Z")
This is the same league where Robert Kraft was filmed walking out of an Asian “massage” parlor. Not that its admirable behavior or behavior that should be emulated but the more surprising thing is you’d think wealthy team owners could find a more discrete way to go about such things. At any rate, for those who have not yet seen the story reported: > **[49ers owner Jed York arrested, pleads no contest to misdemeanor charges](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49712639/49ers-owner-jed-york-arrested-pleads-no-contest-misdemeanor-charges)** > > 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanor charges after being arrested in Ohio on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/43 "2026-08-24T19:58:36Z")
> [@garygnu](#): > > Jed York… dude, wtf? Ohio police… wtf? Sure, York was stupid. But really, that’s what the police department wants to spend their time on? ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/44 "2026-08-24T20:11:07Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > But really, that’s what the police department wants to spend their time on? He was arrested by the “Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.” Googling them would indicate they post online ads and arrest Johns as they arrive. Kinda seems like an low-effort way for law enforcement to say, “Look! We’re doing something about crime!” ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/45 "2026-08-24T20:14:16Z")
It’s not just posting an ad, it’s involving the entire legal system. It’s a stupid waste of resources. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/46 "2026-08-24T20:52:06Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Sure, York was stupid. But really, that’s what the police department wants to spend their time on? I’m a Seattle fan and so I’m inclined to point and laugh at 49ers problems and wish for all the misfortune in the world to befall them, but come on. He might have broken the law but for me it’s a big whatever. I don’t care if he wants to sleep with a prostitute. If it’s consensual and the other person isn’t underage I don’t consider it my business. I personally hope the league doesn’t come down on him for it. Compare that to all the crap Deshaun Watson (and others) have done. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/47 "2026-08-24T22:50:35Z")
> **[49ers owner Jed York filed for divorce months before arrest](https://www.49erswebzone.com/news/202627-49ers-divorce-months-before-arrest/)** > > York was fined $1,150 and sentenced to two days in jail after his weekend... Each new detail just makes it funnier to me. It’s just embarrassing. York doesn’t have the greatest perception with 49ers fans, especially after firing Harbaugh. But he’s been viewed more positively since he hired Shanahan and Lynch then promptly disappeared (ie stopped trying to be a front office guy). Now we’ll get trailer park hooker jokes along with substation jokes. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/48 "2026-08-24T23:44:07Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Compare that to all the crap Deshaun Watson (and others) have done. And Deshaun, inexplicably, has been named the starter for the Browns. > **[Deshaun Watson named Browns’ starting quarterback](https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/deshaun-watson-named-browns-starting-quarterback)** > > The Browns will kick off the 2026 season against the Jaguars in Week 1 I watched his game against the Bills. Watson was _dreadful_ > [@](#): > > Watson took over for the Browns in a scoreless third quarter for the team, struggling out of the gate, gaining negative-one yard on three plays before punting on the ensuing possession. The vet then threw an interception under pressure with just over three minutes remaining in the frame that set up the Bills’ third touchdown of the game. > **[Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson's Final Box Score Stats and Highlights from...](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25481393-shedeur-sanders-deshaun-watsons-final-box-score-stats-and-highlights-browns-vs-bills)** > > Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns struggled against Kyle Allen and the Buffalo Bills in preseason action, falling 31-7 as the duo combined for just 109 yards and two interceptions. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/49 "2026-08-24T23:52:16Z")
It’s not that inexplicable. At best, Sanders is a development project. It’s not shocking if Watson were actually the best QB on their roster. Sanders really is that raw, if not outright bad. What is inexplicable is the Browns QB situation over the last 30 years. The best QB they have had over that span by far is Baker Mayfield, and they traded him (or were forced to let him walk, if you’d rather) after picking up Watson (!). And that Watson contract has been a millstone around their neck for years. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/50 "2026-08-25T00:03:19Z")
Aren’t they facing off in the next game? I feel its safe to say everyone hates Watson. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/51 "2026-08-25T00:09:44Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > What is inexplicable is the Browns QB situation over the last 30 years. The best QB they have had over that span by far is Baker Mayfield, and they traded him (or were forced to let him walk, if you’d rather) after picking up Watson (!). And that Watson contract has been a millstone around their neck for years. At least they still have Myles Garrett. Hold on, someone is poking me and trying to get my attention. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/52 "2026-08-25T00:24:33Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Aren’t they facing off in the next game? Who? The Bills? That was the preseason game the Browns just played. For what it’s worth, Sanders had the better performance of the two but also not anything that inspired confidence. Or rather, should inspire mild panic. It’s going to be a long season for that whole team and possibly city. At least the Guardians are…welp, there’s always basketball season > [@Atamasama](#): > > At least they still have Myles Garrett. Just keep telling yourself you just won a Super Bowl and that facing him twice this season (along with the rest of that team) is just a bad dream ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/53 "2026-08-25T00:27:57Z")
That trading Garrett is actually one of the few sensible things the Browns have done in the last decade or so. The Browns will be awful this year with or without Garrett and even in 2027 and 2028 the Watson Cap hit will mean they are very unlikely to be competitive, by that time Garrett will be looking at retirement. Getting Verse and three draft picks puts them in a better place to turn things around from 2029 once the millstone that is the Watson contract has gone away. Not saying they will be competitive they will probably do something stupid to make sure they can’t be competitive. Maybe offer Watson a big money extension!!! ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/54 "2026-08-25T00:31:38Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > Just keep telling yourself you just won a Super Bowl and that facing him twice this season (along with the rest of that team) is just a bad dream I’m going to say he will ruin the team’s cohesiveness and just be a disruption as I rock in the corner hugging myself for comfort. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/55 "2026-08-25T00:50:30Z")
contract/money plays ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/56 "2026-08-25T00:53:07Z")
I thought there was a game soon where Watson faces Mayfield? ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/57 "2026-08-25T01:01:23Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I thought there was a game soon where Watson faces Mayfield The Bucs and the Browns play September 20th (week 2) ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/58 "2026-08-25T01:12:31Z")
Ah, Mayfield. Unclear from the post who was supposed to be facing who. He’s got his own contract dispute going in Tampa. He’s playing out the last year of his current contract and turned down a 2 year $100 million dollar deal. Given how last season played out, the offer was understandable but he also wants to be paid like a top QB. So, he’s gambling he won’t have any health issues like last season that caused his play to fade down the stretch ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/59 "2026-08-25T14:44:55Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I feel its safe to say everyone hates Watson. This is the part that is mind-boggling to me. How can an organization have so little respect for their own fans? The fans will buy a rebuild. The know the team isn’t going to compete this year - hell, they just traded away the best defense player in the league (and one of the very best in NFL history). But to do all of that and also play a known abuser, who the fan base hates, and is not obviously superior to other QBs that are already on the roster… I can’t even imagine remaining a fan of that franchise. And then to justify it with “the fans want to win”. Well no shit, but the Browns obviously aren’t going to win. So why not at least listen to the fans and avoid playing the QB they all hate? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2026, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067/60 "2026-08-25T15:05:51Z")
Partly it comes down to new head coach and inept ownership. For what it’s worth, previous coaches have started him because, as above, the Browns just don’t know how to do QBs and he was arguably the best of a bad bunch. They also got lucky because he’s been injured so much and couldn’t be played. Maybe he’ll go down in his first game, and it won’t matter anymore. I guess it must be a slow sports news day, because previous coaches’ decision to start him, while deeply unpopular, didn’t cause as much of a stir. Maybe people see something in Sanders that I just don’t. But his contract only runs through this season, and I rate his chances at playing anywhere next season as worse than a snowball’s chances in hell. The Browns, of course, will still have to deal with 2 more years of cap hits because of his contract. They can’t seem to stop shooting themselves in the foot. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-training-camp-and-preseason-thread/1032067.md?page=4)