NFL minicamp storylines include Tom Brady’s return, Aaron Rodgers’ new receivers

Eleven teams are scheduled to open their mandatory three-day minicamps this week, and 18 more will follow next week. The Miami Dolphins held their camp last week, while the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals aren’t holding minicamp this year.

Teams already have been going through organized team activities, but this marks the first time many veterans will take the field since the end of last season — including Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who retired and unretired in a 40-day span. It also includes some players who joined new teams in a whirlwind of an offseason. Who shows up will also be something to keep an eye on, as a few players could hold out amid ongoing contract negotiations.

What do you need to know about this week’s activities? We asked our NFL Nation reporters to preview this week’s minicamps and tell us the biggest thing they are watching.

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DET | GB | IND | LAR | LV | MIN
NE | NYG | PIT | SF | SEA | TB

It will be interesting to see how quarterback Jared Goff is able to mesh in Year 2 with his offensive weapons. The Lions added former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver D.J. Chark, plus Goff has second-year receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end T.J. Hockenson and dual-threat running back D’Andre Swift as strong options. Detroit’s front office showed its confidence in Goff by passing on a quarterback in the draft despite his 33 total QBR and going 3-13-1 in 2021. Goff will be looking to prove himself early. — Eric Woodyard

How will quarterback Aaron Rodgers connect with his new receivers? Assuming Rodgers shows for the camp — he said previously he planned to — and participates, it will provide the best chance to date for him to work extensively with second-round pick Christian Watson, fourth-rounder Romeo Doubs and seventh-rounder Samori Toure. Gone are Rodgers’ favorite target, Davante Adams, and his…