By R.L. Bynum
There will be 31 Tar Heels at NFL training camps that open in the coming days, including nine projected starters, several players who have changed teams and four rookies.
Some will report this week, and all will be in camps by Tuesday. Here’s a rundown of the former UNC players in camps, with some secure in their spots and others fighting to make rosters. See the full list below the story, but here’s a rundown:
The projected starters
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Maye enters his third season as the unquestioned starter after a run to the Super Bowl, where he finished as the AP MVP runner-up behind the Rams’ Matthew Stafford.
Maye threw for 4,494 yards with 31 touchdowns against 8 interceptions last season. Heading into camp, Maye is looking past the offseason noise around Coach Mike Vrabel and toward a Week 1 rematch with Seattle.
“I think it’s a chance for us to get some extra motivation during training camp,” Maye said in May. “You know, starting off with the bang like that, a chance to get an opponent that left a bad taste in our mouth.”
He’s standing behind his coach through his turbulent offseason, calling Vrabel “a great human being,” and adding, “I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. II love playing for him.”
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
The 2025 first-round pick is stepping into the lead role after a rookie season cut short by an ankle fracture, in which he still ran for 545 yards and four touchdowns in nine games.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has made clear he expects a breakout.
“Man of few words,” Harbaugh said of Hampton. “He’s got places to be, people to see, things to do. I respect it. But when I do have a conversation with him, I see a smile, and when I watch the tape, I smile.”
First-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who built Miami’s run game the last four seasons, is expected to lean on Hampton early and often.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Williams parlayed a career year, 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry, into a three-year, $24 million extension.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer has become one of his biggest backers, calling him the team’s “bell cow” last season.
“He is very mature. He’s very smart,” offensive coordinator Klayton Adams told The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov in June. “I’m really into guys who are great teammates, and that dude is a great teammate.”
For his part, Williams isn’t dwelling on the new contract.
“Just to build on last year,” he said of his 2026 goals, “try to be a better version of myself than I was last year, stay healthy throughout the whole season, and just win games.”
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
With Michael Pittman Jr. gone to Pittsburgh, Downs moves up the depth chart into a larger role in his fourth season. He’s already established himself as former Duke quarterback Daniel Jones’ preferred target under pressure, ranking third in the NFL in that category last season according to Pro Football Focus.
Downs has praised Jones’ recovery from a broken leg and torn Achilles.
“DJ’s a savage, I’ll say that,” Downs said in May. “He’s a guy who has played with a broken leg and tore his Achilles, sadly. He’s been in there countless hours working this offseason; he’s been in there every day. First one in, last one out type of guy; he’s doing what he needs to do.”
General manager Chris Ballard has compared Downs’ instincts to Colts legend T.Y. Hilton.
“There’s some T.Y. in there,” Ballard said. “Instinctively, there’s some T.Y.”
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Gray heads into his third season with a firm hold on a starting inside linebacker spot after finishing fifth in the NFL in total tackles (94 tackles, 65 assists) as a first-time starter in 2025.
He’s making the transition from Dennard Wilson’s scheme to new head coach Robert Saleh’s defense, and former Titans general manager Ran Carthon, who drafted Gray in 2023, said the move suits him.
“For Cedric Gray, it’s about, again, now you have to reset and put yourself, you know, he’s only known Dennard’s way, and now he’s going to come in and learn Saleh’s way, learn what Saleh wants to do, which I think will help him,” Carthon said.
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Hollins returns as a starter for a second season in Foxborough after playing 68% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps in 2025, more than any other receiver on the roster, before a lacerated spleen sidelined him for the final two regular-season games.
Coach Mike Vrabel, during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl, has praised both his production and his presence in the locker room.
“He has an energy to him,” Vrabel said. “I’ve always appreciated his willingness to learn what we’re doing but also be a leader for some of the younger guys.” Vrabel added in December, “Mack brings a great spirit to work every day. He’s a great teammate.”
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Hughes enters his ninth NFL season and third with the Falcons as the starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell, a role he’s held since signing a three-year, $18 million deal in 2025. That happened after doctors once told him he’d never play again following a broken vertebra in his neck.
British Brooks, Houston Texans fullback
Brooks moves into a first-string role in his third NFL season after totaling 17 carries for 787 yards (20 longest) and 10 special-teams tackles and assists combined in 2025.
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Walker is projected to take over as the starting right wide receiver entering his third NFL season, after totaling six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns in a limited 2025 role.
Players changing teams
Nine former Tar Heels changed teams this offseason, either by trade or free agency.
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
After not playing a down for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Howell signed a one-year deal in March after earlier stops in Seattle and Minnesota, joining a room that already includes Dak Prescott, Joe Milton and Will Grier.
“It’s been great, getting in the building and getting to know everybody,” Howell told DallasCowboys.com in March. “Dallas was my team growing up, so it’s a dream come true to be here and to be a Dallas Cowboy.”
He’s also spoken about learning behind Prescott.
“I have a lot of respect for Dak,” Howell said. “He’s been a tremendous player in this league. He’s someone I have a lot of respect for.”
Mitchell Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Trubisky left Pittsburgh to reunite with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, whom he played for in Buffalo in 2021, and to serve as a mentor to Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
“My job is to come out here and work,” Trubisky said in June. “I know it is a mentor-type role, me being in Year 10 and Cam being in Year 2. My job here is to help Cam as much as possible to be the best player he can possibly be.”
Trubisky called the decision to leave Buffalo difficult but worthwhile.
“It was a tough decision, but in the end I felt like it was right for me and my family just to take this opportunity to come and really reunite with Dabes and Shea,” he said, referring to Daboll and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Brown returns to Washington, where he played his first three seasons, after one season in Jacksonville, having caught 23 passes for 220 yards in 2025.
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Carter arrives after a season with Arizona in which he rushed for 331 yards and added 267 receiving yards.
Ty Chandler, New Orleans Saints running back
Chandler hopes for more chances with the Saints after limited action in Minnesota last season, and figures into New Orleans’ return game as well as its backfield.
Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman
Heck moves into a second-string right tackle role after a season with Tampa Bay that saw him play primarily on special teams.
Amari Gainer, New England Patriots linebacker
Gainer joins Maye, Hollins and the Patriots after a season with Las Vegas, entering camp as a fourth-string inside linebacker.
Tomon Fox, Los Angeles Rams linebacker
Fox signed with the Rams after a season with the Giants in which he recorded five tackles in nine games.
Jahvaree Ritzie, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle
Ritzie hopes to get more of a chance in Minnesota after spending last season on New England’s practice squad.
The rookies
Four former Tar Heels are entering their rookie NFL seasons this summer.
Marcus Allen, Minnesota Vikings cornerback
Allen is in camp as the third-string right cornerback after a senior season at UNC in which he recorded 29 tackles, seven assists, two tackles for loss, half a sack, and eight passes defended in 12 games.
Austin Blaske, Los Angeles Rams center
Blaske enters as the third-string center after appearing in nine games during his final season with the Tar Heels.
Thaddeus Dixon, New York Giants cornerback
Dixon’s rookie season is already over before it started. He suffered a torn Achilles during rookie minicamp in May and is on season-ending injured reserve. At UNC in 2025, he posted 13 tackles, six assists, two tackles for loss, and six passes defended in seven games.
Smith Vilbert, Minnesota Vikings defensive end
Vilbert joins Allen in Minnesota’s camp as the third-string defensive end after collecting 11 tackles, 11 assists, six tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games at UNC.
Other Tar Heels
Rounding out the Tar Heels in camp: Alijah Huzzie (Houston, second-string nickelback), Joshua Ezeudu (New York Giants, offensive tackle), Willie Lampkin (Philadelphia, guard/center), Bryson Nesbit (Minnesota, tight end), Asim Richards (New Orleans, second-string left tackle), Kaimon Rucker (Baltimore, linebacker), M.J. Stewart (Houston, safety) and Chazz Surratt (Seattle, linebacker).
All of the teams with UNC players play their first preseason games the weekend of Aug. 13–15.
Tar Heels in NFL camps
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string right wide receiver
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts, 9 catches, 94 yards (48 longest); 48.7 offensive grade, 51.2 pass grade, 60.8 run-block grade, 62.9 special-teams grade
Week 6 — 49ers 23, Commanders 17 (road on Monday) | didn’t start: 1 catch on 1 target, 6 yards; 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 33 offensive snaps (49%), 13 special-teams snaps (13%); 50.9 offensive grade, 51.2 pass grade, 60.8 run-block grade, 62.9 special-teams grade; 2.1 fantasy points
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 8:30 Sunday vs. Philadelphia, NBC
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Age 27 | 5–8, 201 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string running back
Season statistics — 1 game, 3 special-teams snaps
Week 6 — Titans 20, Colts 7 (road) | 3 special-teams snaps (11%)
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 25 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts, 24 catches, 289 yards (42 longest); 1 carry, 7 yards; 72.0 offensive grade, 71.5 pass grade, 63.1 run grade, 58.4 run-block grade
Week 6 — Titans 20, Colts 7 (home) | started: 4 catches on 8 targets, (23 longest), 40 yards; 1 rush, 7 yards; 71 offensive snaps (86%); 57.3 offense grade, 55.7 pass grade, 63.1 run grade, 58.4 run-block grade; 8.7 fantasy points
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Minnesota, CBS
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Jacksonville, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 5 games, 34 offensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps; 66.2 offensive grade, 68.6 pass-blocking grade, 59.4 run-blocking grade; 61.1 special-teams grade
Week 6 — Chiefs 22, Chargers 6 (home) | didn’t start; 30 offensive snaps (49%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%); 64.0 offensive grade, 68.6 pass-block grade, 59.4 run-block grade; 60.3 special-teams grade
Week 7 — 8:20 Sunday at Seattle, NBC
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Denver, CBS
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 5 games, 2 starts, 15 tackles, 14 assists, ½ sack; 68.2 defensive grade, 71.6 run grade, 58.7 pass-rush grade, 65.3 pass coverage grade
Week 6 — Titans 20, Colts 7 (road) | didn’t start: 2 tackles, 3 assists; 2 special-teams tackles; 38 defensive snaps (46%), 18 special-teams snaps (64%); season-high 71.6 defensive grade, 71.6 run defense grade, 79.2 tackle grade, season-high 58.7 pass-rush grade, 65.4 pass coverage grade; 5.5 fantasy points
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 23 | 6–0, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts, 80 carries, 289 yards, 3.6 average, 3 touchdowns; 9 catches, 56 yards (18 longest); 2 fumbles (2 lost); 62.2 offensive grade, 65.2 pass game grade, 80.5 pass-block grade, 60.9 run grade
Week 6 — Chiefs 22, Chargers 6 (road) | started: 7 carries, 18 yards (4 longest); 4 catches on 4 targets, 21 yards (15 longest); 34 offensive snaps (50%); 58.6 offensive grade, 65.9 pass grade, season-high 80.4 pass-block grade, 53.1 run grade, 60.0 run-block grade; 7.9 fantasy points
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 4:05 Sunday at Los Angeles Rams, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 tackles (all solo), 3 assists; 55.1 special-teams grade
Week 6 — Steelers 26, Bucs 19 (road) | didn’t start: called for illegal blindside block on a kickoff; 23 special-teams snaps (64%); season-low 42.5 special-teams grade
Week 7 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. New Orleans in Saint-Denis, France, NFL Network
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Backup quarterback
2024 season statistics with Seattle (didn’t play last season; hasn’t played this season); didn’t play in 2025 when with Philadelphia — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Week 6 — Packers 23, Cowboys 13 (road) | didn’t play
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday at Philadelphia, ESPN
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Arizona, Fox
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting cornerback
Season statistics — 6 games, 6 starts, 22 tackles, 10 assists, 3 passes defended; 44.6 defensive grade, 89.7 run grade, 41.8 tackle grade, 41.5 coverage grade
Week 6 — Bears 31, Falcons 23 (home) | started: 5 tackles (1 for a loss), 2 assists; 77 defensive snaps (100%), 6 special-teams snaps (21%); 49.1 defensive grade, 75.7 run grade, 41.8 tackle grade, 41.5 coverage grade; 6.0 fantasy points
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. San Francisco, Fox
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Reserve
Week 6 (season debut) — Texans 34, Jaguars 31 (in London) | 13 special-teams snaps (45%); 46.1 special-teams grade
Week 7 — Open date
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Indianapolis, CBS
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles guard/center
Age 24 | 5–11, 290 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts; 128 offensive snaps, 19 special-teams snaps; 54.2 offensive grade, 44.8 pass-blocking grade, 63.9 run-blocking grade
Week 6 — Panthers 25, Eagles 14 (home) | started: 64 offensive snaps (100%); season-high 66.4 offensive grade, season-high 66.9 pass-block grade; season-high 63.9 run-block grade
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday vs. Dallas, ESPN
Week 8 — 8:20 Sunday at Washington, NBC
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
Season statistics — 7 games, 7 starts, 141 of 214, 1,784 yards (8.3 average), 13 touchdowns, 78interceptions, 13 sacks (59 yards in losses), 96.4 passer rating; 38 carries, 211 yards, 5.6 average, 2 touchdowns; 5 fumbles (2 lost); 79.7 offensive grade, 77.5 pass grade, 63.4 run grade, 60.0 run-block rating
Week 7 — Bears 30, Patriots 24 (road on Thursday) | started: 24 of 31, 321 yards, 2 sacks (11 yards in losses), 2 TDs (48-yard pass to R. Stevenson as first half ended; 30-yard pass to E. Raridon, 3:46, third quarter), 1 interception, 117.8 passer rating; 4 carries, team-high 26 yards (15 longest), 1 TD (7-yard run,11:33, second quarter); 54 offensive snaps (100%); 74.8 offensive rating, 73.5 passer rating, 63.4 run rating, 60.0 run-block rating; 28.44 fantasy points
Week 8 — 4:25 Sunday at Miami, CBS
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 307 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 6 games, 260 offensive snaps, 16 special-teams snaps; 51.0 offensive grade, 47.2 pass-blocking grade, 59.2 run-blocking grade; 61.4 special-teams grade
Week 6 — Saints 34, Giants 17 (road) | started: called for holding twice; 70 offensive snaps (97%); season-low 47.4 offensive grade, 43.6 pass-blocking grade, 47.3 run-blocking grade; season-high 60.5 special-teams grade
Week 7 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. Pittsburgh in Saint-Denis, France, NFL Network
Week 8 — Open date
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 29 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 3 games, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist; 52.6 special-teams grade
Week 6 — Broncos 17, Seahawks 14 (road on Thursday) | not active for game (calf injury)
Week 7 — 8:20 Sunday vs. Kansas City, NBC
Week 8 — 8:15 Monday vs. Chicago, ESPN
Mitch Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Cam Ward
2025 statistics with Buffalo (hasn’t played this season) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Week 6 — Titans 20, Colts 7 (road) | didn’t play
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cincinnati, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 5 games, 2 starts, 4 catches, 75 yards (47 longest), 1 touchdown; 54.3 offensive grade, 51.7 pass grade, 52.9 run-block grade, 61.9 special-teams grade
Week 6 — Browns 13, Ravens 10 (road) | started: 0 catches on 2 targets; 37 offensive snaps (65%), 6 special-teams snaps (21%); season-low 47.1 offensive grade, season-low 51.7 pass grade, 52.9 run-block grade, season-high 62.7 special-teams grade
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cincinnati, CBS
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Buffalo, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 6 games, 6 starts, 85 carries, 317 yards (3.7 average), 7 touchdowns; 19 catches, 103 yards (17 longest), 5.4 average, 1 touchdown; 1 fumble (recovered); 69.8 offensive grade, 81.9 pass rating, 58.4 pass-block rating, 70.2 run grade
Week 6 — Packers 23, Cowboys 13 (road) | started: 11 carries, 41 yards (8 longest), 1 touchdown (1-yard run, 9:19, 3rd quarter); 2 catches on 2 targets, 9 yards (9 longest); 57 offensive snaps (73%); 67.7 offensive grade, season-low 63.4 pass grade, 54.6 pass-block grade, 70.2 run grade; 13.0 fantasy points
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday at Philadelphia, ESPN
Week 8 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Arizona, Fox
On season-ending injured reserve
— New Orleans running back Ty Chandler; suffered a knee injury in the second preseason game; ran for 45 yards in two preseason games
On injured reserve
— Houston running back British Brooks (hamstring injury)
— New York Giants rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (torn Achilles)
— New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf injury)
On PUP list
— Houston safety M.J. Stewart (torn quad), who didn’t play during the preseason; estimated return Oct. 11
On practice squads
— Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blaske; played every offensive snap of all three preseason games
— Minnesota defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie; had four tackles and three assists in 77 total preseason snaps
— Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker; had 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack (6 yards), 2 tackles for losses and 1 quarterback hit in their 41–3 preseason win Friday
Waived
— Cornerback Marcus Allen (with injury settlement) by Minnesota; had 2 tackles, 1 assist in 45 preseason snaps
— Cornerback Storm Duck by Miami
— Linebacker Power Echols by Seattle
— Linebacker Tomon Fox by Los Angeles Rams; had 28 tackles and 13 special-teams tackles in two preseason games
— Linebacker Amari Gainer by New England; had 4 tackles and two assists in three preseason games
— Offensive lineman Charlie Heck by the Miami Dolphins
— Defensive end Smith Vilbert by Minnesota; had one tackle in 47 preseason snaps
Waived with injury designation
— Tight end Bryson Nesbit by Minnesota after collecting 3 catches for 29 yards in two preseason games; had been listed as fifth string
Photo via @patriots
