NFL.com provides highlights and buzz below from Monday's training camps across the league.
Lions fans: Pay that man his money
Alex Anzalone's efforts to get paid haven't prompted action from the Lions, so their fans took it upon themselves to voice their desires at the start of Monday's camp session.
Anzalone returned to practice to fan chants of "pay the man," per NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, who is spending Monday at Lions camp alongside NFL Network's Stacey Dales and Cynthia Frelund for Inside Training Camp.
Anzalone, 31, is entering the final year of his contract, a deal that is scheduled to pay the linebacker a base salary of $6 million but does not include any guaranteed salary. He spoke candidly on the matter last week, telling reporters he's unhappy with his contract and although he is not holding out of training camp, he is seeking a new deal.
With Detroit planning to secure younger key pieces in the years ahead and Anzalone approaching his 31st birthday, he might not fit into the Lions' long-term plans. Still, Anzalone -- who landed on NFL Network analyst Manti Te'o's list of top 10 linebackers last week -- is expected to garner plenty of interest if he reaches the open market, an outcome that Garafolo believes will become a reality after the 2025 season.
-- Nick Shook
Panthers rookie WR's impact on display
Hunter Renfrow's comeback has been the talk of training camp in Carolina, but first-round rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan turned heads on Monday with a tough sideline catch.
-- Around The NFL staff
McCarthy impressing Vikings DC
J.J. McCarthy's progress under center is the unquestioned No. 1 storyline in Vikings training camp, and his play will be dissected all summer as Minnesota looks to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
Count defensive coordinator Brian Flores as a believer in the young QB.
"I think J.J. has done a great job, I really do," Flores told reporters on Monday. "I think he's got real good command of the offense. I think he's throwing the ball really well. I think he's doing a lot of nice things. I've liked watching him improve. That's good for everybody."
There aren't many better ways to get ready for your first live NFL action than battling a Flores-coached defense every day. McCarthy impressing the veteran coach should give fans confidence the offense will be in good hands.
-- Around The NFL staff
Lamar-Hopkins rapport building in Baltimore
Ignore the flag on the play. Pay attention to the budding connection between two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who joined the team this offseason.
-- Around The NFL staff
Saleh has love for rookie D-lineman
Part of the 49ers' transitional offseason included restocking the defensive line, a process that began with their very first pick of April's draft.
The player they chose -- Georgia edge Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall -- is already turning heads in Santa Clara. Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters Monday that Williams "is gonna be a hell of a football player," adding he wasn't interested in putting a ceiling on Williams' potential by comparing him to past difference-makers.
Saleh's reaction is a very encouraging sign of what could be ahead for San Francisco's pass-rushing unit, a group that finished 24th in the NFL in total sacks last season and could use a running mate for five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa. It's what the 49ers had in mind when they drafted Williams, a two-time second-team All-SEC selection in college. So far, he's making them happy with their investment.
-- Nick Shook
Shedeur connects with fellow rookie on pretty TD
Kenny Pickett's hamstring injury means more practice reps for the other three QBs in Cleveland. During Monday's session, fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders -- fresh off Saturday's strong showing -- deftly navigated the pocket to find WR Gage Larvadain in the end zone.
-- Around The NFL staff
