NFL training camps: Some area players signed, others fighting for roster spots

Preseason football kicked off this week and there is no shortage of local talent in NFL training camps. Some local products are battling for spots on 53-man rosters while others are locked in under new contracts. Six former high school stars from the region are putting in the work to turn heads and stick around past final cuts. Here is who is in action this season: Jake Browning, QB, Cincinnati Bengals Browning again is slated to be the backup quarterback after signing a two-year contract with the Bengals in April 2024. The former Folsom gunslinger appeared in three games last season but did not throw a pass. In Thursday night's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Browning completed 6 of 14 passes for 62 yards with an interception. Josiah Deguara, TE, Arizona Cardinals Deguara, a Folsom product, is entering his sixth NFL season. He was drafted by Green Bay in 2020 and spent four seasons with the Packers. Deguara played one game for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season and in March signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals. Deguara has 47 receptions for 436 yards and two touchdowns in 50 career games. Ross Dwelley, TE, San Francisco 49ers Dwelley, an Oak Ridge graduate, is back in the Bay Area after signing a one-year deal in March. Dwelley spent his first six seasons with the 49ers before signing with the Atlanta Falcons last season. Dwelley has impressed in training camp, showing off his hands and making contested catches over defenders. He's listed as the third tight end on the depth chart. Kolton Miller, LT, Las Vegas Raiders After an offseason of questions, Miller inked a three-year, $66 million contract extension to stay in Las Vegas. Miller, a Roseville graduate, has been one of the most dependable players in the NFL, starting 107 of the 109 games he's played since being drafted in the first round in 2018. During contract negotiations, Miller reportedly said he wanted "to be a Raider for life." He's projected to be the starting left tackle through the 2028 season under his current contract. Stone Smartt, TE, New York Jets The Del Oro alum spent the first three years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Jets in March. Multiple reports say he's one of the standouts of camp so far. Last Saturday, Smartt caught two touchdown passes from Tyrod Taylor and has displayed consistent hands. While Smartt is still seeing limited reps, Jets beat writers have noted he's making the most of them and could move up the depth chart. Jonah Williams, RT Arizona Cardinals After missing most of the 2024 season due to a knee injury, Williams is back in camp. He signed with Arizona in March 2024 after spending his first four seasons with the Bengals. While questions circulate about how Williams will bounce back from his injury, he has captured the attention of his coaches. At the start of camp, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said of Williams, "This guy, he is unbelievable. He's in the building as much as anybody."