Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Lamar Jackson Skips Ravens OTAs as Contract Standoff Deepens
Lamar Jackson skipped Baltimore Ravens voluntary OTAs as a contract standoff deepens. NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported February extension talks went nowhere and that the Ravens' maximum restructure of Jackson's deal created a $90 million cap hit in 2027 while ceding leverage. Head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson is expected back soon, but La Canfora wrote that any resolution requires $250 million or more fully guaranteed and that Jackson will “most likely be traded prior to 2027” if no deal is reached. ESPN's Adam Schefter said he was “not too worried.” Baltimore's mandatory minicamp begins June 9, the next critical checkpoint in the standoff.
Sources: Yardbarker
Justin Herbert Absent From Chargers OTAs in Possible Contract Push
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has not appeared at either OTA session open to media over the past two weeks, with Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei running first-team drills. Herbert may be seeking a new deal: he earns just $24 million in 2026 after making $56 million and $60 million the prior two seasons. OTAs are voluntary under the CBA, giving him full cover to stay away without penalty. He is expected at mandatory minicamp in June. The Chargers signed tight end David Njoku and drafted wideout Brenen Thompson this offseason — both are building timing with backups instead of their franchise quarterback.
Sources: Boston Globe
Monken Calls Browns QB Interceptions 'Embarrassing' as Watson Shines
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed frustration after Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel each threw interceptions during Wednesday's 7-on-7 OTA session. “We threw interceptions in seven-on-sevens. There's no pass rush. It was embarrassing,” Monken said. By contrast, Deshaun Watson finished 13-for-21 with a touchdown and no turnovers, maintaining an early edge in the competition. Watson, returning from a torn Achilles suffered in October 2024, has impressed coaches with his athleticism and sharpness. Monken plans to name a starter before the September 13 opener. Watson's clean Wednesday session left him as the early front-runner for Cleveland's Week 1 start.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Aaron Rodgers Confirms Final Season, Reports to Steelers OTAs
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers participated in voluntary OTAs this week and confirmed 2026 will be his final NFL season. “Yes. This is it,” the 42-year-old said. Rodgers signed a deal worth up to $25 million to reunite with coach Mike McCarthy, his partner for 13 seasons in Green Bay. He participated in practices — a contrast to last year, when he did not arrive until mandatory minicamp. His retirement tour includes a Week 2 game at New England, a Paris international game, and road finales at Tennessee and Baltimore. It will be Rodgers' 22nd NFL season, encompassing four MVP awards, a Super Bowl ring, and four franchises.
Sources: CBS Sports
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Jailed 30 Days, Undergoes Knee Surgery
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will miss all OTAs and mandatory minicamp while serving a 30-day jail sentence, set for release June 16, after testing positive for marijuana in violation of his probation from a 2024 Dallas street-racing crash. Rice also underwent a right knee clean-up surgery this week to remove debris and inflammation, expected to sideline him roughly two months. Kansas City is now thin at receiver behind Xavier Worthy and could pursue veterans Stefon Diggs or Deebo Samuel. Rice has scored 15 touchdowns in 28 career games but has faced a six-game suspension, injuries, and now a second serious legal setback since his 2023 breakout.
Sources: NFL.com
Jacoby Brissett Skips Cardinals OTAs Over Pay Dispute
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona's projected starter after Kyler Murray's release, is absent from voluntary OTAs amid a contract dispute. The 33-year-old is under contract for just $5.44 million in 2026 — the lowest among veteran starters, well below the $19.5 million Jets starter Geno Smith earns. A league source told the Boston Globe that Arizona offered a modest raise but far below Brissett's reported $20 million ask. The Cardinals rank 29th in cash spending and could easily accommodate a raise. Brissett threw 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season and is being asked to absorb punishment quarterbacking a team that may be competing for the top overall draft pick in 2027.
Sources: Boston Globe
Patrick Mahomes Ahead of Schedule in ACL Recovery, May Practice Next Week
Patrick Mahomes is tracking ahead of schedule recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in December, with the Chiefs reporting he has resumed drop-back drills and is playing golf. Coach Andy Reid said Mahomes could take part in limited work when Kansas City opens its OTA window May 26 through 28 in the non-contact Phase Two environment. The Chiefs' GM called his progress “way ahead of schedule” while stressing they will restrain him when he pushes hard. Mahomes has said his goal is full readiness by Week 1. His mobility status will shape Kansas City's offensive design through summer training camp and the 2026 season opener.
Sources: Boston Globe
MVP Matthew Stafford Signs One-Year $55M Extension With Rams
Reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams agreed to a one-year, $55 million extension this week — rising to $60 million with incentives — keeping the 38-year-old under contract through 2027. Stafford won the MVP after leading the NFL with 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2025. He contemplated retirement before announcing his return at February's award ceremony. The deal is his fourth career extension, removing him from a contract year. The Rams also drafted a Day 3 quarterback this spring, signaling succession planning behind their MVP starter. Los Angeles enters 2026 among the Super Bowl favorites with Stafford locked in and healthy.
Sources: NFL.com
Giants DL Roy Robertson-Harris Tears Achilles at OTAs, Out for 2026
New York Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles during a Thursday OTA workout and will miss the entire 2026 season, a significant blow to a defensive line being rebuilt after the trade of Dexter Lawrence II to Cincinnati in April. Robertson-Harris started 17 games last season with 35 tackles and six quarterback hits before going down at the team's indoor facility. He is the second Giant to suffer a torn Achilles during OTAs this spring — undrafted rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon tore his a week earlier. New head coach John Harbaugh now enters training camp missing two defensive contributors before a single preseason snap.
Sources: NBC Sports
De'Von Achane Signs Dolphins Extension With Market-Rate Structure
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane agreed to a contract extension this week in a deal reflecting modern NFL market realities for running backs. His reported four-year, $68 million figure is actually a five-year arrangement providing $17.4 million across the first two seasons, with remaining value dependent on future terms. Achane was one of Miami's most dynamic weapons in 2025 and is central to the Dolphins' offense entering 2026. The structure gives Achane meaningful security while preserving team flexibility — now standard for skill players below the quarterback tier. Miami is counting on him as a dual rushing-and-receiving threat under new offensive direction this season.
Sources: Boston Globe
Brian Flores Serves Subpoenas to 25 NFL Teams in Discrimination Lawsuit
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores escalated his racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL this week, serving subpoenas to 25 teams and filing more than 1,000 discovery requests seeking hiring records and league-wide communications. Flores filed suit in 2022 against the NFL, Dolphins, Broncos, Giants, and Texans, and has won successive rulings keeping the case in federal court. The escalation came days after the May 15 death of Sherman Lewis, the former coordinator whose repeated rejection for head jobs inspired the Rooney Rule in 2002. Flores went 19-14 in his final two seasons with Miami and built back-to-back top-10 scoring defenses in Minnesota without receiving another head-coaching interview.
Sources: Boston Globe
What's Trending in the NFL
Fernando Mendoza Making His Mark — No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza impressed at Raiders OTAs, with coach Klint Kubiak saying the Indiana quarterback “fixes things from one day to the next.” Kirk Cousins is expected to start Week 1, but Mendoza's rapid progress has the organization already looking ahead.
Sam Darnold's Bargain Contract With Seahawks — Super Bowl-champion Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is set to earn just $27.5 million this season defending the title — a figure that analysts note is among the most team-friendly contracts for any current starter in the league.
Nashville Lands Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 — NFL owners voted unanimously to award Super Bowl LXIV to Nashville for February 2030, to be held at the Titans' new domed stadium. It marks Music City's first Super Bowl and joins Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Las Vegas in the upcoming host rotation.
AFC Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14–0
NFC Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12–0
4. New York Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8–0
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
3. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency