Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Josh Jacobs Released From Custody as DA Declines Immediate Charges
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was released from Wisconsin custody Wednesday after the Brown County District Attorney’s Office declined to formally charge him, saying it was not prepared to make a charging decision. Jacobs, 28, was arrested Tuesday on five charges stemming from a May 23 domestic incident, including felony strangulation and four misdemeanor counts. Through his attorneys, Jacobs vehemently denied the allegations, citing evidence not yet made public. The NFL said it is monitoring the situation in contact with the Packers. Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Wednesday the organization would let the legal process play out before taking any further action.
Sources: NFL.com
Aaron Rodgers Confirms 2026 Will Be His Final NFL Season
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers confirmed Wednesday at organized team activities that the 2026 NFL season will be his last. Asked directly if this was his final year, Rodgers told reporters: “Yes, this is it.” The four-time MVP, 42, signed a one-year deal worth up to $25 million to rejoin Pittsburgh, reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers took first-team reps ahead of backups Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. The announcement marks the start of an extended farewell tour for one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history, who spent 13 seasons in Green Bay with McCarthy before stints in New York.
Sources: CBS Sports
Chargers Lock Up Derwin James as NFL’s Highest-Paid Safety at $75.6M
The Los Angeles Chargers locked up safety Derwin James on Wednesday with a three-year, $75.6 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. The deal includes $57.5 million fully guaranteed and a $25.2 million average annual value. James, a five-time Pro Bowler, was a priority for general manager Joe Hortiz this offseason. The extension removes a significant roster uncertainty for a Chargers defense built around the 29-year-old. The signing was announced during the same week Los Angeles opened organized team activities, reinforcing the team’s commitment to building around James as its defensive centerpiece.
Sources: NFL.com
Patrick Mahomes Returns to Field at Chiefs OTA, Five Months After ACL Surgery
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes participated in drills at the team’s first organized team activity, five months after tearing his ACL and LCL in a December 14 loss to the Chargers. Wearing a hinged knee brace, Mahomes dropped back and threw passes in non-contact work. He underwent surgery December 15 to repair both ligaments. Mahomes told reporters he had been pushing his rehab so aggressively that doctors instructed him to ease off, describing himself as ahead of schedule. The Chiefs expect him to participate in training camp, though the team will manage his workload carefully through the summer months.
Sources: ESPN
Cam Ward Arrives at Titans OTA Healthy and Ten Pounds Lighter
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward arrived at organized team activities fully healthy and about ten pounds lighter than when he ended his rookie season. Ward, the top overall pick in the 2025 draft, sustained an AC joint sprain on a touchdown run in the season finale at Jacksonville, though he did not require surgery. Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Wednesday: “His arm’s perfectly healthy. He’s slinging the ball.” Ward said he deliberately lost weight to improve durability. The Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth pick in April and signed Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency to give Ward additional weapons.
Sources: Fox Sports
Parris Campbell Retires at 28 After Injury-Plagued Seven-Year Career
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Parris Campbell announced his retirement at 28, the team confirmed Wednesday, ending a seven-year NFL career that was repeatedly derailed by injuries. The 2019 second-round pick from Ohio State appeared in 50 games across stints with the Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cowboys, recording 123 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. He won a Super Bowl ring with Philadelphia in the 2024 season. Campbell was placed on the reserve/retired list. His retirement has minimal effect on Dallas’s wide receiver depth chart heading into the 2026 season.
Sources: NFL.com
Cardinals Fielding Trade Calls on Sweat as Brissett Holds Out for Starter Money
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Sweat did not attend organized team activities this week, and head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that the team is fielding trade calls on the two-time Pro Bowler. Insider Kyle Odegard reported Sweat is not particularly happy in Arizona. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett also missed OTAs in a contract dispute, with the team and Brissett reportedly significantly far apart in negotiations for a deal reflecting starter-level pay. Rookie third-round pick Carson Beck could potentially become the Week 1 starter if talks stall. LaFleur told reporters he is not worried about any of the absences, expressing confidence the situations will resolve before training camp.
Sources: SI.com
A.J. Brown Skips Eagles OTAs as Trade Looms; Hurts Gives Heartfelt Response
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was absent from Wednesday’s organized team activities, with the defending Super Bowl champions widely expected to trade him after June 1. NBC Sports Philadelphia reporter Dave Zangaro noted the absence, writing that a trade “seems inevitable after June 1.” Quarterback Jalen Hurts gave what was described as a heartfelt response when asked about the Brown situation, declining to be drawn further. With Brown unavailable, first-round rookie Makai Lemon worked as the No. 2 receiver alongside DeVonta Smith in 11-on-11 drills. The Eagles are installing a new offense under coordinator Sean Mannion, featuring increased under-center snaps and expanded motion packages.
Sources: NBC Sports Philadelphia
AFC Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. New York Jets — 3–14
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4
2. Houston Texans — 12–5
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
NFC Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. New York Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
3. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
3. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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