Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Tua Tagovailoa Shines at Falcons Minicamp as Atlanta’s QB Race Takes Shape
Tua Tagovailoa gave Atlanta Falcons coaches reason for optimism on Wednesday, turning in what ESPN described as arguably his best practice of the spring during the team’s mandatory minicamp. The former Miami Dolphins quarterback, released by the Dolphins in March after a midseason benching last season, went 3-for-3 with a touchdown pass over the middle to running back Bijan Robinson in an 11-on-11 red zone session. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has said he intends to be “very intentional” in distributing reps between Tagovailoa and incumbent starter Michael Penix Jr., who is still recovering from left ACL surgery and remains unavailable for 11-on-11 work. Atlanta’s mandatory minicamp concludes Thursday, June 18.
Sources: ESPN
James Pearce Jr. Returns to Falcons Under Terms of Pretrial Intervention Program
Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. returned to the team’s Flowery Branch facility this week for his physical and limited participation in mandatory minicamp, four months after his February arrest. Pearce was charged with three felonies including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, plus a misdemeanor stalking charge stemming from a dispute with former girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He entered a pretrial intervention program; charges will be dropped if he stays out of trouble for one year, passes drug tests, and complies with a mental health program. Pearce did individual drills but no team periods.
Sources: ESPN
Bo Nix Advances to 7-on-7 Drills at Broncos Minicamp in Ankle Recovery Milestone
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix took a significant step forward on Day 2 of the team’s mandatory minicamp Wednesday, participating in 7-on-7 drills after being limited to individual work on opening day. Nix fractured his ankle on the third-to-last play of the Broncos’ playoff win over the Buffalo Bills in January and underwent surgery shortly afterward. A second procedure in April addressed bone spurs that continued causing discomfort after the initial repair. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed Nix is on track to be fully cleared before training camp in late July. Nix told reporters Wednesday he could be full go right now if the team wanted him to be.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
Caleb Williams Delivers Play of the Day in Chicago Bears’ Final Minicamp Practice
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams produced the play of the day at the team’s final mandatory minicamp practice Thursday, connecting with wide receiver Luther Burden on a deep ball that traveled more than 40 yards downfield. The practice, the third and final of the Bears’ mandatory camp, was notably lighter in intensity than the first two days, giving coaches and personnel a last look at players competing for roster spots. Kicker Cairo Santos also drew attention, converting field goals from 58 and 60 yards while finishing 6-for-6 overall despite a crosswind. Chicago will begin a scheduled break before reconvening for training camp.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
Wan’Dale Robinson Steals Show at Titans Minicamp Day 2 Alongside Cam Ward
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was the standout performer at Tennessee Titans minicamp on Wednesday, recording a team-high eight catches during Day 2 of the mandatory camp, with all eight passes thrown by quarterback Cam Ward. Robinson led all receivers as the Titans’ offense moved through 7-on-7 and team periods at the Nashville facility. The Day 2 session also featured strong performances from wide receivers and pass rushers across the roster, per observers on the ground. The strong showing from the receiving corps gives Tennessee’s offense an encouraging early look as the team prepares for the 2026 regular season beginning in September.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
Jacksonville’s Ross Matiscik Signs Extension, Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Long Snapper
Jacksonville Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik agreed to a two-year extension worth $3.8 million in new money, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history, according to the NFL’s Wednesday transactions roundup. Matiscik has served as Jacksonville’s primary long snapper and earned the new deal through consistent special-teams performance. The contract sets a new market benchmark for the position, which rarely receives this level of financial recognition. The extension reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to maintaining stability across all three phases of the game as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
Sources: NFL.com
Justin Herbert Overhauls Throwing Mechanics at Chargers Minicamp in Year 7
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is undertaking a deliberate mechanics overhaul this offseason, with the team’s mandatory minicamp serving as the first significant on-field evaluation of the changes. Herbert has spent one designated day per week this spring without throwing in order to allow his body to internalize the new throwing technique, coaches confirmed. Chargers coaches said minicamp represented the first true test of how comfortable Herbert is with the adjusted mechanics under competitive conditions. Entering his seventh NFL season, Herbert is in the final stages of an offseason program designed to sharpen his fundamentals before training camp begins in July.
Sources: ESPN
Four-Time Pro Bowler Penei Sewell Embraces Left Tackle Challenge Heading Into Year 6
Detroit Lions All-Pro offensive lineman Penei Sewell is taking on a new challenge heading into his sixth NFL season, shifting from right tackle to left tackle, the position traditionally considered the most demanding on the offensive line. The four-time Pro Bowler built his reputation excelling at right tackle before Detroit moved him to the blindside this offseason. Sewell participated in minicamp this week as the Lions wrapped their offseason program, with the team described by observers as being in season form. The transition requires Sewell to protect the quarterback from his non-dominant side, a meaningful adjustment even for one of the league’s elite offensive linemen.
Sources: ESPN
AFC Divisions (2025 Final)
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — Div. Champions
2. Buffalo Bills — Wild Card
3. Miami Dolphins
4. New York Jets
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — Div. Champions
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — Wild Card
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Tennessee Titans
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0 (No. 1 Seed)
2. Los Angeles Chargers — Wild Card
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Las Vegas Raiders
NFC Divisions (2025 Final)
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–5–0
2. Washington Commanders
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. New York Giants
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 12–4–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–6–1 (Wild Card)
3. Detroit Lions
4. Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. New Orleans Saints
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 13–3–0 (SB LX Champs)
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–4–0
3. Los Angeles Rams — 11–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals
Curated by JD · samwise.agency