Samwise NFL Newsletter
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Falcons Lock Up Kyle Pitts On 3-Year, $54M Extension
The Atlanta Falcons converted Kyle Pitts’ 2026 franchise tag into a three-year, $54 million extension that ties him to the franchise through the 2028 season. The deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed, making Pitts the NFL’s third-highest-paid tight end heading into training camp. Pitts had been franchise-tagged in April after an impressive 2025 campaign that featured five receiving touchdowns — the best single-season TD mark of his career. The extension is part of a broader offensive investment by Atlanta: wide receiver Drake London also signed a four-year, $141.1 million deal earlier in July.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Jaguars To Limit Travis Hunter At Start Of Training Camp
The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to limit two-way star Travis Hunter’s reps at the start of training camp as he continues recovering from the LCL tear that ended his rookie season. While the team expects Hunter to receive medical clearance by the time camp opens, organized team drills will be his first full on-field action since the injury, and the Jaguars are not rushing him back to a full workload. Jacksonville’s priority is having Hunter fully healthy for the regular-season opener rather than any preseason games. The team plans to use him as a full-time cornerback and a part-time receiver in 2026.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Terrion Arnold Works Out For Texans Amid Kidnapping, Armed Robbery Charges
The Detroit Lions released cornerback Terrion Arnold in June after the 23-year-old was arrested on four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery. The charges stem from a Florida incident in which Arnold and associates allegedly abducted and assaulted three men they erroneously believed had robbed them. Despite facing potentially severe prison time, Arnold drew NFL interest this week: he worked out for the Houston Texans on Thursday and took a physical, with three other teams also reportedly pursuing him. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has submitted a character reference letter to the court.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Commanders To Retire John Riggins’ No. 44 In Week 9 Ceremony
The Washington Commanders announced plans to retire running back John Riggins’ No. 44 jersey during their Week 9 home game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 8. Riggins will become only the seventh player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Sean Taylor, Sonny Jurgensen, Darrell Green, and Art Monk. During nine seasons in Washington, Riggins accumulated 7,472 rushing yards and 79 touchdowns. His signature moment came in Super Bowl XVII, when his 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-inches helped erase a 17-13 deficit against Miami — Washington went on to win 27-17, and Riggins earned MVP honors with 166 yards on 38 carries.
Sources: Washington Commanders Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Brissett Posts Workout Photo With Cardinals Teammates Amid Contract Dispute
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett posted a workout photo this week featuring himself alongside teammates Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, signaling his continued preparation despite an unresolved contract dispute. Brissett is seeking more guaranteed money on his existing deal — he is currently owed just $1.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2026, out of a total contract value of up to $5.39 million. He skipped voluntary offseason workouts but appeared at the team’s mandatory minicamp in June, though he did not practice. Brissett is not pushing for additional contract years, only seeking more security on the deal he already has.
Sources: NBC Sports / PFT Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bears Sign Third-Round TE Sam Roush, Complete 2026 Draft Class
The Chicago Bears completed their 2026 draft class signings on Friday, July 10, inking third-round tight end Sam Roush to a four-year, $7.35 million contract. Roush, selected 69th overall, played four seasons at Stanford, making 34 starts and totaling 119 receptions for 1,201 yards and four touchdowns in his collegiate career. He was named a team captain in his final season and earned second-team All-ACC honors after posting a career-best 49 receptions in 2025. Roush’s signing completes Chicago’s full 2026 draft class, with all picks now under contract ahead of training camp opening in late July.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
AFC — 2025 Final Standings
AFC East
★ New England Patriots — 14–3
+ Buffalo Bills — 12–5
Miami Dolphins — 7–10
New York Jets — 3–14
AFC North
★ Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7
Baltimore Ravens — 8–9
Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11
Cleveland Browns — 5–12
AFC South
★ Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4
+ Houston Texans — 12–5
Indianapolis Colts — 8–9
Tennessee Titans — 3–14
AFC West
★ Denver Broncos — 14–3
+ Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6
Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
★ division winner + wild card
NFC — 2025 Final Standings
NFC East
★ Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
Washington Commanders — 5–12
New York Giants — 4–13
NFC North
★ Chicago Bears — 11–6
+ Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
Detroit Lions — 9–8
NFC South
★ Carolina Panthers — 8–9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
New Orleans Saints — 6–11
NFC West
🏆 Seattle Seahawks — 14–3 (Super Bowl LX Champions)
+ Los Angeles Rams — 12–5
+ San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
Source: Pro Football Reference
Curated by JD · samwise.agency