Samwise NFL Newsletter
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Falcons Lock Up Kyle Pitts with Record-Setting TE Extension
Kyle Pitts won’t be testing the open market. The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year, $54 million extension with their standout tight end just one day before a July 15 deadline, avoiding a messy standoff. The deal includes $36 million guaranteed and carries an $18 million average annual value — the richest three-year contract for a tight end in NFL history. Pitts bounced back in a big way last season, recording 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns while earning Second Team All-Pro honors. At just 26 entering his sixth season, Atlanta clearly views him as a long-term cornerstone.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Packers Sign LB Isaiah McDuffie to One-Year Extension
Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie is staying put. The 2021 sixth-round pick signed a one-year extension worth $8.8 million over two years, with $1 million in play-time incentives, keeping him under contract through 2027. McDuffie earned the deal with a solid 2025 campaign: 92 tackles, an interception, and a sack while starting 12 of 17 games. The agreement comes as the Packers head toward training camp with a strong defensive foundation, and McDuffie has grown into one of the team’s most reliable defenders. Green Bay’s linebacker corps looks locked in entering what could be a pivotal 2026 season.
Daniel Jones Receives Full Clearance from Achilles Recovery
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has received full medical clearance to participate in all football activities, a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered last season. Jones methodically worked his way back, progressing from limited individual drills to 7-on-7 sessions before receiving an all-clear from team medical staff. The quarterback is firmly on track to start the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Indianapolis will be counting on Jones staying healthy in what shapes up as a crucial bounce-back campaign for both player and franchise heading into 2026.
Bills’ Keon Coleman Ready to Make His Mark in a ‘Make-or-Break’ Season
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman enters 2026 facing what he himself calls a “make-or-break” season, and by all accounts he’s doing everything right to ensure it breaks his way. The third-year wideout battled a wrist injury, tardiness issues, and a stretch of healthy scratches in 2025, finishing with just 38 catches for 404 yards and four touchdowns. Coleman has worked extensively with mentor and former Bills receiver Stevie Johnson this offseason, and new head coach Joe Brady called his preparation “outstanding.” With a revamped receiver room that now includes DJ Moore, Coleman will need to prove he belongs when training camp opens in Pittsford later this month.
Will Minnesota’s Top Defensive Draft Picks Earn Starting Spots in 2026?
The Minnesota Vikings selected four defensive players in the top 100 picks of this spring’s draft, but whether any start in Week 1 remains an open question. Defensive end Caleb Banks (18th overall, recovering from a broken left foot) is the frontrunner to earn a starting job if healthy. Third-round picks Domonique Orange and Jakobe Thomas could also push for roles. Coordinator Brian Flores, however, has a well-documented preference for patience: in his three seasons with Minnesota, just one rookie defensive player has earned a starting spot. The loaded class will need to impress a demanding coach before earning meaningful snaps.
Josh Allen Tops ESPN’s 2026 QB Rankings, Unseating Mahomes at No. 1
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has topped ESPN’s annual pre-camp survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts — unseating Patrick Mahomes as the consensus No. 1 quarterback heading into the 2026 season. Allen edged out Mahomes largely on improved consistency after dramatically cutting turnovers in recent years. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford cracked the top three after a stellar Rams season, while New England’s Drake Maye checked in at No. 8 following his Super Bowl run. Chicago’s Caleb Williams debuted at No. 10. Mahomes, recovering from an ACL tear, held on at No. 2 in a ranking of this year’s top ten.
Rams’ Alaric Jackson Won’t Face Felony Charge Following June Arrest
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson will not face a felony charge following his June arrest on a domestic violence allegation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. His case has been referred to the City Attorney for a pre-filing diversion program — an alternative to misdemeanor prosecution. Charges have not been filed, though the case remains open through the statute of limitations. Jackson could still face discipline from the NFL under its personal conduct policy. The Rams signed Jackson to a three-year, $57 million extension in February 2025, making the legal outcome significant for a team that needs their starting left tackle available for 2026.
American League Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. NY 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. LA Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
National League Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. NY 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. LA Rams — 12–5
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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