Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Cowboys, Pickens Fail to Agree on Extension; WR Plays 2026 on $27.3M Franchise Tag
The Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver George Pickens failed to agree on a long-term contract before Wednesday’s franchise tag deadline, meaning Pickens will play the 2026 season on the non-exclusive franchise tag worth approximately $27.3 million. The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh last offseason, expecting to eventually lock him up long-term. Both sides negotiated throughout the spring and early summer, but a gap in asking price prevented a deal. Pickens, 25, is coming off a 2025 campaign that solidified his status as a top-tier receiver and will suit up for Dallas under the tag regardless of the contract standoff.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Alvin Kamara Restructures Saints Contract to Return for 10th NFL Season
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a restructured contract to remain with the team for a 10th NFL season, Pro Football Rumors reported Wednesday. Kamara accepted a reduced salary to stay in New Orleans, reworking a deal that could have paid him up to $11.5 million. The 30-year-old has been the face of the Saints franchise since being drafted in 2017, and the move signals his continued commitment to finishing his career in New Orleans. Kamara enters training camp this week as the clear lead back for the Saints, who open the 2026 regular season in early September.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Patrick Mahomes Eyes Week 1 Start vs. Broncos Amid Knee Surgery Recovery
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on track to play in the team’s Week 1 opener against Denver, NFL.com reported Wednesday. Mahomes has been working back from knee surgery sustained during the 2025 season and has been making steady progress throughout rehabilitation. The three-time Super Bowl champion has been cleared for 7-on-7 drills at training camp and is expected to participate in team drills by camp’s end. Mahomes himself has repeatedly cited Week 1 as his recovery target. The Chiefs and Broncos face off in a marquee AFC West clash to open the 2026 regular season.
Will Grier Retires from NFL After Seven Seasons as a Backup Quarterback
The Carolina Panthers placed quarterback Will Grier on the reserve/retired list Wednesday, ending his professional football career after seven seasons. Grier, a third-round pick by the Panthers in 2019, never established himself as a starter at the NFL level, making just two career starts. After stints with Carolina, Dallas, Cincinnati, New England, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, he returned to the Panthers earlier this summer only to call it a career. Grier was widely respected in locker rooms for his preparation and work ethic as a backup, and he is expected to explore a coaching career following his playing days at West Virginia and in the NFL.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Free Agent Center Ethan Pocic Cleared for Training Camp Eight Months After Achilles Tear
Free agent center Ethan Pocic has been cleared to return to football activities approximately eight months after tearing his Achilles tendon, Pro Football Rumors reported Wednesday. Pocic, 30, tore the Achilles last November while playing for the Cleveland Browns and was released following the season. The clearance opens the door for the veteran center to sign with a new team ahead of training camp, which begins for most clubs next week. Pocic was a reliable starter during his time in Cleveland, and the medical clearance makes him a viable option for teams seeking experienced interior offensive line depth heading into the 2026 season.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NFLPA Files Federal Lawsuit Against Saber Interactive Seeking $3M+ in Unpaid Fees
The NFL Players Association filed a federal lawsuit against video game developer Saber Interactive, seeking more than $3 million in damages, NBC Sports reported Wednesday. The NFLPA previously won an arbitration award against Saber stemming from unpaid licensing fees related to the Wild Card Football video game, but Saber paid only approximately $1.44 million of the roughly $3 million-plus owed. The union filed the federal lawsuit to enforce the arbitration ruling and collect the remaining balance plus interest. The case highlights the NFLPA’s ongoing effort to protect player licensing rights across gaming and entertainment platforms beyond traditional broadcast agreements.
Sources: NBC Sports / PFT Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Giants Coach Harbaugh: Nabers ‘Not Far Behind’ Skattebo in Camp Recovery Timeline
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism Wednesday that both running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers are on track to return from their respective 2025 injuries. Harbaugh told The Domonique Foxworth Show that Skattebo — recovering from a dislocated and fractured ankle — is expected to be ready “early on in camp,” while Nabers, coming back from a torn ACL and a second knee surgery, is “not far behind.” Both players could open training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but the Giants expect their top offensive weapons to be available for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
George Kittle Ahead of Schedule After Achilles Tear; Week 1 Australia Return Now in Play
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is ahead of schedule in recovering from a torn Achilles and is now firmly in consideration to play the team’s Week 1 game, Pro Football Rumors reported Wednesday. Kittle tore the Achilles in a wild card playoff loss to the Eagles after also battling a hamstring injury and two torn ankle ligaments during the 2025 season. He is currently running at speeds up to 16 miles per hour with cutting drills incorporated into his training — remarkable progress just six months post-surgery. The 49ers’ season opener in Australia adds an extra dimension to the timeline for the nine-year veteran.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2025 NFL Season — Final Standings
★ AFC No. 1 seed • ◆ Division winner (losing record) • 🏆 Super Bowl LX Champion