Samwise NFL Newsletter
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Aaron Donald Unretirement Gaining Steam; Rams Decision Expected Before Camp
A Rams-Aaron Donald reunion is “starting to gain steam,” Bleacher Report’s James Palmer reported Friday night. The two sides have yet to discuss money, but Donald’s decision is expected just days before training camp opens July 25. The 35-year-old recently worked out at the Rams’ facility in pads, impressing observers two years removed from his last snap. Los Angeles has expressed interest while being patient, not actively pursuing him. If Donald returns, a snap-count-limited pass-rushing role is expected — similar to Brandon Graham’s unretirement with the Eagles last year. Adding Donald alongside Myles Garrett would give L.A. one of the most feared defensive fronts in NFL history.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NFL Suspends Cardinals Executive Ryan Gold Indefinitely for Gambling Violation
The NFL indefinitely suspended Arizona Cardinals executive Ryan Gold on Friday for violating the league’s gambling policy. Gold, a front-office official rather than a player or coach, is the latest non-player to face discipline under the NFL’s strict gambling enforcement program. The league did not specify which rules Gold violated, but the indefinite nature of the suspension signals a serious breach. The Cardinals are expected to operate without Gold while the ban stands, and no timeline for reinstatement has been announced. It is the latest reminder that the NFL’s gambling rules extend well beyond the playing field to coaches, scouts, and executive personnel league-wide.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ravens Sign Veteran C Ethan Pocic to 1-Year, $4.5M Deal to Replace Linderbaum
The Baltimore Ravens addressed a pressing offseason need Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran center Ethan Pocic worth up to $4.5 million ($3 million base, $1.5 million in incentives). Pocic, 30, joins Baltimore after four seasons in Cleveland, where he made 57 starts before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear last December. He was medically cleared just two days prior. The Ravens desperately needed a proven starter after Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency, signing a record three-year, $81 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Pocic is expected to start if healthy when training camp opens July 25.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Goodell: Japan Among 10 New Nations NFL Is Eyeing for Regular-Season Games
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Thursday at Fanatics Fest that Japan is among roughly 10 new countries the league is eyeing for regular-season games. The NFL already plays in London and Germany, and Goodell’s comments signal an aggressive global expansion push. Japan has long been a target given its enormous sports fanbase and world-class infrastructure. No specific timeline was announced, but the league appears eager to capitalize on momentum from the upcoming Los Angeles Super Bowl. Formal announcements on new international markets are expected in coming months as the NFL accelerates its move toward truly global competition beyond its current European foothold.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Saints WR Chris Olave Earns Spot on NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave earned a spot on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2026, confirmed Friday in the team’s morning headlines. Olave posted 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first two healthy NFL seasons before a concussion sidelined him for much of 2024. He rebounded in 2025 to reestablish himself as one of the league’s top playmakers. His Top 100 placement — determined by player voting — reflects peer recognition of his elite speed, precise route-running, and big-play ability. A fully healthy 2026 season could cement Olave as a top receiving threat in the NFC for a Saints team targeting playoff contention.
Sources: NewOrleansSaints.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Texans RT Braden Smith Had Neck Surgery This Offseason, Expected Ready for Camp
Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith underwent neck surgery this offseason but is expected to be ready for training camp, per ESPN on Friday. Smith, a reliable starter on Houston’s offensive line, had the procedure to address a condition that affected him during the 2025 season. His recovery trajectory is considered encouraging, with team officials projecting the lineman to be available when the Texans report to camp. Protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud is paramount for Houston heading into a critical 2026 season, and Smith’s anticipated return to full health is a significant development. The Texans’ offensive line continuity will be crucial as the team pursues another AFC South division title.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2025 AFC Final Standings
AFC East
1. Patriots — 14–3 — –
2. Bills — 12–5 — 2.0
3. Dolphins — 7–10 — 7.0
4. Jets — 3–14 — 11.0
AFC North
1. Steelers — 10–7 — –
2. Ravens — 8–9 — 2.0
3. Bengals — 6–11 — 4.0
4. Browns — 5–12 — 5.0
AFC South
1. Jaguars — 13–4 — –
2. Texans — 12–5 — 1.0
3. Colts — 8–9 — 5.0
4. Titans — 3–14 — 10.0
AFC West
1. Broncos — 14–3 — –
2. Chargers — 11–6 — 3.0
3. Chiefs — 6–11 — 8.0
4. Raiders — 3–14 — 11.0
2025 NFC Final Standings
NFC East
1. Eagles — 11–6 — –
2. Cowboys — 7–9–1 — 3.5
3. Commanders — 5–12 — 6.0
4. Giants — 4–13 — 7.0
NFC North
1. Bears — 11–6 — –
2. Packers — 9–7–1 — 1.5
3. Lions — 9–8 — 2.0
4. Vikings — 9–8 — 2.0
NFC South
1. Panthers — 8–9 — –
2. Buccaneers — 8–9 — –
3. Falcons — 8–9 — –
4. Saints — 6–11 — 2.0
NFC West
1. 🏆 Seahawks — 14–3 — –
2. 49ers — 12–5 — 2.0
3. Rams — 12–5 — 2.0
4. Cardinals — 3–14 — 11.0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency