Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Mayfield Eyes $50M/Year Extension as Buccaneers Camp Deadline Looms
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain far apart on a contract extension, with the quarterback reportedly targeting approximately $50 million per year — a benchmark that would make him one of the highest-paid signal-callers in NFL history. Mayfield, 31, has set a self-imposed deadline of July 28, the date Buccaneers veterans report to training camp. If no deal is reached by then, he has said he will not re-engage on extension talks until after the 2026 season, potentially setting up a blockbuster free agency. Tampa Bay has raised health concerns after Mayfield’s injury-plagued 2025 campaign, complicating negotiations considerably.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ravens GM DeCosta ‘Optimistic’ About Securing Zay Flowers Extension
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence Friday that the team will secure a long-term extension with wide receiver Zay Flowers before the 2026 season. Speaking on 105.7 The Fan, DeCosta said there have been “good conversations” with Flowers’ representatives and called himself “optimistic” a deal will come together. Flowers, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who has emerged as one of Baltimore’s top offensive weapons, currently holds a fifth-year option worth $27.3 million for 2027, but a new multi-year deal could approach $35 million annually. Baltimore’s track record of locking up key playmakers before camp makes an agreement very plausible.
Sources: NBC Sports / PFT Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
49ers Open Camp with Bosa, Kittle, Warner All Tracking Toward Returns
The San Francisco 49ers officially opened training camp Friday as their rookie class reported to the facility, beginning preparations for 2026 with cautious optimism around a trio of returning stars. Defensive end Nick Bosa, recovering from a torn ACL that cost him 14 games in 2025, is targeting a return near the start of camp. Tight end George Kittle — who battled hamstring, ankle, and Achilles ailments — is working toward a Week 1 return. Linebacker Fred Warner, who missed 11 games with a broken and dislocated ankle, is already cleared to practice fully. Veterans report July 25.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Former Bills CB Levi Wallace Retires After Eight NFL Seasons
Former Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace announced his retirement Friday after eight professional seasons, stepping away from the game at age 31. An undrafted free agent from the University of Alabama, Wallace carved out a durable career that included a four-year run in Buffalo — where he became a cornerstone of several Bills playoff teams — plus stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos. In 96 career regular-season games, he recorded 333 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 30 passes defensed. Wallace made the announcement via social media, reflecting on what it took to build an NFL career after going unselected in the draft.
Sources: NBC Sports / PFT Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Rookie Jager Burton Earning Early Praise as Packers’ Camp Surprise
A pleasant early surprise has emerged in Green Bay as fifth-round rookie offensive lineman Jager Burton is drawing praise before veterans have even arrived for training camp. The Kentucky product has impressed coaches with his coachability and athleticism while taking reps at multiple interior positions. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Burton is “maximizing his opportunities” and believes the rookie grows better each practice. The Packers’ starting interior linemen Aaron Banks and Jordan Morgan are returning from offseason rehab, but Burton has earned enough early confidence that a roster spot — and potentially meaningful playing time — appears attainable.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Panthers Re-Sign Veteran OL Brady Christensen on One-Year Deal
The Carolina Panthers re-signed tackle Brady Christensen to a one-year, $2.79 million contract Friday, retaining the versatile offensive lineman ahead of training camp. A former third-round pick out of BYU, Christensen provides flexibility at both tackle and guard positions, giving Carolina’s coaching staff valuable depth options. The 27-year-old was an unrestricted free agent but chose to return to Charlotte after spending recent seasons with the Panthers. Carolina is one of the first teams to open camp, with rookies and veterans reporting together on July 22. The Christensen signing helps solidify their depth heading into the preseason opener.
American Football Conference
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14–0
National Football Conference
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12–0
4. New York Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8–0
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
3. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0 🏆
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
2025 final regular season standings. 🏆 Super Bowl LX champion.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency