Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, July 23, 2026
ESPN Lays Off Tom Pelissero, Karl Ravech and Dozens More in NFL Network Merger Cuts
ESPN executed the first major round of layoffs since 2023 on July 22, eliminating dozens of positions as the network integrates NFL Network following Disney’s April 2026 acquisition of NFL Media assets for approximately $3 billion. High-profile departures include NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, longtime broadcaster Karl Ravech — who spent 33 years with ESPN — former NFL star Cam Newton, injury expert Stephania Bell (18 years at ESPN), anchor David Lloyd, and radio host Bart Scott. The NFL received a 10% equity stake in ESPN as part of the transaction. Analyst Ryan Clark was informed of his termination while on air during NFL Live the previous day.
Sources: Fortune NBC Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Cardinals and Panthers Open NFL’s First Full Training Camps, Hall of Fame Game Prep Begins
The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers became the first NFL teams to have veterans report for training camp when players checked in Wednesday, a week ahead of most other franchises. Both clubs earned the right to an early start by being chosen to meet in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6 in Canton, Ohio. The Cardinals opened camp at their facility with veterans joining rookies already in Glendale, while Carolina welcomed veterans in Charlotte. The remaining 30 NFL teams are scheduled to report between July 24 and July 28, with the 2026 regular season set to open September 9.
Sources: NFL.com NBC Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Panthers RT Taylor Moton Sidelined Indefinitely With Blood Clot in Lung
Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton will miss the start of the 2026 NFL season after being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list Wednesday following a June diagnosis of a blood clot in his left lung. The 31-year-old was immediately placed on blood thinners and is “responding well to treatment,” the team said, though his return timeline remains unclear. Moton’s absence is a significant blow to a Carolina offensive line already in transition; first-round pick Monroe Freeling is expected to compete with veteran swing tackle Stone Forsythe to fill the spot at right tackle. The team expects Moton to return at some point during the regular season.
Arizona Cardinals Sign Third-Round QB Carson Beck to Rookie Contract
Quarterback Carson Beck officially signed a four-year, $7.4 million rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday ahead of his first professional training camp. Beck was selected by Arizona with the 65th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback is expected to develop behind Jacoby Brissett, who continues to negotiate a new deal with the club. Beck was among several rookies whose contracts were finalized as the Cardinals opened veteran camp Wednesday alongside the Carolina Panthers, the first two NFL teams to hold full-squad practices ahead of the Hall of Fame Game on August 6.
Jacoby Brissett Reports to Cardinals Camp as Contract Dispute Remains Unresolved
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett reported to training camp Wednesday without a new contract, as negotiations between the quarterback and the team remain unresolved. Brissett is set to earn a 2026 base salary of $4.9 million with $1.5 million in guarantees — compensation he and his camp argue undervalues his status as the team’s expected Week 1 starter. The Cardinals have acknowledged Brissett deserves more money but have not agreed on a number with his representatives. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, no deal was imminent as camp opened. Brissett faces fines of approximately $60,000 per day if he misses future practices.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors NFL.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Panthers CB Jaycee Horn Placed on NFI List With Foot Injury Before Training Camp
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list Wednesday with a foot injury that required stitches before training camp opened. Horn sustained a cut on his foot that needed immediate medical attention; the Panthers said they expect him to return to the field early in training camp and do not consider the injury a long-term concern. The news arrives as Carolina also announced that starting right tackle Taylor Moton will miss the start of the season with a blood clot in his lung. Both players were placed on the NFI list Wednesday as the Panthers and Arizona Cardinals opened veteran camp.
Sources: Yardbarker NFL.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2025 Final Standings — AFC
2026 season opens Sept. 9
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 11–6–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 9–8–0
4. New York Jets — 5–12–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 9–8–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 7–10–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 6–11–0
AFC South
1. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — 11–6–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 5–12–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Las Vegas Raiders — 7–10–0
4. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
2025 Final Standings — NFC
🏆 Super Bowl LX: Seattle def. New England 29–13
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Washington Commanders — 9–8–0
3. Dallas Cowboys — 7–10–0
4. New York Giants — 5–12–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
4. Minnesota Vikings — 7–10–0
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 9–8–0
2. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
3. Atlanta Falcons — 7–10–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0 🏆
2. Los Angeles Rams — 11–6–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 11–6–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 7–10–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency