Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Justice Department Opens Antitrust Probe into NFL’s TV and Streaming Deals
The Department of Justice has opened a formal antitrust investigation into the NFL’s television and streaming rights agreements, multiple outlets reported Thursday. The probe examines whether the league’s $111 billion media rights structure — covering broadcast networks and 10 streaming platforms — harms consumers through anticompetitive practices. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah previously wrote to the DOJ arguing fans must spend nearly $1,000 annually to watch all NFL games in a given season. The NFL’s antitrust exemption under the 1961 Sports Broadcast Act covers only broadcast television, not cable or streaming. The NFL countered that 87 percent of its games remain free to local markets.
Raiders Set to Draft Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall as 2026 NFL Draft Approaches
The 2026 NFL Draft opens April 23 in Pittsburgh, and the No. 1 overall pick appears settled: the Las Vegas Raiders plan to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a national championship. Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season. With veteran Kirk Cousins already signed, the Raiders say Mendoza will learn behind an experienced quarterback but could compete for the starting role in camp. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told reporters his team hopes to add a tight end in the draft. Kansas City holds two first-round picks with no clear direction yet declared.
Texans Lock In CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. Through 2027 with Fifth-Year Options
The Houston Texans exercised fifth-year options on quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., securing both players through the 2027 season. Stroud’s option is valued at $25.9 million; Anderson’s at $21.5 million — nearly $50 million combined for the team’s two 2023 first-round picks. Despite Stroud’s rough postseason — five interceptions and five fumbles across two playoff games — the Texans are not expected to pursue a long-term extension immediately. Anderson is viewed as a defensive cornerstone, and the franchise is expected to work toward a market-setting extension for the young edge rusher in the coming months.
NFL Owners Approve Key Rule Changes at Phoenix Annual Meeting
At the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, owners approved several rule changes for next season. The most significant removes previous timing restrictions on onside kicks — teams may now declare an onside attempt at any point during a game, not just in defined late-game situations. Changes to kickoff alignment reduce the required number of receiving-team players on the restraining line from six to five, allowing more flexibility in return formations. Owners also adjusted PUP list activation, allowing injured players to begin their 21-day practice windows after Week 2 of the regular season instead of Week 1.
Patriots Trade Linebacker Marte Mapu to the Houston Texans
The New England Patriots traded linebacker Marte Mapu to the Houston Texans on April 7, receiving a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for Mapu and a seventh-rounder. Mapu, a 2023 third-round pick from Sacramento State, spent three seasons in New England but contributed primarily as a special teamer, playing just 11.8 percent of defensive snaps in 2025. The deal is part of the Patriots’ continuing offseason overhaul under coach Mike Vrabel, who is reshaping the roster ahead of the 2026 season. The Texans add a depth linebacker while pursuing a competitive edge heading into the new campaign.
Steelers Expected to Decline Broderick Jones’s Fifth-Year Option Ahead of May 1 Deadline
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to decline offensive tackle Broderick Jones’s $19.07 million fifth-year option for 2027 ahead of the May 1 deadline, multiple reports indicate. Jones, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft, suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 12 against the Bears that required spinal-fusion surgery, casting serious doubt on his availability for 2026. While Jones was seen participating in Phase 1 offseason workouts this week — a positive sign — the Steelers are not expected to commit nearly $20 million without greater certainty about his recovery. His long-term future in Pittsburgh remains unclear.
🏈 2025 NFL Final Standings
AFC East
| New England Patriots | 14-3 |
| Buffalo Bills | 12-5 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7-10 |
| New York Jets | 3-14 |
AFC North
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8-9 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6-11 |
| Cleveland Browns | 5-12 |
AFC South
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 13-4 |
| Houston Texans | 12-5 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 8-9 |
| Tennessee Titans | 3-14 |
AFC West
| Denver Broncos | 15-2 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 11-6 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 7-10 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 3-14 |
NFC East
| Philadelphia Eagles | 11-6 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 7-9-1 |
| Washington Commanders | 5-12 |
| New York Giants | 4-13 |
NFC North
| Chicago Bears | 11-6 |
| Green Bay Packers | 9-6-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8-8 |
| Detroit Lions | 8-9 |
NFC South
| Carolina Panthers | 8-9 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 8-9 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 |
| New Orleans Saints | 6-11 |
NFC West
| Seattle Seahawks 🏆 | 14-3 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 12-5 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 12-5 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-14 |
🏆 Seattle Seahawks — Super Bowl LX Champions (29–13 over New England, Feb. 8, 2026)