Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, April 10, 2026
NFL Confirms 16 Prospects Will Attend 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh
The NFL has confirmed that 16 prospects will attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, scheduled for April 23–25. The event will be held at Acrisure Stadium, marking the first time the draft comes to Pittsburgh. Notably absent will be Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, the expected No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, who has chosen to remain home with family. Ohio State leads all programs with five attendees: safety Caleb Downs, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. The group includes nine defenders and seven offensive players.
David Bailey Rises to Become No. 2 Overall Draft Favorite for Jets
Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey has surged to become the favorite to be selected second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, with odds now at -120, slightly ahead of Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at -110. The New York Jets hold the second pick and ranked 31st in the league with just 26 sacks last season, making Bailey’s pass-rush ability an urgent need. Bailey measured 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds at the Scouting Combine, posting a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. While his pass rush is highly regarded, some evaluators have raised questions about his run-defense consistency.
Texans Lock In Stroud and Anderson with Fifth-Year Options
The Houston Texans exercised fifth-year contract options on both quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. on Wednesday, locking in the 2021 first-round picks through the 2027 season. Stroud’s option will pay $25.904 million next year, while Anderson’s comes in at $21.512 million. Both players remain extension-eligible. Stroud had a difficult postseason, throwing five interceptions and fumbling five times across two playoff games, dampening expectations for an imminent long-term deal. Anderson, however, is viewed as a long-term cornerstone for Houston’s defense, and an extension is expected to be a priority for the organization.
Kirk Cousins Reunites with Klint Kubiak, Signs with Las Vegas Raiders
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with head coach Klint Kubiak, who served as his offensive coordinator in Minnesota from 2019 to 2021. The Raiders guaranteed $20 million for 2026, with the Atlanta Falcons contributing $8.7 million as part of the contract restructure following Cousins’s release. Cousins indicated that “the best player needs to play,” leaving the door open for expected first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza to eventually take over. The 37-year-old brings experience and familiarity with the Kubiak system to a Raiders franchise in transition.
Broncos Land Jaylen Waddle in Blockbuster Trade with Dolphins
The Denver Broncos have acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in one of the offseason’s most significant trades. Denver sends its first-round pick (30th overall), a third-round selection (62nd), and a fourth-round pick back to Miami, receiving Waddle and an additional fourth-round pick (111th overall). The move adds an explosive receiving threat to a Broncos offense still reeling from quarterback Bo Nix’s fractured ankle, which ended Denver’s playoff run — a team that went 14-3 and earned the AFC’s top seed. Waddle carries a $41.2 million contract over two years with a manageable $5 million cap hit in 2026.
Ravens Sign Trey Hendrickson to Four-Year, $112 Million Deal
The Baltimore Ravens have signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, bringing one of the game’s premier pass rushers to a Baltimore defense already among the league’s most feared. Hendrickson, who compiled back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in Cincinnati, departs the Bengals for their division rival in what is a significant blow to the franchise. The Ravens had previously been linked to Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby before pivoting to Hendrickson. The signing reinforces Baltimore’s win-now window as the club remains one of the AFC’s top contenders heading into the 2026 season.
Joe Brady Begins First Offseason as Buffalo’s Head Coach at Age 36
Joe Brady has officially begun his first offseason program as the 21st head coach in Buffalo Bills history, having been promoted from offensive coordinator in January. At just 36 years old, Brady becomes the youngest active head coach in the NFL. His five-year deal follows a standout two-year tenure as OC, during which the Bills ranked first in rushing yards per game (159.6), first in time of possession (33:08 per game), third in red zone efficiency (66.2%), and fourth in scoring offense at 28.3 points per game. The Bills head into 2026 as strong AFC East favorites under their energetic new leader.
Mike McCarthy Brings Championship Pedigree to Pittsburgh as Steelers Head Coach
Mike McCarthy has been officially introduced as the 17th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history, returning to his hometown franchise with a wealth of NFL experience. McCarthy, 62, spent 13 seasons coaching the Green Bay Packers (2006–2018), culminating in a Super Bowl XLV victory, and five seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024), finishing with a career record of 174-112-2. McCarthy inherits a team holding the 21st overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft and has identified wide receiver, safety, tight end, guard, and defensive tackle as key positional priorities heading into his first full offseason in Pittsburgh.
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 | 14-3 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 11-6 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-11 |
| 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 | 11-5 |
| Green Bay Packers | 9-6-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8-8 |
| Detroit Lions | 8-8 |
NFC South
| Carolina Panthers | 8-9 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 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 | 3-13 |
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