Samwise NFL Newsletter
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Steelers Place UFA Tender on Aaron Rodgers, Retaining Control of Veteran QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed an unrestricted free agent tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday, a rarely used roster mechanism that provides the franchise greater control over the veteran's situation. Under the terms, Rodgers is offered a 10 percent raise over his 2025 salary, totaling roughly $15 million for the 2026 season. Should Rodgers sign with another team before July 22, Pittsburgh would receive a compensatory draft pick in return. The Steelers also selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of last week's draft, adding depth behind Rodgers. The 42-year-old is widely expected to return to Pittsburgh, though no new contract has been finalized.
Sources: NBC Sports Pro Football Talk
Patriots Captains Spillane and Henry Break Silence on Vrabel-Russini Controversy
New England Patriots captains Robert Spillane and Hunter Henry spoke publicly Tuesday in support of head coach Mike Vrabel amid his ongoing personal controversy. Photos of Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini together at an Arizona resort, published by Page Six in April, triggered widespread media coverage; both are married to other people. Russini subsequently resigned from The Athletic. The NFL confirmed Monday it will not open a review of Vrabel's conduct under the league's personal conduct policy. Vrabel missed Day 3 of last week's draft to spend time with his family and has been seeking personal counseling. He remains the Patriots' head coach entering 2026.
Sources: Boston.com
Vikings Officially Launch GM Search Post-Draft, Engage Search Firm TurnkeyZRG
The Minnesota Vikings officially launched their search for a new general manager on Wednesday, one week after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf released a statement confirming they have engaged search firm TurnkeyZRG to conduct a wide-ranging, deliberate process expected to take several weeks. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski, who managed football operations through free agency and the draft, has expressed interest in the full-time position. ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports the search will be open-ended and that Brzezinski is not currently considered a preferred candidate. The Vikings dismissed GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah earlier this offseason following a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Sources: Star Tribune
Panthers Officially Exercise Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option, Keeping QB Through 2027
The Carolina Panthers exercised the fifth-year contract option on quarterback Bryce Young on Wednesday, securing the 2023 first overall pick through the 2027 season at a fully guaranteed salary of approximately $25.9 million. The decision came ahead of the May 1 league deadline for 2023 first-round draft picks. Young, 24, rebounded strongly in 2025 after a difficult debut season, guiding Carolina to its first NFC South division title since 2015. General manager Dan Morgan confirmed the team views Young as the franchise's long-term starting quarterback. The Panthers are among several clubs making fifth-year option decisions this week as the deadline approaches.
Sources: WBTV
Lions Exercise Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option, Decline All-Pro Campbell's in Contrasting Moves
The Detroit Lions announced contrasting fifth-year option decisions Tuesday: exercising running back Jahmyr Gibbs' option, fully guaranteeing $14.3 million for 2027, while declining linebacker Jack Campbell's option valued at $21.9 million. General manager Brad Holmes indicated the Lions still intend to sign Campbell to a long-term extension, noting the linebacker's outstanding 2025 season included 176 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles, earning him first-team All-Pro honors. Declining the option does not signal a departure; it opens the path to a negotiated deal. Gibbs' option exercise reflects his central role in Detroit's offensive plans for 2026 and beyond.
Sources: Detroit News
Two-Time Pro Bowl Safety Justin Simmons Announces Retirement After Nine NFL Seasons
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday after nine professional seasons, concluding a career defined by consistent play and significant community work in Denver. Simmons, 32, was selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 draft and spent eight seasons in Denver, accumulating 32 career interceptions. A two-time Pro Bowler and three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, he spent his final season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Simmons traveled to Denver to make the announcement and signed a ceremonial one-day contract, officially retiring as a member of the Broncos franchise where he spent the bulk of his career.
Sources: ESPN
Saints Sign CB Martin Emerson Jr. and LB Anfernee Jennings, Bolstering Depth
The New Orleans Saints announced Wednesday the signing of cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. and linebacker Anfernee Jennings, adding depth to two positional needs entering the 2026 season. Emerson, 25, spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns following his third-round selection in the 2022 draft, recording four interceptions in 50 games before missing all of 2025 after tearing his Achilles in training camp. At 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, the physical cornerback is expected to compete for a starting role alongside Kool-Aid McKinstry in New Orleans' secondary. The Saints released veteran corner Alontae Taylor earlier this offseason, creating the opening Emerson could fill.
Sources: NBC Sports Pro Football Talk
Jets Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Pass Rusher Will McDonald IV Ahead of May 1 Deadline
The New York Jets exercised the fifth-year contract option on defensive end Will McDonald IV on Wednesday, keeping the 2023 first-round pick under contract through the 2027 season at approximately $13.75 million, fully guaranteed. McDonald, 24, was selected 15th overall from Iowa State and has developed into one of the Jets' most productive defenders, recording 18.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss across his first three NFL seasons. The Jets had long been expected to exercise the option. The announcement is part of a league-wide wave of fifth-year option decisions as teams approach the May 1 deadline for the 2023 draft class.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors
American Conference Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. New York Jets — 3–14
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4
2. Houston Texans — 12–5
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
National Conference Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. New York Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9
2. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
3. New Orleans Saints — 8–9
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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