Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Browns Break Ground on $2.7 Billion Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park
The Cleveland Browns officially broke ground on the new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium in Brook Park on Thursday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam for the ceremony marking the start of one of Northeast Ohio's largest economic development projects. The $2.7 billion domed facility will replace the current lakefront stadium when the Browns' lease expires after the 2028 season. Mass excavation at the Brook Park site began in March 2026, and the team is targeting the 2029 season for its debut. The venue carries naming rights from Huntington Bank under a 20-year agreement signed last year.
Sources: Cleveland Browns
Two-Time Pro Bowl Safety Justin Simmons Retires as a Denver Bronco
Safety Justin Simmons officially retired as a Denver Bronco on Wednesday, ending a nine-season NFL career. The two-time Pro Bowler, selected by Denver in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, spent eight seasons with the Broncos before being released in 2024 and signing with the Atlanta Falcons for a final season. Simmons was named to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022 and held the record as the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time of his 2021 contract extension. He is regarded as one of the most respected defensive players in Broncos history for his leadership, range, and football intelligence.
Sources: ESPN
Texans Lock Up Pro Bowl LB Azeez Al-Shaair on Three-Year, $54 Million Deal
The Houston Texans and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Wednesday, securing one of the AFC's top inside linebackers. The 28-year-old was entering the final year of his previous deal before both sides finalized the new agreement. Al-Shaair earned Pro Bowl recognition for anchoring Houston's defense with strong run-stopping and above-average coverage skills. The Texans went 12-5 in 2025 and reached the playoffs, and the extension reflects their intention to build around quarterback C.J. Stroud and a capable defensive core entering the 2026 season and beyond.
Art Rooney Says Aaron Rodgers Decision Expected Within Weeks; Steelers Drafted QB Contingency
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II said Wednesday he expects the team's situation with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to resolve within the next few weeks. Rooney addressed Pittsburgh's use of an unrestricted free agent tender, which allows the Steelers to match any offer Rodgers receives. New head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken with the 42-year-old quarterback multiple times and described Rodgers as being in a positive frame of mind. The Steelers used a third-round pick on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar during last weekend's draft as a contingency. Rooney said the team has stayed in regular communication with Rodgers throughout the offseason.
2026 Draft Class Grades: Chiefs Earn Only A+ as Cowboys, Browns, Jets Also Impress
CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco gave the Kansas City Chiefs the only A+ grade after the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs traded for cornerback Mansoor Delane, then added defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge R. Mason Thomas, combining aggression with strong value across multiple rounds. Dallas earned high marks and was called a Super Bowl contender behind a rebuilt defense. Cleveland and New York both ranked among the top performers. Arizona drew criticism for spending a high pick on running back Jeremiyah Love, and the Rams were faulted for selecting developmental quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 with Matthew Stafford still the starter.
Sources: CBS Sports
Gronkowski Voted into Patriots Hall of Fame; Eligible for Pro Football HOF in 2027
Tight end Rob Gronkowski has been voted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, the franchise announced Wednesday, per NFL Network. Gronkowski, who officially retired as a Patriot after signing a one-day contract in November 2025, becomes one of the franchise's most celebrated honorees. The six-time Pro Bowler won three Super Bowl titles with New England and is widely considered the greatest tight end in NFL history. Gronkowski becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027, his first year of eligibility. He reacted to the Patriots honor by calling it deeply meaningful and saying he is a Patriot for life.
Sources: NFL Network
Vikings Launch GM Search with TurnkeyZRG Firm After 2026 Draft Concludes
The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday they have formally launched a general manager search, engaging talent firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in the process. The team fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah earlier this offseason, with executive vice president Rob Brzezinski serving as interim GM through the draft. The Vikings stated the search will be thorough and deliberate, led by ownership, and will comply with NFL requirements for an inclusive process featuring at least two diverse external candidates. The Wilf family has not identified any public candidates. Former Broncos GM George Paton is among names discussed in league circles. No timeline for a hiring decision has been set.
Sources: NFL.com
Dolphins GM Confirms First-Round Pick Kadyn Proctor to Play Left Guard as a Rookie
Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan confirmed Wednesday that Kadyn Proctor, the team's 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will begin his NFL career at left guard. The former Alabama lineman projected to some scouts as a tackle but Sullivan said Proctor's athleticism and Miami's blocking scheme made guard the best fit. Proctor is among the highest-drafted interior offensive linemen in recent draft history. The Dolphins finished 7-10 in 2025 and are prioritizing their offensive line rebuild heading into 2026. Sullivan said Proctor is expected to compete for the starting role immediately during the team's offseason program.
Sources: NFL.com
Seahawks to Open 2026 Season on Wednesday, First Wednesday Opener Since 1948
The Seattle Seahawks will open the 2026 NFL season on a Wednesday night, marking only the second time in 75 years the league's regular season has begun on that day of the week, according to CBS Sports. The defending Super Bowl LX champions received the unique opener to accommodate an international game in Australia on Thursday. The full 2026 schedule is expected to be released May 13, and the Seahawks' Wednesday date will allow the champion to officially start the new campaign while preserving the international broadcast window. The league is playing a record nine international games this season, its most ambitious global slate to date.
Sources: CBS Sports
American Conference Divisions
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 Conference Divisions
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 — 10–7–0
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 — 7–10–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0
2. San Francisco 49ers — 11–6–0
3. Los Angeles Rams — 10–7–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 4–13–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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