Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, May 1, 2026
Fifth-Year Option Deadline: Winners and Losers From the 2023 Draft Class
Friday marks the deadline for NFL teams to exercise or decline fifth-year contract options for the 2023 draft class, locking in — or cutting loose — expensive 2027 commitments for first-round picks. Among the biggest decisions: the Carolina Panthers exercised Bryce Young’s option at $25.9 million, while the Pittsburgh Steelers declined Broderick Jones’s option worth $19.1 million. The Indianapolis Colts passed on Anthony Richardson’s $22.5 million option. The Detroit Lions exercised running back Jahmyr Gibbs, while San Francisco declined defensive tackle Kalia Davis. The Buffalo Bills passed on edge rusher Dorian Williams, and the New York Jets declined wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Sources: ESPN
Art Rooney II: Aaron Rodgers Decision Coming ‘Within the Next Few Weeks’
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Thursday he expects a resolution to Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 status within the next few weeks, clarifying the team’s plans at quarterback ahead of the summer. Rodgers, who signed an unrestricted free agent tender worth approximately $15 million, led Pittsburgh to a 10–7 record and an AFC North title in 2025. The Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of last month’s draft, adding a developmental option behind Rodgers. Rooney declined to say whether Rodgers would return but emphasized the team expects to have clarity before training camp opens in late July.
Sources: NFL.com
Calais Campbell Returns to Baltimore for a 19th NFL Season
Defensive lineman Calais Campbell is returning to the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal worth approximately $5.5 million, a source confirmed Thursday, extending one of the most remarkable careers in NFL history into a 19th season. Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks for Baltimore in 2025 and will turn 40 on September 1, making him one of the oldest defensive linemen to play in the league. The Ravens declined the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Travis Jones earlier this week, a move that likely factored into their decision to re-sign the reliable veteran Campbell to anchor the interior alongside their younger pass rushers.
Sources: ESPN
2026 Draft Analysis: No Rookie Quarterback Likely to Start Week 1
A post-draft breakdown published Thursday on NFL.com suggests the 2026 quarterback class is unlikely to see any rookie signal-callers start Week 1, with every first-year passer projected to sit behind a veteran starter. Top pick Jalen Mendoza lands with the Las Vegas Raiders behind Kirk Cousins, while second overall pick Shedeur Simpson joins the Los Angeles Rams behind Matthew Stafford. Third-round selection Brady Beck is slated to back up Jacoby Brissett in Arizona. The analysis notes the trend reflects a broader league shift toward developing quarterbacks carefully rather than forcing immediate starts, citing the mixed results of recent early-starting first-round picks.
Sources: NFL.com
Kelce on Chiefs’ Draft Class: Edge Rusher R Mason Thomas Is a ‘Freak of Nature’
Travis Kelce praised the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 draft class Wednesday, singling out second-round edge rusher R Mason Thomas as a “freak of nature” who he believes will immediately impact the defense. The Chiefs used all three of their first-round selections on defensive players: cornerback Jalen Delane, defensive tackle Malik Woods, and Thomas. Kansas City’s offense returns largely intact, and Kelce said the heavy investment on the defensive side reflects the organization’s belief that the unit needs upgrading after allowing 24.3 points per game in 2025. Thomas recorded 14 sacks in his final college season at Penn State.
Sources: NFL.com
Post-Draft Power Check: Chiefs Headline CBS Sports’ Revamped Super Bowl Contender List
CBS Sports published its post-draft Super Bowl contender analysis Thursday, identifying the Kansas City Chiefs as the league’s most improved roster after their defense-heavy draft. Seattle retained its status as the NFC standard following another strong offseason. The analysis flagged the Cincinnati Bengals, who acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the Giants in a blockbuster trade, and the Buffalo Bills as conference sleepers capable of deep playoff runs. The Pittsburgh Steelers were listed as a potential riser pending resolution of the Aaron Rodgers situation. The New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles also appeared among teams who strengthened their rosters through the draft.
Sources: CBS Sports
NFL Schedule Release Expected Between May 13–14
The NFL is expected to release the full 2026 season schedule between May 13 and May 14, according to a report from CBS Sports, giving fans and teams roughly two weeks before learning their complete slate of opponents and dates. One confirmed international game has already been announced: the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are set to meet in Rio de Janeiro on September 27 in the league’s first regular-season game in Brazil. The 2026 schedule will include 272 regular-season games across 18 weeks, with nine international contests spanning five countries as the league continues its global expansion push.
Sources: CBS Sports
Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option on Tackle Broderick Jones
The Pittsburgh Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones, the team announced Friday on the league’s contract deadline. The option would have paid Jones $19.1 million for the 2027 season, a significant financial commitment for a player who has shown flashes but has not yet locked down a starting role. The 23-year-old Georgia product, selected 14th overall in 2023, has appeared in 28 games over three seasons, starting fewer than half of them. Jones will still play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2026 and become an unrestricted free agent after the season unless Pittsburgh extends him before then.
Sources: Yardbarker
American League Divisions
AFC East
1. New England — 14–3
2. Buffalo — 12–5
3. Miami — 7–10
4. NY Jets — 3–14
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh — 10–7
2. Baltimore — 8–9
3. Cincinnati — 6–11
4. Cleveland — 5–12
AFC South
1. Jacksonville — 13–4
2. Houston — 12–5
3. Indianapolis — 8–9
4. Tennessee — 3–14
AFC West
1. Denver — 14–3
2. LA Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City — 6–11
4. Las Vegas — 3–14
National League Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia — 11–6
2. Dallas — 7–9–1
3. Washington — 5–12
4. NY Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago — 11–6
2. Green Bay — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota — 9–8
4. Detroit — 8–9
NFC South
1. Carolina — 8–9
2. Tampa Bay — 8–9
3. Atlanta — 8–9
4. New Orleans — 6–11
NFC West
1. Seattle — 14–3
2. LA Rams — 12–5
3. San Francisco — 12–5
4. Arizona — 3–14
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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