Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Mahomes OTA Status Uncertain as Kansas City Begins Rebuilding Around Star QB’s Return
Patrick Mahomes attended the opening of Kansas City’s offseason program this week as he continues to recover from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in December, though head coach Andy Reid stopped short of committing to the quarterback’s participation when OTAs begin May 26. Reid said Saturday that Mahomes is in a good position to do some work, but cautioned that the medical staff will have the final say on his availability. The injury capped a 6–11 season that ended Kansas City’s playoff streak, and the Chiefs used their first 2026 draft selection on defensive back Mansoor Delane as they begin rebuilding.
Sources: NFL.com
No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Learning Under-Center Mechanics at Raiders Rookie Minicamp
Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders’ first overall pick from the 2026 draft, spent his first rookie minicamp adjusting to a technical challenge that will shape his NFL debut: operating from under center. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner ran almost exclusively out of the shotgun at Indiana, but head coach Klint Kubiak’s system demands under-center mechanics, so the Raiders scheduled evening walk-through sessions where Mendoza worked 25 to 50 reps with offensive linemen before each morning practice. The adjustment reflects a wider pattern coaches often see when top collegiate quarterbacks arrive from spread-heavy systems and face the technical demands of a pro offense.
Sources: AtoZSports
Tight End David Njoku Visiting Chargers After Breaking With Cleveland Browns
Tight end David Njoku is visiting the Los Angeles Chargers after announcing he will not return to the Cleveland Browns, Pro Football Talk reported Saturday. Njoku, who developed into one of the AFC’s most productive tight ends during his time in Cleveland, is exploring his options with training camps still months away. The Chargers lost tight end depth this offseason and represent a viable fit given their need at the position. No deal has been agreed, but the visit signals serious mutual interest and could resolve one of the offseason’s more prominent remaining tight end questions before the market closes.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
Cowboys Rookie Caleb Downs Earns Early Praise From Dallas Defensive Coordinator
Caleb Downs, the Dallas Cowboys’ 11th overall pick from Ohio State, impressed coaches and teammates during his rookie minicamp debut at The Star in Frisco this weekend. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker singled Downs out after Saturday’s session, praising his natural football instincts, processing speed, and ability to direct the defense from day one. The Cowboys selected Downs specifically to address a defense that ranked among the league’s worst last season, allowing 511 points during a 7–9–1 campaign that left the franchise looking for a significant upgrade at the back end. Downs spent extended time in one-on-one sessions with Parker learning Dallas’s complex defensive scheme.
Sources: BVM Sports
Cleveland Browns Add Former Jaguars GM Trent Baalke as Offseason Consultant
The Cleveland Browns have brought in Trent Baalke, the former Jacksonville Jaguars general manager, as an offseason consultant as the franchise works through a significant roster rebuild, Pro Football Talk reported Saturday. Baalke served as Jacksonville’s general manager for four seasons before departing after the Jaguars posted a 25–43 record under three different head coaches during his tenure. Before Jacksonville, he spent years running the San Francisco 49ers’ front office and accumulated extensive scouting experience across multiple franchises. Cleveland finished 5–12 last season and faces pressing decisions at quarterback as head coach Kevin Stefanski works to reshape the roster.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
Ravens Rookies Young and Ioane Shine as Baltimore Opens 2026 Minicamp
The Baltimore Ravens opened their 2026 rookie minicamp this weekend with a 40-man camp that included 11 draft picks, and two players quickly drew attention from coaches. Receiver Zion Young from Boise State stood out in individual drills, with Ravens coaches praising his physicality and the immediate impact he created at the line of scrimmage. Defensive lineman Vega Ioane also earned positive reviews during his first on-field work with the organization. Eight of Baltimore’s 11 draft picks this spring were 22 years old or younger, a deliberate emphasis on youth following the Ravens’ 8–9 finish and first missed playoff appearance in several seasons.
Sources: Baltimore Ravens
Titans OC Daboll Sets Clear Bar for No. 4 Pick Carnell Tate: Earn It
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate, the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, made his first appearance in a Tennessee uniform at this weekend’s rookie minicamp, and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll quickly set expectations. Daboll said Tate is going to have to come in and earn everything despite his high draft standing, establishing an early competitive tone as the Titans attempt to rebuild an offense that ranked among the league’s worst in 2025. Tennessee finished 3–14 last season, the poorest record in the AFC South, and is counting on Tate to provide the receiving talent the franchise has lacked through a difficult rebuilding period.
Sources: NFL.com
Browns Safety Shilo Sanders Doubles Down on Remark Targeting Reporter Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns safety Shilo Sanders doubled down Saturday on a remark directed at veteran reporter Mary Kay Cabot that has drawn criticism from media observers and generated attention around the franchise. Cabot is one of the longest-tenured journalists covering the Browns and among the most respected reporters in NFL circles, and Sanders’ refusal to retract or clarify the comment has extended a story that arrived at an already eventful moment for the organization. The Browns, who hired general manager consultant Trent Baalke earlier in the week, have not commented publicly on the matter, which adds a layer of distraction to an offseason Cleveland hoped would be focused on roster building.
Sources: WFMD News
American League 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 League 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. Detroit Lions — 9–8
4. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9
2. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11
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