Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Rodgers Remains Steelers-Bound as Cardinals Rumors Dismissed Before OTAs
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shut down speculation Wednesday linking Aaron Rodgers to the Arizona Cardinals, saying the rumor has “no legs.” The 42-year-old quarterback remains unsigned but is expected to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of voluntary OTAs beginning May 18. The Steelers placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers worth roughly $15 million for the 2026 season. Multiple reports indicate Pittsburgh players are “counting on” Rodgers to return before the OTA window opens. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said Wednesday he is more than 99 percent confident a reunion happens. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur did not deny his team’s interest when asked.
Sources: Steeler Nation
A.J. Brown Trade to Patriots Expected After June 1 Cap Deadline
A trade sending Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots remains likely but will not be finalized until on or after June 1, when the cap impact splits across two seasons, multiple sources confirmed. Moving Brown before June 1 triggers a $43.4 million dead-cap charge for Philadelphia; waiting reduces that to a two-year hit of roughly $36 million. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the sides will “definitely be engaging” after June 1 and called a 2028 first-round pick from New England the most likely compensation. Brown has not attended the Eagles’ offseason program. Philadelphia acquired Dontayvion Wicks from Green Bay in April to add receiver depth.
Sources: CBS Sports
Minnesota Vikings Begin GM Search, Request Interview with Bills' Terrance Gray
The Minnesota Vikings have formally launched their search for a new general manager, requesting permission to interview Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Terrance Gray for the vacancy, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday. Gray, who spent 11 seasons as a scout with Minnesota before joining the Bills in 2017, brings familiarity with the organization. The Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January after four seasons. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski handled GM duties through free agency and the draft and remains an internal candidate. Gray is the first reported external interview request in what is expected to be a broader search.
Sources: NFL.com
Detroit Lions Acquire OL Juice Scruggs from Texans for RB David Montgomery
The Detroit Lions acquired offensive lineman Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans on Wednesday in exchange for running back David Montgomery, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Scruggs, 26, played both center and guard for Houston over three seasons and fits Detroit’s emphasis on interior line depth. Montgomery, 29, spent two seasons with the Lions and provides the Texans with a veteran backfield option behind first-round selection C.J. Stroud’s developing offense. Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has continued reshaping the offensive line heading into the 2026 season after the team finished with the league’s projected easiest schedule.
Sources: NFL.com
Philadelphia Eagles Promote Adam Berry to Assistant General Manager
The Philadelphia Eagles promoted Adam Berry to assistant general manager on Wednesday, the organization announced. Berry, who joined the Eagles in 2019, had been serving in a player personnel role and will now report directly to general manager Howie Roseman in the expanded front office position. The promotion comes during a pivotal offseason for Philadelphia, which is navigating the potential departure of wide receiver A.J. Brown and managing cap space heading into the 2026 season. The Eagles used Wednesday’s announcement to signal organizational stability despite ongoing roster uncertainty at receiver, where Brown continues to be linked to the New England Patriots in trade discussions.
Sources: NFL.com
NFL Schedule Release Delayed, Now Expected Between May 12 and 14
The NFL has not confirmed an exact release date for its full 2026 regular-season schedule, targeting a window between May 12 and 14, CBS Sports reported Wednesday. The delay stems from an ongoing broadcast negotiation involving a five-game package that includes the league’s first game in Australia, a possible Thanksgiving Eve prime-time contest, a second Black Friday game, and a Christmas Eve matchup. Commissioner Roger Goodell must sign off before an announcement can be made. The 2026 season will open on a Wednesday, only the second midweek start in 75 years, with the Seahawks hosting on the same weekend as the Los Angeles Rams–San Francisco 49ers Australia game.
Sources: CBS Sports
Twenty-Five Teams Open Rookie Minicamps Friday; Mendoza Headlines Raiders Camp
Twenty-five NFL teams open their 2026 rookie minicamps on Friday, May 8, giving this year’s draft class its first on-field work in a professional setting, the league announced. The Las Vegas Raiders will run the camp with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback who impressed in early sessions last week. Seven teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, held their camps the previous weekend on May 1–2. The three-day minicamps run through Sunday, May 10. Teams may invite undrafted free agents and tryout players alongside their draft selections. Veteran players are not required to attend, and no contract obligations are triggered by participation.
Sources: NFL.com
Russell Wilson Gets Jets Offer but Weighs Football Against TV Career
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson told the New York Post on Wednesday that the New York Jets extended him an offer following a recent visit to the facility, but he has not decided whether to play football in 2026 or pursue a television broadcast career. Wilson, 37, threw for 2,841 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 before being released. The Jets, who also have Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cade Klubnik on the roster following spring acquisitions, made the offer to add veteran depth and competition at quarterback. Wilson is expected to make his decision before OTAs begin in mid-May.
Sources: NFL.com
Calais Campbell Returns to Baltimore Ravens on One-Year Deal
The Baltimore Ravens officially announced Wednesday the signing of veteran defensive end Calais Campbell, reuniting the 39-year-old with the organization for another season. Terms were not disclosed, but sources confirmed it is a one-year deal. Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits in 14 games for San Francisco last season before entering free agency in March. Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta prioritized veteran defensive line depth behind younger starters this offseason. Campbell is expected to serve as a rotational pass rusher and mentor alongside Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo on a Ravens front that finished ninth in sacks during the 2025 regular season.
Sources: NFL.com
Kyler Murray Assigned No. 1 as Vikings QB Competition with McCarthy Looms
The Minnesota Vikings assigned quarterback Kyler Murray jersey No. 1 on Wednesday, confirming his roster status as the team prepares to open rookie minicamp. Murray signed a one-year, league-minimum contract with Minnesota in March after the Arizona Cardinals released him, with the Cardinals continuing to pay the $36.8 million guaranteed remaining on his 2022 extension. The 28-year-old will compete with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the starting job this summer. Murray’s no-franchise-tag clause prevents Minnesota from retaining him against his will beyond this season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said in April the team expects a genuine competition at the position entering training camp in late July.
Sources: NFL.com
American Football Conference
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 Football Conference
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–5–0 ★
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–8–1
3. Washington Commanders — 4–12–0
4. New York Giants — 3–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–5–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–6–1
3. Detroit Lions — 8–8–0
4. Minnesota Vikings — 8–8–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–8–0
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 7–9–0
3. Atlanta Falcons — 7–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–10–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0 🏆
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–4–0
3. Los Angeles Rams — 11–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–13–0
Final 2025 Regular Season Records
★ SB LX Runner-Up · 🏆 Super Bowl LX Champion (Seahawks)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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