Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Aaron Rodgers Arrives in Pittsburgh to Finalize Steelers Contract
Aaron Rodgers, entering his 22nd NFL season at age 43, arrived in Pittsburgh this weekend to finalize a return to the Steelers for 2026, though the two sides had not met formally as of Saturday. His agent has been negotiating during the team’s rookie minicamp. The Steelers placed an unrestricted free agent tender worth approximately $15 million on Rodgers as a placeholder, but a higher-value traditional contract is expected. Head coach Mike McCarthy coached Rodgers during their Super Bowl-winning years in Green Bay. Pittsburgh wants a commitment before OTAs start on May 18, with the Post-Gazette reporting the team’s patience could grow thin if talks stall beyond that date.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors
Vikings Confirm Open QB Battle Between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy
Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will enter a genuine quarterback competition with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Saturday, following Murray’s acquisition from the Arizona Cardinals. Murray, the 2019 first-overall pick, spent 2025 in Arizona where the Cardinals went 3–14. J.J. McCarthy, drafted by Minnesota in the first round in 2024, is entering his third season seeking his first significant regular-season starts. O’Connell said both quarterbacks will receive equal opportunities throughout OTAs, minicamp, and training camp. Minnesota finished 9–8 in 2025 and made the NFC playoffs as a wild card. The Vikings expect a genuine quarterback battle to unfold over the summer.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors
John Harbaugh Calls First Giants Minicamp a Rehearsal, Not a Competition
John Harbaugh, hired as the New York Giants’ 21st head coach in January 2026 after 18 seasons in Baltimore, oversaw his first rookie minicamp Saturday, calling the three-day event a rehearsal rather than a competition. Harbaugh’s staff includes offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. The Giants went 4–13 in 2025. Rookies, undrafted free agents, and tryout players ran through fundamental drills in the final minicamp session, with Harbaugh emphasizing individual evaluation over early competition. New York also signed undrafted free agents Thaddeus Dixon and Ben Barten during the camp period, adding depth to the 90-man offseason roster.
Sources: AP / WSLS
Giants Sign Veteran Nose Tackle D.J. Reader to Anchor Rebuilt Defensive Line
The New York Giants agreed to sign veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader during the team’s rookie minicamp weekend, per Pro Football Rumors, adding an interior run-stopping presence to John Harbaugh’s rebuilt defensive line. Reader, a nine-year NFL veteran, has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier nose tackles, routinely occupying multiple blockers on running plays. The Giants struggled against interior runs in a difficult 4–13 season in 2025. Harbaugh directed Baltimore’s defense for nearly two decades and has made rebuilding the defensive line a first-offseason priority. Financial terms were not immediately disclosed. Reader is expected to anchor the interior alongside younger players acquired through the 2026 draft.
Sources: Pro Football Rumors
Steelers Sign Three Rookies Saturday as Rodgers Contract Talks Continue
Three Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks signed their rookie contracts Saturday during the team’s 2026 minicamp. Third-round cornerback Daylen Everett, third-round guard Gennings Dunker, and fifth-round fullback Riley Nowakowski all agreed to slotted rookie deals, per Pro Football Talk. Head coach Mike McCarthy, in his first year replacing Mike Tomlin, used the camp to evaluate the class alongside third-round quarterback Drew Allar. McCarthy said Allar is physically gifted but emphasized footwork and fundamentals as development priorities. The signings came while quarterback Aaron Rodgers remained unsigned and present in Pittsburgh without yet meeting team officials, with OTAs scheduled to begin on May 18.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
Chicago Bears Sign Veteran WR Scotty Miller After Rookie Minicamp Tryout
The Chicago Bears agreed to sign veteran wide receiver Scotty Miller on Saturday after he attended the team’s rookie minicamp as a tryout player, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed. Miller, 28, from Barrington, Illinois, was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in the 2020 season playing alongside Tom Brady, recording 33 catches for 500 yards and three touchdowns. He spent the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before becoming a free agent. In seven NFL seasons he caught 99 passes for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns.
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times
Buccaneers Wrap Rookie Minicamp With Strong Reviews for First-Round DE Rueben Bain Jr.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their 2026 rookie minicamp with approximately 68 players over a three-day span, including seven draft picks, 14 undrafted free agents, and 40 tryout invitees. First-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., from the University of Miami, drew strong reviews from the coaching staff for his burst off the line and ability to leverage opposing blockers. The Buccaneers signed five of their seven 2026 draft picks before minicamp began, including guard Billy Schrauth and tight end Bauer Sharp. Tampa Bay finished 8–9 in 2025. The organization will begin full organized team activities later in May.
Sources: Buccaneers.com
Panthers Open Rookie Minicamp With Focus on Scheme Installation Under Canales
The Carolina Panthers opened their 2026 rookie minicamp at Bank of America Stadium this weekend, giving draft picks their first chance to work together in team colors. The Panthers, who went 8–9 in 2025, used the three-day session to install basic offensive and defensive concepts and conduct individual player evaluations. Head coach Dave Canales, entering his second season, emphasized scheme installation over physical competition, consistent with NFL rules for the spring period. Carolina signed offensive tackle Monroe Freeling to a four-year, $20.9 million deal earlier in the week. Seven draft picks and more than a dozen undrafted free agents participated in the Charlotte minicamp.
Sources: Last Word on Sports
American 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 Conference
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 — 9–7–1
3. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
4. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
2. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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