Samwise NFL Newsletter
Monday, May 11, 2026
NFL and Referees Association Ratify Seven-Year CBA, Avoiding Work Stoppage
The NFL and NFL Referees Association ratified a seven-year collective bargaining agreement on Friday that runs through the 2032 season, averting a potential work stoppage after the previous deal was set to expire May 31. The agreement covers economics, performance standards, and officiating accountability. Under the new deal, the league gains expanded access to officials during the offseason for formal training during minicamps, joint practices, and training camp. The NFL also secured greater authority to assign officials to postseason games based on performance metrics rather than seniority alone. The NFLRA called the deal a shared commitment to the outstanding officiating the game demands.
Sources: NFL.com
Jets Lock Up Breece Hall on Three-Year, $45.75 Million Extension
The New York Jets and running back Breece Hall agreed to a three-year, $45.75 million contract extension on Friday, removing him from the franchise tag and securing the 24-year-old through at least 2028. The deal averages $15.25 million per year with $29 million guaranteed, making Hall the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL behind Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Hall had been placed on the franchise tag after the Jets declined to reach a long-term agreement earlier in the offseason window. He has averaged 978 rushing yards and 56 receptions per season across his last three years with New York.
Sources: CBS Sports
Full 2026 NFL Schedule Drops Thursday; Seahawks Open as Champions on Sept. 9
The NFL will release its full 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET, with broadcast partners announcing select games earlier this week. NBC and Peacock revealed Monday that the season opener will feature the champion Seattle Seahawks hosting at Lumen Field on Wednesday, September 9, airing on NBC. FOX is announcing its slate at 4 p.m. ET Monday, followed by Amazon at 6:30 p.m. ET. The complete schedule will air on NFL Network and ESPN2 Thursday. Among notable items expected: a first-ever Thanksgiving Eve prime-time game and an end to the Monday night doubleheader format.
Sources: NFL.com
NFL Sets Record With Nine International Games in Seven Countries for 2026 Season
The NFL will play a record nine international games across seven countries and four continents during the 2026 season, with remaining matchup details to be announced Wednesday, May 13 on Good Morning Football. Three cities are hosting NFL games for the first time: Melbourne, Australia; Paris, France; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Already confirmed are the 49ers vs. Rams in Melbourne in Week 1 and the Cowboys vs. Ravens in Rio de Janeiro in Week 3. The Jaguars will play twice in London, the Saints will play in Paris, the Falcons will play in Madrid, and the Lions will be in Munich.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
Broncos QB Bo Nix Expected Back by June Minicamp After Follow-Up Ankle Procedure
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is on track to return to on-field work by June minicamp after undergoing a follow-up ankle procedure in late April, head coach Sean Payton said Saturday. Nix broke his right ankle in January during the Broncos’ Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills and had surgery January 20. Payton said the secondary procedure was not a surprise and is part of a planned recovery schedule. The coach expects Nix to be throwing at full speed before training camp opens in July. Denver finished 14–3 in the regular season before falling to New England in the AFC Championship Game.
Sources: Denver Gazette
Drake Maye Cleared to Throw Without Restrictions Entering Patriots Offseason Program
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has returned to throwing without restrictions entering the 2026 offseason, the team confirmed this week. Maye sustained a right shoulder injury in the AFC Championship against Denver in January and required a pain-killing injection to play in Super Bowl LX. Team executive vice president Eliot Wolf confirmed no surgery was required, and Maye has been participating fully in offseason workouts with no limitations. The 23-year-old completed his second NFL season by leading the Patriots to a 14–3 record and Super Bowl appearance before the Seahawks defeated New England 29–13 in the championship game.
Sources: Last Word on Sports
Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus Following Playoff Misses, Draft Pick
The Green Bay Packers released kicker Brandon McManus on Friday with a post-June 1 designation, saving approximately $2.6 million in 2026 cap space. General manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed the move after Green Bay selected Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round of April’s draft. McManus struggled in the postseason, missing three attempts in the Packers’ wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears, leaving seven points off the board in a four-point defeat that ended their season. Smack is expected to compete for the starting role during training camp. McManus had been with Green Bay since signing with the club in 2023.
Sources: Packers.com
2026 NFL Draft First-Round Picks Signing Rookie Deals as Minicamps Begin
Several 2026 NFL first-round picks signed rookie contracts this week as teams opened rookie minicamps. Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, the third overall pick from Notre Dame, signed a four-year, $53 million deal, while Jets edge rusher David Bailey, selected second overall, also finalized his contract. Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Monroe Freeling signed a four-year, $20.9 million deal, and Houston Texans defensive tackle Kayden McDonald signed a four-year, $12.9 million agreement. Overall rookie signing bonus pools are up approximately 18.5 percent versus the 2025 draft class, reflecting the league’s continued salary cap growth under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Sources: NFL.com
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 — 9–7–1
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 — 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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