Samwise NFL Newsletter
Monday, June 8, 2026
Chicago Bears Board Votes to Advance Hammond, Indiana Stadium Plans
The Chicago Bears’ board of directors voted June 5 to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, potentially ending the franchise’s 106-year tenure in Illinois. Frustrated by an inability to lower property taxes at the former Arlington International Racecourse site, the Bears were drawn to an Indiana deal that would have the team keep all revenue and hold an option to buy the stadium back in 40 years. Construction could begin as early as spring 2027, with a completed facility targeted for 2031. Indiana Governor Mike Braun welcomed the move, adding he has no expectation the franchise will change its name from the Chicago Bears.
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times
Baker Mayfield Says Contract Talks with Buccaneers Are ‘Not Anywhere Close’
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said Friday that contract extension talks are not anywhere close to where he anticipated. Entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal, Mayfield set a firm deadline: once training camp begins, he will not discuss extension matters. His representatives have not responded to the team’s opening offer. Despite the stalled negotiations, Mayfield said he wants to remain in Tampa, telling reporters he and his family have put down roots and consider the community home. General Manager Jason Licht has previously stated the Buccaneers want Mayfield to remain the franchise quarterback, but both sides have not bridged the gap on contract structure.
Sources: NFL.com
Steelers Sign Pass Rusher Nick Herbig to Four-Year, $100 Million Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured outside linebacker Nick Herbig with a four-year, $100 million contract extension that includes $42 million guaranteed. A fourth-round pick entering the final year of his rookie deal, Herbig produced a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2025 along with 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, and his first career interception. Across three NFL seasons, Herbig has logged 45 appearances with just 11 starts. The deal makes Herbig the first non-quarterback to sign a $100 million contract without having started a full NFL season, according to reports. General Manager Omar Khan locked up Herbig as Pittsburgh carries playoff expectations into 2026.
Sources: ESPN
Packers Lock Up Wide Receiver Christian Watson on $110.5 Million Deal
The Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Christian Watson agreed to a four-year, $110.5 million contract extension on June 4, keeping Watson in Green Bay through the 2030 season. The deal includes a $31 million signing bonus and pays Watson $27.62 million per year, placing him 15th among receivers in average annual value. Watson had signed a one-year, $13.25 million extension last fall while recovering from a torn ACL, extending his contract through 2026. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Thursday, securing Watson as a long-term piece of the Packers offense as quarterback Jordan Love heads into his third year as a starter. Watson turns 26 in August.
Sources: NFL.com
Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested Thursday night and charged with two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief in Parker, Colorado. Parker Police arrested Cooper at 11:16 p.m. and he was booked into Douglas County jail at 2:38 a.m. Friday. According to a police affidavit, Cooper and his girlfriend were both arrested after a physical confrontation that began over cheating allegations and included both of their cellphones being damaged. Cooper made his first court appearance Friday and was due back Monday for a disposition hearing. He recorded eight sacks for Denver in 2025 and is entering his sixth season with the Broncos.
Sources: ESPN
Jacoby Brissett Ends Holdout, to Report to Cardinals Mandatory Minicamp
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is set to end his contract holdout and report to the team’s mandatory minicamp, running June 8 through 10. Brissett had skipped all of the Cardinals’ voluntary organized team activities while seeking a renegotiated contract. Despite his return, the two sides remain significantly far apart on a new deal. His current contract pays $4.88 million with just $1.5 million guaranteed, a figure below what he and the team agreed should reflect his status as the starter. Had Brissett not reported to mandatory minicamp, he faced fines totaling $107,911. Arizona named Brissett the starter heading into the 2026 season.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
De’Von Achane Sidelined from Team Drills at Dolphins Mandatory Minicamp
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane did not participate in team drills during Miami’s mandatory minicamp this week as he continues rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery. Achane took part in walk-throughs at the start of Thursday’s practice but remained out of contact work. Head coach Jeff Hafley described the procedure as minor surgery, stemming from an injury that forced Achane out of the Dolphins’ 2025 season finale. With Achane limited, running backs Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II competed for the No. 2 spot during camp. Dolphins leadership has identified Achane as a foundational piece of Miami’s rebuild heading into the 2026 season.
Sources: SI.com
NFL Mandatory Minicamps Underway as League Offseason Enters Final Stretch
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins completed their mandatory minicamps this week as the NFL offseason schedule progresses toward training camp. Nineteen additional teams are scheduled to hold three-day minicamps the week of June 9, with eleven more following the week of June 15. Steelers veteran outside linebacker Alex Highsmith was absent from Pittsburgh’s second practice day, though the team attributed his absence to illness, unrelated to the team’s recent contract business. In Arizona, the Cardinals’ mandatory minicamp opened Monday with quarterback Jacoby Brissett reporting following a prolonged holdout. Cardinals camp runs through June 10, with first-year offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur leading the offense in preparation for the 2026 season.
Sources: ESPN
AFC Divisions
AFC East
Buffalo Bills — Patriots — Dolphins — Jets
AFC North
Steelers — Ravens — Bengals — Browns
AFC South
Texans — Jaguars — Colts — Titans
AFC West
Chiefs — Chargers — Broncos — Raiders
NFC Divisions
NFC East
Cowboys — Eagles — Commanders — Giants
NFC North
Lions — Packers — Bears — Vikings
NFC South
Buccaneers — Falcons — Saints — Panthers
NFC West
Rams — 49ers — Seahawks — Cardinals
2026 regular season begins September 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency