Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, June 12, 2026
Seahawks Adorned With Super Bowl LX Championship Rings in Private Ceremony
The Seattle Seahawks gathered Thursday night for a private ring ceremony capping their Super Bowl LX title, distributing what the franchise called the largest Super Bowl ring ever produced. Designed by jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills, the rings include 50 white diamonds commemorating the team’s 50th season and a 12-flag button that activates a feature evoking the Lumen Field arch experience. Quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba were among the players honored at the ceremony, which also served as a tribute to the city of Seattle during the franchise’s 50th anniversary season.
Chiefs Rework Mahomes Deal, Making Him NFL’s First $500 Million Player
The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract this week, adding two years to make him the first player in NFL history with a deal valued above $500 million. The reworked agreement totals $504.75 million and runs through the 2033 season, with new money averaging $64 million annually starting in 2027. Mahomes will receive $239.05 million in new guarantees. The move comes as the 30-year-old quarterback recovers from a knee injury suffered last season, leaving his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign in question. Kansas City has won three Super Bowl titles with Mahomes directing the offense.
Browns Close Mandatory Minicamp With Watson-Sanders QB Race Unresolved
Cleveland’s quarterback competition remains open after mandatory minicamp closed Friday, with head coach Todd Monken saying a starter decision before training camp is unlikely. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders split first-team repetitions across the three-day camp, with Sanders taking all 11-on-11 snaps Tuesday, Watson reclaiming first-team reps Wednesday, and both sharing snaps Thursday. The competition is expected to extend into training camp, which opens in late July. The Browns have struggled for consistency at the position in recent years. Sanders, a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is competing with Watson in his second season with Cleveland.
Sources: ESPN • CBS Sports
Packers’ Micah Parsons Sets Mid-October Target for ACL Return
Green Bay pass rusher Micah Parsons will not return from his torn ACL until at least mid-October, the Packers confirmed this week. Parsons, who also underwent a meniscus procedure following the injury, is now approximately eight to nine months into his recovery. The linebacker tore his ACL on December 14, 2025, against the Denver Broncos in Week 15. Parsons is targeting either Week 5 on October 11 against the Chicago Bears or Week 6 on October 18 against the Dallas Cowboys for his return and is expected to open the season on the physically unable to perform list.
Sources: ESPN
Brissett Reports to Cardinals Mandatory Minicamp, Contract Gap Remains Wide
Jacoby Brissett ended his voluntary holdout and reported to the Arizona Cardinals’ mandatory minicamp this week, avoiding a $107,911 fine for missing the league-mandated sessions. Brissett had skipped voluntary OTAs while seeking improved compensation. He currently earns $1.5 million guaranteed on a contract totaling $4.88 million, and reports indicate the two sides remain significantly far apart in discussions. The Cardinals had informed Brissett he would be their starting quarterback entering the 2026 season, a designation that underpins his leverage in ongoing negotiations. Brissett attended camp but no contract resolution was reported.
49ers’ Kittle Targets Week 1 Return From Achilles Tear, Says He’s On Track
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle said this week he is on track to return for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season after tearing his right Achilles tendon in January. Kittle was injured during the 49ers’ wild card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11 and underwent surgery days later performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. General manager John Lynch said he is hopeful Kittle can return for the opener. Kittle has been jogging and performing single-leg hops in the rehab group at OTA sessions. San Francisco opens the 2026 season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.
Minicamp Notes: Love’s Pocket Work, Johnson’s Two Picks, Darrisaw’s Rest Day
Seventeen NFL teams held mandatory minicamps this week, producing several noteworthy moments across the league. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love worked on pocket footwork and was noted for his arm strength during practice. In Chicago, cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted Caleb Williams twice in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, providing an early test for the Bears’ starting quarterback. Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw took a planned rest day to manage his knee recovery. In San Francisco, offensive lineman Anthony Bradford returned to team drills after missing earlier OTA sessions with a leg injury. League-wide, mandatory minicamp represents teams’ final organized action before training camps open in late July.
Sources: ESPN • CBS Sports
Browns Guard Joel Bitonio Retires After 12 Seasons, All in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns left guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement this week after 12 seasons with the organization, one of the longest tenures of any player in Browns franchise history spent entirely with one team. The veteran offensive lineman was a fixture on the interior of Cleveland’s line across multiple coaching staffs and quarterback regimes. His departure reshapes a Browns offensive line preparing for 2026 training camp without a settled starting quarterback, as Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders continue their competition. Bitonio is widely regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in Browns franchise history.
Sources: CBS Sports
American League Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 13–4–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 13–4–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 9–8–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 5–12–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 4–13–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 11–6–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 10–7–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 7–10–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 2–15–0
National League Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 10–7–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 6–11–0
4. New York Giants — 3–14–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 10–7–0
3. Minnesota Vikings — 8–9–0
4. Detroit Lions — 8–9–0
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 10–7–0
2. Carolina Panthers — 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 — 13–4–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 11–6–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 5–12–0
2025 final regular season. Some records per ESPN season-end projection.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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