Samwise NFL Newsletter
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
NFL Announces 2026 Training Camp Report Dates for All 32 Teams
The NFL on Monday released official training camp report dates for all 32 franchises, with the first camps opening in under a month. Reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle will be first, with Seahawks rookies arriving July 17. The San Francisco 49ers hold the second-earliest rookie report date at July 18. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers have the earliest veteran report date, July 22, because of their Hall of Fame Game matchup on August 6. Most veterans across the league will report by July 28. NFL rosters are capped at 90 players throughout camp, with the 53-man cutdown deadline set for August 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
Sources: NFL.com
George Pickens Reports to Cowboys Minicamp, Signs Franchise Tag and Rules Out Holdout
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens showed up to mandatory minicamp Monday after missing voluntary OTAs as a show of displeasure over stalled long-term contract talks. Pickens, 25, has now signed his $27.3 million fully guaranteed franchise tag and confirmed he will not hold out of training camp. The Cowboys retain until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year deal with the 2025 Pro Bowl selection, who set career highs last season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns. Dallas previously called off long-term extension talks but has not ruled out restarting negotiations before the July deadline.
Sources: ESPN
Stefon Diggs, Cleared by NFL, Signals Washington Commanders Talks Are Alive
Free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains unsigned but has emerged as a leading candidate to join the Washington Commanders, the team he grew up watching as a Maryland native. The NFL recently closed its personal conduct policy investigation into Diggs, finding insufficient evidence to support a violation, clearing him to sign before training camp. Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns for New England in 2025. When asked about Washington, Diggs said: “We’re not ruling it out.” Head coach Mike Vrabel has indicated the Patriots are not interested in re-signing Diggs, narrowing the veteran receiver’s options heading into July.
Sources: NFL.com
Browns Close Minicamp Without Naming Starter as Sanders and Watson Split First-Team Reps
The Cleveland Browns wrapped up mandatory minicamp Monday without naming a starting quarterback, with coach Todd Monken continuing to split first-team reps between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. On the third and final day of camp, both passers alternated with the first unit. Monken reiterated after practice he will continue splitting reps when training camp opens in late July. Sanders, a 2026 first-round pick, joined Cleveland this spring; Watson seeks to re-establish himself after injury-shortened seasons. Monken offered no timetable for naming a starter, extending the uncertainty at the most important position entering what could be a pivotal year for the franchise.
Sources: CBS Sports
Bo Nix Returns to Practice at Broncos Minicamp, Expects to Be Full-Go at Training Camp
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was back on the practice field for mandatory minicamp after undergoing two ankle surgeries this offseason. Nix initially required surgery following Denver’s AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots, then needed a second procedure in April. He was limited to individual drills at minicamp but expressed confidence in his recovery. “I could be full go right now if they wanted me to,” Nix said. The quarterback expects to be a full participant when training camp opens in late July. The Broncos finished 14-3 in 2025 and are counting on a healthy Nix for another deep postseason run.
Sources: CBS Sports
Joe Burrow Compares 2026 Bengals to His National Championship LSU Squad
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow set a bold benchmark at mandatory minicamp Monday, comparing this year’s squad to his 2019 LSU Tigers, which won the College Football Playoff national championship. “I feel very similarly about this team,” Burrow said. “I’m so excited to get started. I feel like there’s so much greatness that we’re gonna be able to achieve this year.” The Bengals finished 6-11 in 2025 and missed the playoffs, but Burrow expressed renewed confidence in the rebuilt roster. The comparison drew immediate reaction around the league and set an unmistakable tone for Cincinnati’s expectations heading into training camp next month.
Sources: CBS Sports
Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell Making Smooth Transition to Left Tackle, Coach Says
Detroit Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell is adjusting to a new position this spring, shifting from right tackle to left tackle for the 2026 season after Taylor Decker’s departure. Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley said Sewell’s transition has gone “pretty smoothly” through OTAs and mandatory minicamp, with coaching focused on the timing of his punch and new footwork habits from a left-handed stance. Sewell won the Outland Trophy at left tackle during his sophomore season at Oregon before converting to right tackle in the NFL. Fraley described Sewell as “a very good athlete who takes pride in his work,” easing concerns about the position change.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
NFL Schedules 28 Joint Practices Across Three Weeks of 2026 Preseason
The NFL on Monday released the full 2026 preseason joint practice schedule, with 28 sessions set across three weeks of August. Joint practices let teams work against live outside competition in a controlled environment without the injury risk of full preseason game snaps. The sessions are spread across the league and give coaches a valuable look at depth-chart battles and new schemes. The preseason opens with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton on August 6 between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, the two teams with the earliest training camp report dates. All 32 teams will have reported to camp by July 28.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
2025 Final Standings — AFC
AFC East
1. Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Bills — 12–5–0
3. Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Texans — 12–5–0
3. Colts — 8–9–0
4. Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Raiders — 3–14–0
2025 Final Standings — NFC
NFC East
1. Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Commanders — 5–12–0
4. Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Bears — 11–6–0
2. Packers — 9–7–1
3. Lions — 9–8–0
4. Vikings — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Bucs — 8–9–0
3. Falcons — 8–9–0
4. Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seahawks — 14–3–0 🏆
2. 49ers — 12–5–0
3. Rams — 12–5–0
4. Cardinals — 3–14–0
🏆 Super Bowl LX Champions
Source: champsorchumps.us/summary/nfl/2025
Curated by JD · samwise.agency