Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Lions CB Terrion Arnold Arrested on 8 Felony Counts in Tampa
Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold turned himself in at Hillsborough County’s Orient Road Jail Thursday, facing four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery stemming from a February incident in Tampa. Prosecutors allege two people were lured to a residence and beaten in retribution for the theft of Arnold’s property. Six other individuals were previously arrested; three have pled guilty and agreed to testify for the state. Arnold’s agent Denise White said he “categorically denies any involvement,” relying on “testimony from multiple convicted felons.” The Lions declined to comment. A 2024 first-round pick, Arnold has recorded 91 combined tackles and 18 passes defensed in two seasons.
Aiyuk Posts to Instagram: ‘Cut Me Today. I’ll Sign With the Commanders Tomorrow.’
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk went public Wednesday with a pointed Instagram video: “tell them boys cut me today. And I’ll sign with the Commanders tomorrow.” San Francisco GM John Lynch said in January it was “safe to say that [Aiyuk] has played his last snap with the Niners,” but the team has been holding him while seeking a trade partner. Aiyuk has been on the reserve/left team list since December after stopping showing up at the facility. The 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money on his $120 million contract after he did not participate in rehabilitation for torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries. Veterans report to camp July 25.
Jaguars TE Brenton Strange Signs 3-Year Extension Worth Up to $48M
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $48 million with $25 million guaranteed, locking up one of the offense’s key contributors before he entered the final year of his rookie deal. Strange caught 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games during the 2025 season. Jacksonville went 11-1 in games Strange played, averaging 30.1 points, compared to 2-3 averaging 22.6 points per game when he missed time with a hip injury — underlining his impact on the offense. The Jaguars finished 13-4 in 2025 and move quickly to secure Strange ahead of training camp.
Devon Witherspoon Extension Talks With Seahawks Have ‘Not Gone Smoothly’
Contract extension negotiations between the Seattle Seahawks and cornerback Devon Witherspoon have stalled, with sources telling ESPN the discussions have “not gone as smoothly” as hoped. Seattle made an initial offer roughly three months ago, but no deal has been reached. All signs had pointed to Witherspoon becoming the league’s highest-paid cornerback. He is currently owed $5.1 million in 2026, with a $21.2 million fifth-year option in 2027. Witherspoon was a cornerstone of Seattle’s dominant defense during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX championship season and figures to be a long-term priority for the reigning champions as camp approaches.
Taylor Swift Performs at Tight End University; Wedding With Kelce Expected ‘in the Coming Days’
Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at Tight End University (TEU) at Vanderbilt, performing “Love Story” alongside country star Lainey Wilson at the annual event co-hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen — now in their sixth year of TEU. Swift and Kelce have been engaged since August, with a wedding expected “in the coming days.” TMZ has reported the ceremony is rumored to take place at Madison Square Garden. Kittle praised Swift’s attendance: “[Swift] is just such an awesome person to give us her time this close to their wedding.” The appearance added an unexpected pop-culture moment to the NFL’s annual tight end showcase.
Lamar Jackson on New Ravens OC Declan Doyle: ‘The Way He Calls Plays Is Mind-Blowing’
Lamar Jackson offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the Baltimore Ravens’ new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as the team navigates a significant offseason coaching overhaul. Head coach John Harbaugh was replaced by Jesse Minter this offseason, with Doyle coming aboard as offensive coordinator. Jackson told reporters the transition has been a success: “The way Declan calls plays and his creativity with his mind — how detailed he is — it’s mind-blowing.” Pro Football Talk reports Jackson is fully bought in with the new staff and calls the Doyle hire one of the offseason’s biggest home runs for the Ravens’ rebuilding effort.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
California SB 795 — Workers’ Comp Bill Opposed by NFLPA — Has Been Pulled
California SB 795 — legislation that would have significantly restricted professional athletes’ access to workers’ compensation benefits — has been pulled and will not advance to a vote. The NFLPA informed registered contract advisors in an email that the bill’s defeat is “a meaningful win for your clients.” The union had strongly opposed the measure, arguing NFL players already pay for workers’ comp through their collectively bargained share of league revenue, and that California’s three NFL teams — the 49ers, Chargers, and Rams — were seeking to “evade that system for financial gain.” The NFLPA cautioned that similar legislative efforts have been made before and will likely resurface.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Brendan Sorsby Case Puts NFLPA in Awkward Spot — He’s Not a Union Member
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s case has placed the NFLPA in an uncomfortable position: because Sorsby is not a union member, the players’ association has limited ability to formally advocate on his behalf. That has not stopped attorney Jeffrey Kessler from arguing that the NFL’s handling of the situation constitutes a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The NFL did not hold a supplemental draft that could have provided Sorsby a path into the league. Without union membership, Sorsby lacks the full protections the NFLPA can offer active players, leaving both sides navigating a structural gap in the system — and Sorsby without a clear route to the NFL.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
American Conference
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3 (z)
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5 (x)
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. New York Jets — 3–14
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7 (z)
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4 (z)
2. Houston Texans — 12–5 (x)
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3 (*)
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6 (x)
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
z=div champion, x=playoff berth, *=conf champion
Super Bowl LX: Seattle 29, New England 13
National Conference
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6 (z)
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. New York Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6 (z)
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1 (x)
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9 (z)
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
3. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3 (*)
2. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5 (x)
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5 (x)
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
z=div champion, x=playoff berth, *=conf champion
2025 Final Standings
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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