Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Terrion Arnold Stands to Lose Millions if Convicted
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold faces significant financial consequences tied to his legal troubles. Arnold's four-year rookie contract totals $13.343 million, including a $7.251 million signing bonus. Of that total, $2.098 million is owed in 2026 and $2.75 million in 2027. If Arnold is convicted and unavailable for the next two seasons, the Lions could recover $3.6255 million in bonus money. Should he miss all of 2026, he would owe the team back $1.812 million — a stark illustration of the financial stakes. A pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 29.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Baker Mayfield: “It’s a Matter of Finding That Middle Ground”
Baker Mayfield spoke from a football camp in Oklahoma about his contract situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal, Mayfield said he wants to remain in Tampa long-term: “I want to be there long term.” Without an extension, he would become an unrestricted free agent in March. Applying a franchise tag in 2027 would cost the team roughly $48 million. Mayfield acknowledged the two sides are working toward common ground. “It’s a matter of finding that middle ground,” he said, suggesting talks remain ongoing but constructive.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Former Titans Scout Mical Johnson Testifies in Blaise Taylor Murder Case
Former Titans scout Mical Johnson — who in 2021 became the NFL’s first full-time female scouting assistant — testified Saturday on Day 5 of the murder trial against Blaise Taylor. Johnson told jurors she had never heard of Jade Benning, whom Taylor is accused of poisoning while pregnant with their child. Johnson said she did not know Taylor was expecting a baby; he had indicated he was “not ready yet.” She also testified Taylor’s demeanor changed in fall 2022 and that he remained in Nashville during the 2023 Scouting Combine, which coincides with Benning’s poisoning. Taylor faces first-degree murder and felony murder charges.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Brandon Aiyuk Continues to Post Videos — But Still Hasn’t Filed Paperwork
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk continued posting videos on Instagram targeting 49ers GM John Lynch, coach Kyle Shanahan, and his agent Ryan Williams. Aiyuk, who is on the reserve/left squad list, vowed not to return to the 49ers facility until October 19, when the Washington Commanders visit Levi’s Stadium. However, Aiyuk has not officially fired Williams — he has not submitted the required NFLPA form — and has not filed a petition for reinstatement with the league. Without that petition, nothing changes. A season-ending injury while working out would put the 49ers on the hook for more than $26 million in 2026 compensation that is not currently guaranteed.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Dexter Lawrence: “I Know My Impact on the Game Even Without Sack Numbers”
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence arrives in Cincinnati motivated after a down 2025. He set a career high with nine sacks in 2024, then posted career lows — 0.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits — as his three-year Pro Bowl streak ended. Lawrence faced the fifth-highest double-team rate among defensive tackles last season at 70.35 percent, per Pro Football Focus. The Bengals also added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and edge rushers Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell to their defensive line this offseason. “I know how I approach this game and my impact to the game, even when it does not show up on the sack numbers,” Lawrence said.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
O.J. Simpson Won’t Be in the Wall of Fame at the New Bills Stadium
The Buffalo Bills will not include O.J. Simpson in the Wall of Fame display at their new Highmark Stadium. Bills COO Pete Guelli announced Saturday that the organization determined Simpson is “not a fit to display inside our new stadium and Family Circle” — a plaza outside the entrance honoring franchise greats. Simpson, who died in 2024, was the first inductee to the Wall of Fame when it launched in 1980. He was acquitted of double murder in criminal court but found liable in a wrongful death civil judgment. A five-time first-team All-Pro and 1973 NFL MVP, Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in a single 14-game season.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Mark Andrews: Lamar Jackson Is Evolving in a “Totally Different” Offense
Ravens tight end Mark Andrews says Lamar Jackson is “constantly evolving and getting better” as Baltimore adjusts to a new offensive system under coordinator Declan Doyle. Andrews, who entered the league alongside Jackson as 2018 rookies, told CBSSports.com the current scheme is unlike anything they have previously run in Baltimore. “This is a different offense than we have been a part of since we got into the league — it is totally different than anything we have done,” Andrews said. He added Jackson will make it his own and cautioned opponents: “That is a scary sight when you see Lamar Jackson adding new things to his repertoire.”
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
ESPN Opts Not to Renew Will Blackmon’s Good Morning Football Contract
ESPN declined to renew analyst Will Blackmon’s contract for Good Morning Football, the NFL Network show ESPN took over following its April 1 acquisition. Blackmon, a former fourth-round pick who played for the Packers, Giants, Jaguars, and Washington, joined the show for the 2025 season. He reacted on social media saying ESPN let him go on his day off and described himself as having been “added to the roster in April and didn’t even get a snap.” PFT’s Mike Florio noted the churn will likely continue in the coming months, as more existing contracts expire and are not renewed.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Curated by JD · samwise.agency