Samwise NFL Newsletter
Monday, June 29, 2026
Scores · Standings · Transactions · Analysis
Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson publicly revealed Monday he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowl selection made the announcement on Good Morning America, describing a rapid disease progression that has left him relying on an eye-controlled speech device to communicate. Johnson, who turns 40 this year, spent most of his career with the Titans and accumulated 9,651 career rushing yards and 55 touchdowns across 11 NFL seasons. Best known as “CJ2K” after rushing for 2,009 yards in 2009, he also posted six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns during his prime in Tennessee.
NFL.com › June 29, 2026Baker Mayfield’s Contract Talks: “Finding That Middle Ground”
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain locked in an extension standoff entering the 2026 season. The quarterback told reporters Monday that talks are “a matter of finding that middle ground,” a slight shift in tone from his blunt June 5 characterization that the two sides were “not anywhere close.” Mayfield is in the final year of a three-year, $100 million deal, reportedly seeking roughly $50 million annually — well above his current $33 million average value. He has set training camp as a soft deadline for talks, making the coming weeks critical for a deal that both sides appear to want.
NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk › June 29, 2026Gardner-Johnson Disputes “Cancer” Label, Reveals Texans Exit
New Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is pushing back against his reputation as a locker room problem. “Where have I been a cancer?” he told reporters last week, challenging the label that followed him out of Houston. Gardner-Johnson gave his account of the Texans releasing him: he was called a derogatory name during a team session at The Greenbrier, responded, and was let go — alleging head coach DeMeco Ryans sided against him. He also weighed in on the Philadelphia Eagles’ dismantled roster following their Super Bowl victory, expressing pointed satisfaction over the team’s offseason upheaval.
Heavy.com / Yahoo Sports › June 26, 2026Denzel Ward Skips Minicamp; Browns Extension Talks Underway
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward did not participate in mandatory minicamp amid lingering contract uncertainty, with no guaranteed money remaining on his current deal. The five-time Pro Bowl selection’s situation has drawn fresh attention as the cornerback market has reset dramatically, with Derek Stingley Jr., Trent McDuffie, and others recently signing extensions worth $30 million or more per season. General manager Andrew Berry has stated publicly that he wants to keep Ward in Cleveland. Both sides are believed to be in active extension discussions, with the Browns hoping to lock up one of the league’s premier cover corners before training camp begins.
Pro Football Rumors › June 28–29, 2026Dolphins ‘Likely’ to Extend LB Jordyn Brooks
The Miami Dolphins are “likely” to extend linebacker Jordyn Brooks, according to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, even as the franchise navigates a significant rebuild. Brooks, a reigning first-team All-Pro entering the final year of his three-year, $26.25 million deal, has sought a raise since last spring and previously expressed uncertainty about receiving an extension. The Dolphins have shed much of their veteran core — including Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bradley Chubb, and Terron Armstead — providing cap flexibility to retain a proven producer. Brooks drew trade interest from the Cowboys earlier this offseason but remains in Miami as negotiations continue.
Pro Football Rumors › June 25, 2026Titans Lock Up DT Jeffery Simmons on Record Extension
The Tennessee Titans and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons agreed to a record three-year extension, making Simmons the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in NFL history. Financial details confirmed Thursday showed Simmons will receive $60.2 million guaranteed at signing — surpassing the benchmark previously set by Kansas City’s Chris Jones. Simmons, a 2019 first-round pick who was drafted weeks after tearing his ACL in college, has been the defensive cornerstone for Tennessee throughout multiple coaching regimes. He is now contracted through the 2030 season and gives new head coach Robert Saleh an elite anchor on the defensive line.
Pro Football Rumors › June 25, 2026Steelers Sign DB Harvey, Release DE Henry
The Pittsburgh Steelers executed a pair of roster moves Thursday, signing defensive back Ahmari Harvey to a one-year deal while releasing defensive end K.J. Henry. Harvey, an undrafted free agent from the 2026 draft class, had previously signed with the Denver Broncos before being waived earlier this month. He now joins Pittsburgh’s 90-man roster. Henry, originally a fifth-round selection by Washington, was released to make room for the addition. Both moves are routine summer roster adjustments as NFL teams continue to shape their 90-man rosters ahead of training camp opening.
Pro Football Rumors › June 25, 2026KC Concepcion: Browns’ New WR Room “Can Be Dangerous”
Cleveland Browns first-round rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion is already exuding confidence heading into his debut NFL season. “This new wide receiver room, it can be dangerous,” Concepcion said on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “Everybody complements each other. Everybody is a different receiver.” The Browns overhauled their receiving corps this offseason, pairing Concepcion with second-round pick Denzel Boston alongside returning contributors Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond. Cleveland’s wideout room was modest in 2025 — Jerry Jeudy led the team with just 602 receiving yards — but the new additions under head coach Todd Monken figure to change that dramatically.
NFL.com › June 29, 20262025 Final Standings
AFC
AFC East
| New England Patriots | 14-3 |
| Buffalo Bills | 12-5 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7-10 |
| New York Jets | 3-14 |
AFC North
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8-9 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6-11 |
| Cleveland Browns | 5-12 |
AFC South
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 13-4 |
| Houston Texans | 12-5 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 8-9 |
| Tennessee Titans | 3-14 |
AFC West
| Denver Broncos | 14-3 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 11-6 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-11 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 3-14 |
NFC
NFC East
| Philadelphia Eagles | 11-6 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 7-9-1 |
| Washington Commanders | 5-12 |
| New York Giants | 4-13 |
NFC North
| Chicago Bears | 11-6 |
| Green Bay Packers | 9-7-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 9-8 |
| Detroit Lions | 9-8 |
NFC South
| Carolina Panthers | 8-9 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 8-9 |
| New Orleans Saints | 6-11 |
NFC West
| Seattle Seahawks | 14-3 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 12-5 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 12-5 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-14 |
Samwise NFL Newsletter • Published every Monday