Samwise NFL Newsletter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Tyreek Hill Released by Dolphins, 2026 Season Availability Remains in Doubt
Free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill faces an uncertain path back to the NFL after the Miami Dolphins released him following a devastating knee injury. Hill suffered multiple torn ligaments, including an ACL, during Week 4 of the 2025 season. His availability for the 2026 NFL season is not guaranteed, per reports, with some suggesting there is no certainty he suits up for any franchise this fall. Despite the Dolphins releasing the five-time All-Pro, Hill has publicly expressed motivation to return and is continuing his recovery from surgery heading into the offseason.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Expectation for Aaron Donald Return to Rams Growing Ahead of 2026 Season
Expectations are building within NFL circles that defensive tackle Aaron Donald will come out of retirement and return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season, according to reports. Donald, who stepped away from football following the 2023 campaign, is reported to be seriously contemplating a comeback. Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay has remained in close contact with the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. While nothing has been finalized, momentum toward a reunion is reportedly gaining steam. Any return would make Donald one of the most compelling storylines ahead of training camp.
Baker Mayfield Long-Term Extension Unlikely Before 2026 Season, per ESPN
ESPN insider Dan Graziano reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield are unlikely to finalize a long-term contract extension before the start of the 2026 season, with both sides still remaining far apart on a new deal. Graziano noted the Bucs may instead make a shorter-term adjustment to Mayfield's current contract before training camp opens this summer. As the deadline approaches, the likelihood of a new multi-year agreement appears to be fading. Mayfield's camp reportedly set a late-July cutoff for negotiations, adding significant pressure on the Tampa Bay front office ahead of camp.
Sources: ESPN/Dan Graziano Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
First Round of Bids for Seattle Seahawks Franchise Submitted
The initial round of bids for the Seattle Seahawks franchise was submitted on July 6, 2026, representing a significant milestone in the sale process for the recent Super Bowl champions, per Pro Football Talk. The Seahawks, one of the NFL's premier franchises, are expected to command a record-setting sale price as billionaire investors weigh their offers. With NFL team valuations at historic highs and Seattle's large market adding to the team's appeal, the sale has attracted intense interest from buyers nationwide. The process continues to advance as training camp season approaches.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Travis Kelce, A.J. Brown Each Drop 40-Plus Spots in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026
The NFL released positions 71 through 80 of its Top 100 Players of 2026 list on July 6, with Travis Kelce landing at No. 79 and A.J. Brown at No. 80. Both represent dramatic declines of more than 40 spots from their previous rankings on the peer-voted list. Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, saw his standing among fellow players fall significantly as Kansas City struggled to a 6-11 finish in 2025. Brown's ranking similarly tumbled. The annual list, voted on by active NFL players themselves, continues to roll out throughout the summer.
Washington Commanders Agree to Sign CB Rasul Douglas to One-Year Deal
The Washington Commanders have agreed to sign free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas to a one-year contract worth up to $3.8 million, according to Pro Football Talk and reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal was reported on July 6, 2026. Douglas, who started 13 games with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, brings depth and experience to Washington's secondary. One of the most accomplished free-agent corners still available entering the summer, Douglas has logged more than 7,000 career snaps and 93 career starts in the NFL. Washington adds another veteran option in the defensive backfield.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
AFC Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. New York Jets — 3–14
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4
2. Houston Texans — 12–5
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
NFC Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. New York Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6
2. Detroit Lions — 10–7
3. Green Bay Packers — 10–6–1
4. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9
2. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9
3. New Orleans Saints — 8–9
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
3. Los Angeles Rams — 11–6
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
2025 Final Regular Season Standings
Curated by JD · samwise.agency