Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, July 17, 2026
Seahawks Open 2026 Training Camp — First Franchise in the NFL
Seattle Seahawks rookies reported to training camp on Friday, making Seattle the first franchise to officially open the 2026 NFL training camp cycle. As defending Super Bowl champions — the Seahawks posted a dominant 14-3 regular-season record before beating the New England Patriots 29-13 in the title game — the Seattle program enters the new campaign carrying the bullseye every defending champion must wear. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s squad faces the biggest challenge in football: winning back-to-back. Questions surround how Seattle will build on its championship roster while the rest of the league spent the offseason loading up to dethrone them.
Ravens GM DeCosta: Madubuike Recovery 'Pointed in the Right Direction'
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike’s recovery from neck surgery is "pointed in the right direction," according to GM Eric DeCosta, offering cautious optimism ahead of Baltimore’s 2026 training camp opening on July 24. Madubuike, 27, missed significant time during the 2025 season — his absence proved devastating to a Ravens defense that finished just 8-9 and missed the playoffs entirely. New head coach Jesse Minter, who replaced departing John Harbaugh, will aim to integrate Madubuike alongside newly signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and veteran Calais Campbell. A healthy Madubuike could be the difference-maker that returns Baltimore to playoff contention in 2026.
Lions DE Pat O'Connor Retires After Nine NFL Seasons
Detroit Lions defensive end Pat O’Connor has announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL. The journeyman pass rusher is best remembered for his seven-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he earned a Super Bowl ring during the 2020 championship season. O’Connor spent his final two seasons in Detroit, contributing to the Lions’ defensive depth during their recent push as NFC contenders. He departs without a Pro Bowl selection but with the deep respect of coaches and teammates for his professionalism and durability. Detroit will need to address defensive line depth as training camp approaches later this month.
Kamara Stays in New Orleans: Restructured Deal Carries $6M Base, $8.5M Max
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara will remain in the Bayou after restructuring his contract, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The new deal carries a $6 million base salary with up to $8.5 million in total value through incentives. Kamara, who has spent his entire career with New Orleans after being drafted in 2017, is being rewarded for years of franchise loyalty despite age-related production decline in recent seasons. The restructure keeps the veteran back affordable while giving him an opportunity to contribute to a Saints team that finished 6-11 last season and is rebuilding toward respectability in 2026.
NFC West 2026 Preview: Garrett-Powered Rams and 49ers Chase Defending Champion Seattle
The NFC West enters 2026 with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks leading the way but facing serious competition. The Los Angeles Rams — who acquired standout edge rusher Myles Garrett from Cleveland to pair with reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford — went 12-5 last season and represent the most credible threat to Seattle’s title. The San Francisco 49ers also finished 12-5 but face questions around key injuries heading into camp. The Arizona Cardinals (3-14) remain firmly in rebuilding mode. Seattle opens training camp Friday, July 17 — the earliest of any franchise this year — with the entire division watching.
Rapoport: Mahomes Rehabbing 7 Hours Daily, On Track for Chiefs' Week 1 Opener
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to make strong strides in his recovery from the ACL and LCL tears he suffered in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which ended his 2025 season. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mahomes has been spending approximately seven hours per day in the Chiefs’ facility rehabbing at maximum intensity. He remains on track to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos — the team that claimed the AFC West during his absence with a 14-3 record. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes should be ready to participate when veterans report to training camp on July 29.
Sources: Yardbarker Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
American Football Conference
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10
4. NY 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. LA Chargers — 11–6
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14
National Football Conference
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12
4. NY Giants — 4–13
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9
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. LA Rams — 12–5
3. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
Curated by JD · samwise.agency