Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, July 24, 2026
Panthers OLB Nic Scourton Tears ACL on First Day of Training Camp
Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL during team drills on the first day of veterans’ training camp, ending his 2026 season before it began. The former No. 51 overall pick from Texas A&M was carted off the field in tears on Thursday, a devastating blow for Carolina’s pass rush. Scourton, who tied defensive tackle Derrick Brown for the team lead with five sacks in his rookie campaign despite just eight official starts, was counted on as the primary bookend opposite new free-agent signee Jaelan Phillips. He will miss the entire 2026 season.
Sources: CBS Sports • ESPN • NBC Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Raiders Sign No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to $57.27M Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to his four-year rookie contract, worth $57.27 million fully guaranteed with a fifth-year option. The Indiana quarterback, who led the Hoosiers to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy before entering the 2026 NFL Draft, officially puts pen to paper as rookies report to training camp. Mendoza is not guaranteed to start from Week 1, however—veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins remains in the mix to open the season as the starter, with the Raiders prepared to manage Mendoza’s development carefully in his first NFL camp.
Sources: NFL.com • ESPN • NBC Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ravens Waive Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia Before Training Camp Opens
The Baltimore Ravens have waived undrafted free agent quarterback Diego Pavia before the start of training camp, ending a brief tenure for one of the most notable UDFA signings of the 2026 offseason. Pavia, who became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years, signed with Baltimore in April and competed for the QB3 role behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. His release clears a roster spot for veteran center Ethan Pocic. The Ravens’ remaining quarterbacks are Jackson, Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Joe Fagnano heading into camp.
Sources: CBS Sports • NBC Sports • Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 NFL Training Camps Officially Open; All 32 Teams Report by July 28
NFL training camps for the 2026 season are officially underway, with all 32 teams set to report by July 28. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks—who are set to meet in the Super Bowl LX rematch to open the regular season on September 9 at 8:20 p.m. on NBC—reported to camp Friday. The 49ers and Rams report July 25 ahead of their September 10 game in Melbourne, Australia. The NFL Hall of Fame Game, featuring the Arizona Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers, kicks off on August 6 in Canton, Ohio, followed by Back Together Weekend August 1–2.
Mahomes Expected to Be Fully Cleared at Chiefs Camp Following Torn ACL, LCL
Patrick Mahomes is expected to be fully cleared when Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies report to training camp, the most encouraging update yet on the superstar’s recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Mahomes suffered the injuries in a Week 15 2025 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and has reportedly been ahead of schedule throughout his rehabilitation. The two-time Super Bowl MVP has indicated he wants to be ready for Week 1, though the organization is expected to proceed cautiously through the preseason—potentially sitting Mahomes out of exhibition games entirely for the first time in his career.
Sources: Last Word on Sports • CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Panthers Agree to Terms With OLB Cam Gill After Scourton’s ACL Tear
In direct response to Nic Scourton’s torn ACL, the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with outside linebacker Cam Gill, a familiar face looking to bolster an already-shorthanded pass rush. Gill, 28, played in Carolina in 2024, recording 22 tackles and four quarterback hits in 10 games, before spending the 2026 UFL season with the Louisville Kings. There he posted a league-best 11 sacks in 10 games, earning the UFL’s 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award. His arrival gives Carolina veteran depth opposite new signing Jaelan Phillips as the Panthers try to stay competitive at edge rusher.
Sources: Yahoo Sports • NBC Sports • CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
AFC
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
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. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Detroit Lions — 9–8
4. Minnesota Vikings — 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. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5
3. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14
▲ Division champion ★ Super Bowl LX champion
Curated by JD · samwise.agency