Samwise NFL Newsletter
Monday, July 27, 2026
Patrick Mahomes Fully Cleared for Chiefs Training Camp After Torn ACL Recovery
Patrick Mahomes has been fully cleared to participate in Kansas City Chiefs training camp, head coach Andy Reid confirmed, providing a major boost to the team as it attempts to reclaim its AFC West title. The Chiefs quarterback tore his ACL and LCL during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2025 and underwent surgery to repair the injuries. Mahomes said he feels stronger than he has ever felt and is eager to play in the September 14 season opener against the AFC West champion Denver Broncos. Kansas City and Denver square off in Week 1 with division bragging rights on the line.
Sources: NFL.com
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan to Begin Training Camp in Limited Role After Car Accident
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will begin training camp in a limited role after suffering multiple serious injuries in a July 14 car accident near his northern California home. Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, and needed more than 40 stitches in his face. He also suffered a severe concussion and is still experiencing lingering symptoms. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster will assume some of Shanahan’s duties during his recovery. The 49ers held their first training camp practice Sunday with Shanahan present but not in his normal capacity. GM John Lynch said Shanahan missing the season opener is not what the team is anticipating.
Sources: ESPN
Panthers LB Nic Scourton Suffers Torn ACL on First Day of Training Camp
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on the first day of the team’s training camp Thursday and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season before it began. Scourton, who went down during team drills on a wet field late in practice, was consoled by every teammate and head coach Dave Canales before being carted to the training room. The second-year player was a key part of the Panthers’ pass-rush plans opposite free agent addition Jaelan Phillips. Scourton, the No. 51 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded five sacks as a rookie.
Sources: CBS Sports
Patriots Offer Christian Gonzalez Contract That Would Make Him Highest-Paid CB Ever
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, entering the final years of his rookie contract, has received an offer from the team that would make him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history, owner Robert Kraft confirmed Sunday. Kraft said the offer would exceed $31 million in average annual salary — also the largest contract in Patriots franchise history. Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick who has been extension-eligible this offseason, told reporters he remains committed to New England, saying “of course I want to be here.” No deal has been finalized as training camp opens.
Sources: NFL.com
Myles Garrett Targets Defending Champion Seahawks After Blockbuster Trade to Rams
Defensive end Myles Garrett, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams in June in exchange for pass rusher Jared Verse and a first-round draft pick, has embraced his new role in Los Angeles and set his sights on the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. “I want the champs,” Garrett told reporters at a Rams event. The five-time All-Pro recorded a league-record 23 sacks in the 2025 season before the blockbuster trade. Garrett was also named the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He joins a Rams roster that has undergone significant changes this offseason.
Sources: NFL.com
Puka Nacua Expected to Practice as Rams Contract Extension Talks Continue
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to practice at training camp as contract extension negotiations continue, according to an NFL.com news roundup from Saturday. The Rams reported July 25, and general manager Les Snead has previously said the team wants a “win-win” deal for both sides. No extension has been reached, with the team focused on other priorities this offseason. Nacua is in the final year of his rookie contract following the 2023 NFL Draft. Coach Sean McVay said the team has had “internal dialogue” about possible extensions but noted there are other “moving parts” to address first.
Sources: NFL.com
Cardinals Reach Reworked Deal with QB Jacoby Brissett Worth Up to $21.5 Million
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett reached a reworked contract agreement with the team Sunday that will pay him $15.5 million in the 2026 season, with a maximum value of $21.5 million. The deal resolved a contract standoff that had carried through much of the offseason. The agreement was finalized as teams around the league began reporting for training camp, with all 32 NFL franchises expected to be fully operational by July 28. Brissett, a veteran signal-caller, had been at an impasse with Arizona over the terms, and the reworked deal provides clarity at the quarterback position heading into camp.
Sources: NFL.com
George Kittle Placed on 49ers’ PUP List to Open Camp After Achilles Injury
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has been placed on the physically unable to perform list to open training camp as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles sustained in January’s NFC Wild Card Round game against the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager John Lynch told reporters the team is “hopeful” Kittle can return in time for Week 1 of the regular season. Kittle has expressed optimism about his recovery timeline and said he is running routes again, but will not practice with the team initially. The 49ers have begun camp with both Kittle and head coach Kyle Shanahan unavailable in normal capacities.
Sources: NFL.com
Giants’ Malik Nabers Not Expected to Begin Camp on PUP List
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is not expected to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list, a positive development as he recovers from a right knee injury that required a second surgery earlier this year. A source told ESPN that Nabers is not likely to start camp on the PUP list, though the Giants plan to bring him along slowly and he may not practice immediately. Nabers suffered the knee injury in Week 4 of the 2025 season. His second procedure was performed to remove scar tissue from the joint. A Week 1 appearance remains uncertain as the team monitors his progress.
Sources: ESPN
2026 NFL Draft Class Fully Signed as Training Camps Open League-Wide
The 2026 NFL draft class is now fully signed, with New England Patriots second-round pick Gabe Jacas becoming the final member of the class to agree to a rookie contract, the NFL announced Sunday. Jacas, the No. 55 overall selection, completed a draft class that had its first-round contingent fully signed earlier this month. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson, the No. 13 overall pick, was the last first-rounder to sign, agreeing to a four-year, fully guaranteed $25.4 million deal. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders also signed his deal earlier in July.
Sources: NFL.com
American Conference Divisions
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills — 0–0–0
2. Miami Dolphins — 0–0–0
3. New England Patriots — 0–0–0
4. New York Jets — 0–0–0
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens — 0–0–0
2. Pittsburgh Steelers — 0–0–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 0–0–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 0–0–0
AFC South
1. Houston Texans — 0–0–0
2. Indianapolis Colts — 0–0–0
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — 0–0–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 0–0–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 0–0–0
2. Kansas City Chiefs — 0–0–0
3. Las Vegas Raiders — 0–0–0
4. Los Angeles Chargers — 0–0–0
2026 Preseason — Regular season begins September 2026
National Conference Divisions
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys — 0–0–0
2. Philadelphia Eagles — 0–0–0
3. New York Giants — 0–0–0
4. Washington Commanders — 0–0–0
NFC North
1. Detroit Lions — 0–0–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 0–0–0
3. Minnesota Vikings — 0–0–0
4. Chicago Bears — 0–0–0
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 0–0–0
2. Atlanta Falcons — 0–0–0
3. Carolina Panthers — 0–0–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 0–0–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 0–0–0 ★
2. Los Angeles Rams — 0–0–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 0–0–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 0–0–0
★ Super Bowl LX Champions
Curated by JD · samwise.agency