Samwise NFL Newsletter
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Eagles Make Jalen Carter Highest-Paid Defensive Tackle in NFL History With $152M Deal
The Philadelphia Eagles made Jalen Carter the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history on Monday, agreeing to a four-year, $152 million contract extension with $106 million guaranteed. The deal, announced as veterans reported to training camp in Philadelphia, extends Carter through the 2031 season and carries an average annual value of $38 million, surpassing the previous record for a defensive tackle. Carter, 25, has been selected to two consecutive Pro Bowls and has accumulated 13.5 sacks, 37 quarterback hits, and 108 tackles in three seasons since being drafted 9th overall in 2023. The Eagles exercised his fifth-year option for 2027 earlier this year.
Sources: ESPN
Buccaneers DT Vita Vea Formally Requests Trade as Training Camp Opens
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea formally requested a trade as training camp opened this week, according to NFL Network, after the two-time Pro Bowl lineman and the team failed to reach agreement on a long-term contract extension. Vea, entering the final year of a four-year deal worth $18 million in 2026, attended practice on Wednesday but did not participate in drills. Tampa Bay has not committed to dealing the veteran, who ESPN identified as a potential fit for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, among others. Vea previously was a hold-in at the team's mandatory minicamp in June.
Sources: NFL.com
Denzel Ward Signs Richest Deal for a Defensive Back in NFL History With Browns
The Cleveland Browns gave cornerback Denzel Ward the largest contract for a defensive back in NFL history on Monday, agreeing to a two-year, $62.2 million extension with $52.3 million guaranteed. The deal, which ties Ward to Cleveland through the 2029 season at $31.1 million per year, is Ward's second record-setting contract in four years and signals the organization's commitment to building around the veteran corner despite the team's rebuilding timeline. Ward, who has been with the Browns since the team selected him fourth overall in 2018, quashed earlier trade speculation with Monday's agreement, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Sources: ESPN
49ers Open Training Camp Without Shanahan, Who Admits Fault in July 14 Car Crash
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted fault on Wednesday in the July 14 car accident that left him with a broken nose, three cracked ribs, a broken hand, more than 40 facial stitches, and a serious concussion, saying he took his eyes off the road to retrieve his fallen phone before striking another vehicle. Shanahan is currently limited in his coaching duties as training camp opens, with assistant head coach Chris Foerster assuming many sideline responsibilities. General manager John Lynch said Wednesday that Shanahan is not expected to miss the season opener on September 14, though the head coach still has lingering concussion symptoms.
Sources: CBS Sports
Patrick Mahomes Fully Cleared for Chiefs Training Camp Eight Months After Torn ACL
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fully medically cleared to participate in training camp on Wednesday, nearly eight months after tearing the ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes is expected to take first-team repetitions in 11-on-11 drills throughout camp. Mahomes described his recovery as the best physical shape of his career. Reid stopped short of guaranteeing Mahomes will play in Kansas City's September 14 season opener against the Denver Broncos, but called the team optimistic. The Chiefs are defending AFC West champions.
Sources: ESPN
Falcons Begin Camp With Both Starting QBs Unavailable, Sign Cooper Rush
The Atlanta Falcons began training camp on Wednesday with neither of their starting-caliber quarterbacks available for team drills, with Tua Tagovailoa sidelined by a back issue and Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for 11-on-11 activities following his third ACL surgery last November. Atlanta signed 32-year-old veteran Cooper Rush on Tuesday to lead the offense in Tagovailoa's absence, joining undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tagovailoa's back issue is not serious and he expects the quarterback back within days. Penix's timeline remains unclear, but the team said they are not concerned about his availability for the regular season.
Sources: CBS Sports
Raiders Name Kirk Cousins QB1 Over No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to Open Camp
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the team's starter ahead of first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza and will receive the majority of first-team repetitions throughout the preseason. Kubiak acknowledged Mendoza is the franchise's long-term answer but said he wants the 2026 draft's top selection to develop behind a reliable veteran before eventually taking over the offense. Cousins was released by the Atlanta Falcons in March and agreed to terms with Las Vegas shortly after. Mendoza, out of Cal, threw for 3,941 yards and 34 touchdowns in his final college season.
Sources: NFL.com
Steelers Place Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. on PUP List as Camp Opens
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. on the physically unable to perform list as training camp opened Tuesday, with Ramsey nursing a knee injury and Porter Jr. dealing with a back issue aggravated during a mobility workout. Both players began camp unable to participate and will be re-evaluated before the preseason. The injuries are a significant early setback for Pittsburgh's secondary, which was already managing depth concerns heading into 2026. Ramsey, 31, signed with the Steelers as a free agent in the offseason, while Porter Jr. is entering his third NFL season. Neither player's timeline for return was given.
Sources: ESPN
Vikings Lock Up Right Tackle Brian O’Neill Through 2030 With $96M Extension
The Minnesota Vikings and right tackle Brian O'Neill finalized a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Tuesday as veterans reported to training camp, tying one of the league's most consistent offensive linemen to the organization through the 2030 season. O'Neill, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, entered 2026 in the final year of the five-year, $92.5 million deal he signed in 2021. Head coach Kevin O'Connell called the extension a priority entering the offseason. The deal was confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter. O'Neill has been a full-time starter since 2018 and is considered a cornerstone of the Vikings' offensive line protecting quarterback Sam Darnold.
Sources: ESPN
American Conference Divisions
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills — 0–0–0
2. Miami Dolphins — 0–0–0
3. New York Jets — 0–0–0
4. New England Patriots — 0–0–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 0–0–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 0–0–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 0–0–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 0–0–0
AFC South
1. Houston Texans — 0–0–0
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — 0–0–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 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
National Conference Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 0–0–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 0–0–0
3. Washington Commanders — 0–0–0
4. New York Giants — 0–0–0
NFC North
1. Detroit Lions — 0–0–0
2. Minnesota Vikings — 0–0–0
3. Green Bay Packers — 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. New Orleans Saints — 0–0–0
4. Carolina Panthers — 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
Curated by JD · samwise.agency