Samwise NFL Newsletter
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Haynes King’s Last-Second Scramble Lifts Panthers Over Cardinals 33-30 in Hall of Fame Game
Undrafted quarterback Haynes King scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard scramble as time expired, giving the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Thursday. King entered in the second quarter and finished 21 of 34 for 180 yards and two passing touchdowns, then led a 13-play, 65-yard drive after the Cardinals took a 30-27 lead on Kedon Slovis’s score with 1:55 remaining. Arizona rookie Carson Beck also impressed, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown before leaving midway through the third quarter.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Fully Cleared, Practices Third Consecutive Day at Training Camp
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes practiced for the third consecutive day on Friday as his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee continues on schedule. Mahomes, who suffered the injury during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025, was fully cleared by team medical staff last week and has been participating in team drills while wearing a knee brace. He has tested his mobility outside the pocket without any setbacks. The Chiefs open the regular season against the Denver Broncos on September 14, giving the three-time Super Bowl MVP ample time to build confidence before the games begin.
Aaron Donald Completes Official Workout with Rams as NFL Comeback Decision Remains Pending
Retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald completed an official workout with the Los Angeles Rams at their Loyola Marymount University facility on Wednesday, the closest indication yet that a comeback is possible. The workout was formally submitted to the NFL because Donald used team equipment, as league rules require. Rams head coach Sean McVay described the session positively, saying Donald “looked great” and was “still continuing to go through his process.” Donald has been considering a return since the Rams acquired pass-rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in a June trade. The Rams wrapped up training camp on Thursday without a commitment from Donald.
Vita Vea Trade Standoff Deepens as Buccaneers GM Rules Out Deal, Agent Sees No Other Outcome
The standoff between Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and his team deepened Friday. General manager Jason Licht told reporters he has “no plans” to trade the two-time Pro Bowl lineman, while Vea’s agent, Collin Roberts, told the Tampa Bay Times he could not see the situation ending in anything but a trade. Vea, 31, requested a trade July 27 after extension talks stalled. He enters the final year of a $71 million contract, set to earn $17 million in 2026 with no guaranteed money. The Buccaneers also must address quarterback Baker Mayfield’s contract situation, as Mayfield enters the final year of his deal.
Sources: Last Word on Sports
Jahmyr Gibbs Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back with $67.5 Million Lions Extension
The Detroit Lions locked up running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a three-year contract extension worth $67.5 million on Thursday, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history at $22.5 million per year. The deal includes $51.5 million in guarantees and can reach as much as $75.75 million in total value. Gibbs, who had been participating in training camp as a hold-in, said Friday the contract saga was over, telling reporters “I love being here.” The extension runs through the 2030 season and comes days after Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor also secured major running back contract extensions.
Sources: Detroit News
Malik Nabers Shows Encouraging Movement at Giants Camp in Return from Torn ACL
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers showed encouraging signs at training camp on Friday, moving fluidly through individual drills and cutting hard off his surgically repaired knee. Head coach John Harbaugh noted the improvement in Nabers’ movement, crediting the team’s rehabilitation staff. Nabers, 23, tore his ACL and meniscus during a 2025 Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and required additional surgery in the spring to remove scar tissue. He has not set a return date, stating there is “no target date” for his comeback. New York opens the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
Sources: Big Blue Interactive
Tennessee Titans Sign Peter Skoronski to $100 Million Extension, Making Him NFL’s Highest-Paid Guard
The Tennessee Titans signed offensive lineman Peter Skoronski to a four-year, $100 million contract extension on Friday, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. The deal includes $88 million guaranteed, per a person familiar with the terms who spoke with The Associated Press; the Titans did not publicly announce the terms. Skoronski, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, finished fourth in All-Pro voting at left guard for the 2025 season. The extension locks up the 24-year-old well before he was set to reach free agency and resets the pay scale at one of football’s most undervalued positions.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
Buffalo Bills Lock Up Guard O’Cyrus Torrence with Four-Year, $78.4 Million Extension
The Buffalo Bills extended right guard O’Cyrus Torrence on Friday, agreeing to a four-year, $78.4 million deal that includes $46 million guaranteed. The contract carries an average annual value of $19.5 million, making Torrence the seventh-highest-paid guard in the league. Torrence, 26, was drafted by Buffalo in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has started 50 of a possible 51 regular-season games across his first three seasons. The Bills now effectively have their starting right guard under contract for the next five seasons at approximately $82 million total, continuing their investment in the offensive line protecting quarterback Josh Allen.
AFC Divisions
Regular season begins Sept. 9, 2026 — all teams 0–0
AFC East
1. Bills — 0–0–0
2. Dolphins — 0–0–0
3. Patriots — 0–0–0
4. Jets — 0–0–0
AFC North
1. Ravens — 0–0–0
2. Bengals — 0–0–0
3. Browns — 0–0–0
4. Steelers — 0–0–0
AFC South
1. Texans — 0–0–0
2. Colts — 0–0–0
3. Jaguars — 0–0–0
4. Titans — 0–0–0
AFC West
1. Broncos — 0–0–0
2. Chiefs — 0–0–0
3. Raiders — 0–0–0
4. Chargers — 0–0–0
NFC Divisions
Regular season begins Sept. 9, 2026 — all teams 0–0
NFC East
1. Cowboys — 0–0–0
2. Giants — 0–0–0
3. Eagles — 0–0–0
4. Commanders — 0–0–0
NFC North
1. Bears — 0–0–0
2. Lions — 0–0–0
3. Packers — 0–0–0
4. Vikings — 0–0–0
NFC South
1. Falcons — 0–0–0
2. Panthers — 0–0–0
3. Saints — 0–0–0
4. Buccaneers — 0–0–0
NFC West
1. Cardinals — 0–0–0
2. Rams — 0–0–0
3. 49ers — 0–0–0
4. Seahawks — 0–0–0
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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