Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Eagles Trade Cam Jurgens to Ravens for 2028 Second-Round Pick
The Philadelphia Eagles traded two-time Pro Bowl lineman Cam Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2028 second-round selection and Baltimore’s 2027 fifth-round pick. Jurgens, 27, is under contract through 2029 and started Philadelphia’s first four games at left guard after moving from center. He self-reported concussion symptoms Monday and entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, so his availability for Baltimore depends on completing the league’s return-to-participation process. The deal came one day after Lane Johnson’s retirement, leaving the Eagles’ offensive line without two accomplished veterans in the same week.
Sources: Eagles Wire / Yahoo Sports
Lane Johnson’s Retirement Could Leave Eagles with $54.8 Million Cap Charge in 2027
Lane Johnson’s decision to retire now carries significant salary-cap consequences for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pro Football Talk reported. Johnson retired after three games this season. Had he retired after the season and had the Eagles processed it after June 1, Johnson would have counted $15.978 million against the cap in 2027 and $38.8 million in 2028. Now he will count $54.778 million in 2027. The Eagles may seek to recover unallocated signing bonus money and part of his $21.7 million 2026 option bonus. Delaying his official retirement until after June 1, 2027 would avoid that charge.
Sources: Pro Football Talk
DeMeco Ryans Takes Over Texans’ Defensive Play-Calling After 0–4 Start
Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a significant change amid the team’s 0–4 start. “It all starts with me,” Ryans said. “If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first.” Ryans added that the move is “no slight against coach Burke. He’s done an outstanding job.” The change follows Houston’s 34–30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, in which Dallas racked up 399 yards and scored touchdowns on four of five second-half drives. CeeDee Lamb had 17 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown, and Dak Prescott threw for 335 yards.
Sources: CBS Sports
Odell Beckham Jr. Joins Vikings Practice Squad After Giants Release
The Minnesota Vikings announced the addition of veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad. Beckham was released by the New York Giants on Sept. 29, ending a brief second stint with the club. He logged zero catches and zero targets over three games. Giants head coach John Harbaugh said after the release that it just “wasn’t working for us.” In Minnesota, Beckham reunites with head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator when Beckham was acquired during the 2021 season. In eight regular-season games under O’Connell that year, Beckham caught 27 balls for 305 yards and five touchdowns.
Sources: CBS Sports
Buccaneers Rule Out Baker Mayfield and Three Defensive Starters for Thursday Night in Dallas
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without quarterback Baker Mayfield and three defensive starters for Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Mayfield (right thumb), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad), linebacker SirVocea Dennis (ankle and foot) and safety Antoine Winfield (rib) were ruled out after none of the four participated in Tampa Bay’s first two days of preparation. Mayfield will miss his second consecutive game after sitting out the 17–14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rookie Jalon Daniels will make his second NFL start after completing 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Green Bay.
Sources: Bucs Wire / Yahoo Sports
Drake Maye and Tetairoa McMillan Headline NFL’s Week 4 Players of the Week
New England quarterback Drake Maye and Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan earned the NFL’s top offensive honors for Week 4. Maye threw three touchdown passes and ran for 54 yards as the Patriots upset the Bills, 29–26, earning his second career AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers’ 32–26 Sunday night win over the Lions. Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun and Giants cornerback Deonte Banks took defensive honors; Banks returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown with New York clinging to a 30–24 lead over Arizona.
Caleb Williams, Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley Among Stars Missing Wednesday Practice
Several stars sat out Wednesday practice as teams opened Week 5 preparation. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) did not practice, nor did Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle); Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said the team will figure out where Jackson stands later this week. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Cincinnati receiver Ja’Marr Chase (concussion) also missed practice. Chargers tackle Joe Alt (neck) is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Broncos, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle) did not practice but is not expected to be placed on injured reserve, Payton said.
Giants Promote QB Jake Haener, Place Braxton Berrios on Injured Reserve
The New York Giants signed quarterback Jake Haener to the active roster from their practice squad on Wednesday. New York also placed wide receiver Braxton Berrios (foot) on injured reserve and added receiver Dontae Fleming to the practice squad. Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck) is getting a second opinion but could have a long-term absence, Harbaugh said; Golston did not practice. Running back Najee Harris (personal), receiver Malik Nabers (knee) and tackle Andrew Thomas (groin) also did not practice, while running back Cam Skattebo (shoulder) and tight end Isaiah Likely (knee, groin) were limited.
AFC Standings
| Team | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC East | |||
| Buffalo Bills | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| New England Patriots | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| New York Jets | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Miami Dolphins | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| AFC North | |||
| Cleveland Browns | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| AFC South | |||
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tennessee Titans | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Houston Texans | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| AFC West | |||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Denver Broncos | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 4 | 0 |
NFC Standings
| Team | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFC East | |||
| New York Giants | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Washington Commanders | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| NFC North | |||
| Minnesota Vikings | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Detroit Lions | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Green Bay Packers | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| NFC South | |||
| Carolina Panthers | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| New Orleans Saints | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| NFC West | |||
| San Francisco 49ers | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | 3 | 0 |
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency