NFL News — 2026-07-26#
Read First#
The Jacoby Brissett contract stalemate in Arizona has officially come to a close on the eve of padded practices. By inking a reworked $15.5 million base deal that could reach $21 million with incentives, the Cardinals ensure their veteran placeholder avoids a holdout and gets first-team reps over rookie Carson Beck. It’s a pragmatic resolution that allows Jonathan Gannon’s squad to focus entirely on football without the distraction.
Highlights by Theme#
Draft & Prospects#
The Patriots locked down one of their final unsigned rookies, officially signing second-round linebacker Gabe Jacas out of Illinois. In Pittsburgh, the defensive line looks to integrate first-round pick Derrick Harmon to complement Keeanu Benton and Cameron Heyward, bringing a youthful injection to the trenches. Meanwhile, down in New Orleans, second-round QB Tyler Shough is reportedly taking bigger strides than anticipated, an encouraging sign for a front office looking for long-term stability under center.
Roster Moves & Free Agency#
Beyond Brissett’s new deal in Arizona, the weekend brought a flurry of procedural training camp moves across the league. The 49ers signed DL Kevin Givens to a one-year deal and waived DL Evan Anderson, while notably moving George Kittle, Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and Isaac Guerendo to the Active/PUP list. The Broncos followed suit by designating G Nick Gargiulo to Active/PUP and ILB Jordan Turner to NFI, while the Jaguars stashed offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen on PUP. Additionally, the Patriots placed WR Jeremiah Webb on injured reserve.
Team Beats#
The 49ers opened camp with an adjusted coaching structure as head coach Kyle Shanahan recovers, but the early storylines focus on Mike Evans hitting deep shots with Brock Purdy and a fully healthy Nick Bosa. In Seattle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is being treated like a superstar following his AP OPOY campaign, while Devon Witherspoon is flying around the field with energy despite seeking a multi-year extension. Over in the AFC East, the Patriots’ defense, bolstered by veterans Kevin Byard and Dre’Mont Jones, is reportedly dictating terms to Drake Maye’s offense, a common early-camp dynamic. The Panthers’ offense bounced back in the rain under Bryce Young, buoyed by the standout play of Ja’seem Reed and Xavier Legette and the presence of new linebacker Devin Lloyd. In New York, John Harbaugh is preaching “enthusiasm unknown to mankind” in his inaugural camp as Giants head coach. Lastly, Rams defenders like Braden Fiske are adjusting to a healthier year but dealing with the ripple effects of Jared Verse being dealt to the Browns for Myles Garrett, while Steve Avila approaches Year 4 with veteran maturity.
League News & Culture#
The Colts hit a massive milestone in their “Road to 100” initiative, recruiting 108 high school girls flag football teams to eventually force an official sanctioning vote by the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Out west, the 49ers announced their 2026 Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellows, welcoming Matt Bechtel, Kyan Brumfield, Malik McMorris, Joseph Stone III, and Teivis Tuioti.
Storylines to Watch#
As pads prepare to come on later this week, keep an eye on early camp roster attrition. Significant names like George Kittle are starting on PUP, forcing teams to evaluate the back end of their 90-man rosters heavily in the coming days. Additionally, the blockbuster fallout in LA—where the Rams are operating post-Jared Verse trade while integrating Myles Garrett—promises to be a fascinating schematic transition.