NFL News Roundup: July 13, 2026
Signings & Moves
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs Are Stuck at the Goal Line
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield are yet to find common ground on a contract extension as the 2026 NFL training camp approaches. The two sides remain "far apart" on terms, with Mayfield looking for a raise after a solid 2025 season.
Mayfield is heading into the final year of his contract and has become a vital part of the Bucs' offense, notably leading them to a playoff victory last season. Despite initial skepticism, Mayfield graded as a top-12 quarterback last season across various metrics, including efficiency, deep-ball accuracy, and clutch performances. This performance has earned him leverage to seek a contract above typical mid-tier bridge deals.
Tampa Bay faces diminishing leverage as the situation drags on. Mayfield's camp has set a firm deadline prior to camp, and an unresolved contract by then could force the Buccaneers into the difficult choice of using the 2027 franchise tag on a quarterback, which is projected to be around $45 million annually. Paying Mayfield an annual salary in the $40 million range now would likely be more cost-effective than that scenario.
While the financial gap between the two parties remains wide, history suggests such contract standoffs often resolve before preseason begins. A three-year deal worth approximately $115 million is expected to be finalized by Week 1 of the upcoming season. If not, the Bucs could face a tumultuous start to the season, which would be a setback for a team looking to build on last year's success.
Nick Chubb Still in the Market
Four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb remains an unsigned free agent well into late July, a surprising turn for a player of his caliber. Two teams remain interested in signing Chubb before training camp kicks off.
The market's silence on Chubb underscores concerns over his health and age. Now 31, Chubb suffered a significant knee injury in the 2023 season, sidelining him for most of two years. He showed a partial recovery in 2025, maintaining an impressive 4.8 yards per carry average, coupled with elite tackle-breaking ability. However, teams are wary of his availability risks, leading them to view him more as a depth or backup option rather than a lead rusher.
Potential suitors appear to be contenders needing a short-yardage specialist and experienced pass protector out of the backfield. The Baltimore Ravens, with Derrick Henry firmly established as their power back, could add Chubb for depth. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys, whose power back production has dipped since Javonte Williams' decline, might pursue him.
It is likely that Chubb will accept a contract close to the veteran minimum with performance incentives, a substantial drop from the $12 million per year he commanded at his peak in 2023. This situation illustrates the harsh business reality of the NFL, where loyalty and past performance do not guarantee lucrative contracts. Chubb's situation serves as a cautionary tale for other players about the fleeting nature of NFL careers.
Rumor Mill
Patriots Roster Has Breakout Candidates
The New England Patriots are poised for a breakout year with several second- and third-year players ready to elevate their play. Head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf have built one of the league's youngest rosters, betting on a youthful core to rejuvenate the team in 2026.
The Patriots' offensive line is a particular strength, anchored by rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu and four other starters who each played at least 600 snaps in 2025. The defensive line's rotation includes several young players who graded above the median in pass-rush win rate during last season, indicating potential for improvement.
Quarterback Drake Maye's development is seen as crucial for the Patriots' success. If Maye can progress similarly to historic breakout seasons from Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, New England could reach a 10-win level. However, breakout candidates' truth is only proven on the field, and hence the Patriots enter 2026 as a +1600 underdog to win the Super Bowl according to FanDuel odds, reflecting both promise and uncertainty. The pressure is on Maye to deliver, as the team's future hinges on his growth.
Around the League
Top Interior Offensive Linemen: The Highest-Paid Guard Is the Best
ESPN recently polled league executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top ten guards and centers. The highest-paid guard in the NFL took the No. 1 spot, confirming the premium on elite interior offensive line play.
This lineman anchors a unit that allowed only 22 pressures last season, contributing to one of the top five adjusted line yards performances in the NFL. This reflects a league-wide trend where interior line positions now command salaries comparable to elite edge rushers, underscoring their increasing strategic value.
Contending teams such as the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills, both featured in the top 10 of Super Bowl odds, have invested early-round draft capital in guards or centers over recent years. This supports the assessment that investing heavily in interior line talent is foundational for sustained team success. As teams continue to prioritize offensive line strength, expect this trend to shape future roster-building strategies.
Aaron Rodgers' Final Season Comes with a Milestone
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has announced that 2026 will be his final NFL season. He currently stands at 69,247 career passing yards and needs 753 more to become only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 70,000 yards.
Rodgers is expected to eclipse the milestone by Week 6 if he remains healthy, capping a storied career. The Pittsburgh Steelers, boasting +1000 odds on FanDuel to make a deep playoff run, provide a supporting cast that includes wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. Their style suits Rodgers' preference for outside targets.
Despite offensive line injuries, Rodgers maintained an adjusted net yards per attempt of 7.1 in 2025, well above league average. However, the 2026 season signals a playoff-or-bust year for Rodgers, leaving fans to wonder whether he will retire as a contender or as a player who extended his career just a year too long. This season is not just about personal milestones; it’s about cementing his legacy in the league.
Defensive Line Rankings: Leonard Williams Tops the List
ESPN's rankings of defensive linemen placed Seattle Seahawks' Leonard Williams as the top overall player at the position, ahead of New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence. Williams recorded career highs of 11 sacks and 30 quarterback hits in 2025, demonstrating resilience at age 32.
The Seahawks recently bolstered their front with the addition of second-round pick Bud Clark and veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency, aiming to generate pressure from their front four without frequent blitzing. This aligns with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald's strategy, which proved effective during his tenure in Baltimore.
Last season, Seattle ranked 28th in pressure rate, a mark the team hopes to improve significantly. The combination of Williams' dominance and new edge talent bodes well for a breakout defensive season. If the Seahawks can capitalize on this momentum, they could emerge as a formidable force in the NFC.
Colts Need to Manage Jonathan Taylor's Workload--But Can They?
The Indianapolis Colts openly admit they must manage star running back Jonathan Taylor's workload as he advances in his career. Such management must be situational rather than schematic to maintain effectiveness.
Taylor remains a workhorse with sustained productivity, averaging 4.8 yards per carry when defenses anticipate the run and doubling that to approximately four yards on short-yardage attempts. However, depth behind him lacks extensive in-game experience; backups include 2025 day three pick DJ Giddens with under 90 career carries and rookie seventh-round pick Seth McGowan.
In close games, the coaching staff will likely continue to rely on Taylor, and his 300-carry minimum remains the de facto floor barring significant emergence from the backups. The upcoming training camp will be pivotal to assess the backups' development and the feasibility of a reduced workload for Taylor. If the Colts fail to manage his carries effectively, they risk jeopardizing their season and Taylor's long-term health.
Bills Begin a New Era with Joe Brady
The Buffalo Bills will open training camp later this month in a new stadium with elevated expectations under first-year head coach Joe Brady, promoted from offensive coordinator following Sean McDermott's departure. The roster is considered built to win now.
In 2025, quarterback Josh Allen topped the league in EPA per play, but the defense struggled significantly in the red zone, allowing touchdowns on 62% of red-zone trips, ranking third worst in the league. Joe Brady's first hire, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, specializes in red-zone defense adjustments.
If Leonhard can reduce this touchdown rate to 54%, which is still below league average, the Bills will present a formidable playoff contender. Betting markets reflect this, with Buffalo at +1000 odds on FanDuel to win the Super Bowl.
The synergy of the new stadium atmosphere, favorable schedule strength--including four games against Patriots and Dolphins rosters rebuilding in 2026--positions Buffalo for potential home-field advantage in January. The Bills are at a crossroads; success this season could define their trajectory for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This edition of the NFL roundup emphasizes a clear hierarchy of narratives:
Aaron Rodgers' farewell season takes center stage. His pursuit of 70,000 career passing yards and a playoff berth will command wide attention throughout 2026.
Baker Mayfield's contract situation poses the biggest risk for Tampa Bay. Failure to resolve the extension before training camp could distract a team on the rise.
Nick Chubb's free agency serves as a sobering reminder of the business side of football. Despite past excellence, his market value reflects age and injury concerns, leading to a diminished financial outlook.
The New England Patriots' roster of youthful breakout candidates is the most intriguing long-term story. Success depends heavily on Drake Maye's development and the growth of the defensive line, pointing to a gradual ascent toward contention.
The 2026 season looms with established stars aiming for milestones and franchises aiming to translate offseason moves into success on the field. The NFL landscape remains as dynamic and compelling as ever.