CARDINALS AGREE TO SWEETENED $15.5M DEAL WITH QB JACOBY BRISSETT
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett agreed to a reworked deal that will guarantee him $15.5 million plus incentives, according to multiple reports on Sunday.
Brissett could earn $21 million this season if he meets all incentives. He is slated to become a free agent following the season.
Brissett has been unhappy with his contract all offseason after starting 12 games in 2025 and being projected as Arizona’s starting quarterback again this season.
The 33-year-old Brissett didn’t do on-field work during the team’s mandatory minicamp as he expressed his disdain for his deal due to pay $4.88 million in 2026 with just $1.5 million guaranteed.
However, he participated in Thursday’s first training camp workout with Arizona.
Brissett replaced injured Kyler Murray as the starter last season and completed 64.9% of his passes for career highs of 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also tossed a career-worst eight interceptions in 485 attempts.
Still, the Cardinals went 1-11 in Brissett’s 12 starts. In the offseason, Arizona hired a new coach in Mike LaFleur and drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 draft.
Overall, Brissett is 20-45 as a starter while playing for six teams. He made 30 of his starts for the Indianapolis Colts (2016-19) with 15 coming in 2017 when Andrew Luck was injured. He made 15 more in 2019 after Luck unexpectedly retired shortly before the start of the season.
Brissett has passed for 14,766 yards, 76 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in 101 games. Brissett and Aaron Rodgers both have 1.4 interception rates that are the lowest in NFL history.
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SHANAHAN MAKES APPEARANCE AT 49ERS PRACTICE AFTER CAR CRASH
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan walked onto the practice field and stood next to general manager John Lynch, watching his San Francisco 49ers practice for about 30 minutes.
Shanahan’s presence that has been a constant the past decade was a welcome sight on Sunday for the first training camp practice, coming less than two weeks after he got into a car crash that left him with a concussion and other injuries.
“I know he can’t stay away,” star linebacker Fred Warner said. “I know he’s given up his duties for a little bit, but that guy’s obsessed with ball. I’m sure of course he’s going to be around.”
While Shanahan made a cameo appearance at practice on Sunday, the Niners began preparations for the 2026 season without their leader in charge. Shanahan has ceded responsibility over the team to assistant head coach/offensive line coach Chris Foerster temporarily as he recovers from the crash he got into on July 14 in nearby Palo Alto.
Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose and broken hand in the crash and won’t be back running the team until the concussion symptoms subside. Shanahan had a cast on his left hand, sunglasses to cover up his black eye and a new mustache that prompted Warner to complement him on his “disguise” as he watched practice.
Shanahan interacted with a few players, including Warner, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw before leaving the field.
“I knew it would be tough to keep him away from there,” star tackle Trent Williams said. “It’s going to be hard for him to get his rest. He’s not that type of person. It doesn’t surprise me at all to see him out there.”
With a veteran-laden team and several coaches who have been with the organization for years, Foerster and Williams said it’s almost as if the team is on “auto pilot” and not thrown off by Shanahan’s absence.
The training camp practice plan was put in place long before Shanahan’s crash with the opening stretch of camp essentially a repeat of the installations from the offseason program.
Foerster said he is leaning heavily on his assistants, especially coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris and Brant Boyer. He said not much has changed other than he had to break the team after practice, he did a news conference and he got to make the call on small parts of practice such as whether to repeat or skip a play following a pre-snap penalty.
Foerster has been in the NFL for more than three decades, starting as an assistant offensive line and tight ends coach in Minnesota in 1993 and had little problem taking command of the entire team.
“He’s been doing this longer than everybody in that locker room been alive, probably except for me,” Williams said. “It’s like a hand-in-glove fit. Me personally, I’m so proud of him just watching him even just be a head coach for a day, or no matter how long it is. We go so far back, he’s family to me. Just seeing him in that position, I’m just really proud.”
Foerster spent four seasons with Washington when Shanahan was offensive coordinator and Mike Shanahan was head coach and joined the 49ers in 2019. Foerster had resigned as offensive line coach in Miami in 2017 after a video on social media appeared to show him snorting three lines of white powder at a desk, but got a second chance with Shanahan.
“He’s one of my best friends in the world by far,” Foerster said. “There’s not many people that I call a friend for a lot of reasons, and Kyle’s one of them. He and his wife, Mandy, are like family to me. This organization did some things for me and pulled me in at a time in my life when nobody would really want to be with me. And Kyle, along with John and the whole York family have stood by me and that loyalty’s never going to be forgotten. He’s a close, close friend, and it scares the crap out of you when something like this happens to somebody so close.”
Bosa takes field for individual drills
Star defensive end Nick Bosa was on the field to start camp as he makes his return from a torn ACL suffered in Week 3 last season. Bosa only took part in individual drills and was working on his own on the side during team drills.
“I couldn’t even tell that he had an injury or he came back from anything,” Williams said. “Most people with a knee injury that catastrophic, you come back, you can see something. You can see it in the atrophy in the muscle and the leg. You can see something. Bosa looks better than he did before he got hurt.”
News and notes
OL Vederian Lowe left practice early with an ankle injury. … CB Nate Hobbs was the only active player not taking part in practice. … The Niners signed DT Kevin Givens a day after releasing Evan Anderson. Givens has played 70 games for San Francisco from 2019-25. … Foerster said Connor Colby will get the first shot to win the starting left guard spot after starting six games as a seventh-round rookie last season.
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THE BIGGEST OFF-SEASON MOVES BY DIVISION
As National Football League (NFL) players report to training camps, the excitement of the football season resumes.
At this juncture, it is pertinent to evaluate the current landscape of the league and assess which offseason transactions may significantly influence the outcomes within each division.
**AFC East**
The New England Patriots have acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown, providing quarterback Drake Maye with a legitimate WR1. This acquisition materialized at the beginning of June when the Patriots executed a trade that involved a first-round draft pick and a fifth-round pick to secure the three-time Pro Bowler. Despite exhibiting challenging behaviors during his final season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Brown remains an elite playmaker, demonstrating a sustained history of high-level production dating back to his tenure with the Tennessee Titans under coach Mike Vrabel, who is now his coach in New England. As a quintessential “X” receiver possessing exceptional ball skills and route-running capabilities, Brown is capable of effectively defeating both single and double coverage.
His presence is expected to compel defensive coordinators to adopt innovative strategies to mitigate his impact, thereby granting the Patriots’ complementary playmakers, including recent free-agent acquisition Romeo Doubs, more freedom on the perimeter. This scenario is likely to create increased opportunities for significant gains in the passing game. Given that Drake Maye was able to challenge opposing defenses without a distinct WR1 in 2025, the third-year quarterback could potentially spearhead another Super Bowl campaign and contend for the Most Valuable Player award with Brown positioned as the Patriots’ primary receiving option this season.
**AFC North**
**Cincinnati Bengals Acquire Defensive Centerpiece in Dexter Lawrence**
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant acquisition by securing defensive powerhouse Dexter Lawrence, addressing a critical deficiency in their defense that has compromised the effectiveness of quarterback Joe Burrow during his prime years. The investment was substantial; the Bengals relinquished the No. 10 overall pick in the recent draft to obtain Lawrence from the New York Giants. Measuring 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 350 pounds, Lawrence is a rare talent, distinguished for his exceptional abilities as both a run defender and a pass rusher.
Although the 2025 season was disappointing for Lawrence, as he recorded career lows in tackles (31), sacks (0.5), and quarterback hits (8), he remains a formidable force when in optimal health and focused. His significant presence on the field tends to draw double teams and additional scrutiny from opposing offenses, thereby creating more opportunities for the Bengals’ edge rushers to engage in favorable 1-on-1 matchups.
Crucially, Lawrence’s addition is anticipated to disrupt opposing teams’ ground attacks and mitigate the strategic approaches that have limited Burrow and offensive playmakers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown. By enhancing the defense’s capability to exit the field promptly, the Bengals’ offense is positioned to thrive, potentially concluding a three-year absence from the postseason.
**AFC SOUTH**
Houston Texans Acquire David Montgomery to Bolster Running Game**
In an effort to alleviate some of the pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has experienced a decline following an impressive rookie season, the Houston Texans have secured the services of veteran running back David Montgomery. During his tenure with the Detroit Lions, where he shared the backfield with established Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs for three seasons, Montgomery demonstrated the capability of a top-tier running back in an offense characterized by a formidable ground game. Over the course of 45 appearances with the Lions, he accumulated 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. His physical running style and proven ability to find the end zone will address the gap left in the Texans’ roster due to Joe Mixon’s declining health, thereby introducing a greater balance to an offense that has become overly reliant on Stroud in high-stakes matchups.
The Texans executed a cost-effective trade, relinquishing interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and a pair of Day 3 draft picks to Detroit. This strategic move aims to mitigate the risk of future postseason struggles for a quarterback who committed five fumbles (two of which were lost) and five interceptions in two playoff appearances during the previous January.
**AFC WEST **
The Kansas City Chiefs have reinstated Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator. Despite Head Coach Andy Reid continuing to serve as the primary play-caller, the offense has exhibited a lack of consistency, discipline, and attention to detail since Bieniemy’s departure. During Bieniemy’s final season with the team in 2022, Kansas City boasted the highest-scoring offense in the league. However, in the subsequent three seasons, the Chiefs ranked 15th, 15th, and 21st in offensive production. Bieniemy’s approach, characterized by a blend of discipline and support, resonated effectively with players, resulting in enhanced performance and productivity from the unit. Furthermore, Bieniemy’s background as a former NFL running back contributed significantly to a more balanced offensive strategy, enabling Reid to avoid an over-reliance on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ extraordinary playmaking abilities. This strategic adjustment is particularly prudent as Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL/LCL. Given the marked decline in offensive productivity in Bieniemy’s absence, his return may prove instrumental in promoting a resurgence for the team following a challenging 6-11 season.
**NFC EAST **
Dallas Cowboys Appoint Christian Parker as Defensive Coordinator
The Dallas Cowboys possess a formidable offense that has the potential to propel the team toward a Super Bowl championship; however, aspirations for title contention necessitate a substantial enhancement of the defensive unit. In 2025, the performance of the Cowboys’ defense declined dramatically, culminating in a franchise-record 511 points allowed, ranking them last in scoring defense. Consequently, the organization appointed Christian Parker, previously with the Eagles, as the new defensive coordinator and executed a comprehensive overhaul of the defensive roster during the offseason.
The Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary through trade and selected first-round draft picks Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, while also bolstering all three levels of the defense with additional personnel. This revamped defensive lineup is now equipped to present a varied pass rush and coverage strategy that enhances opportunities for playmaking. As an accomplished instructor with experience under prominent coaches Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph, Parker is expected to implement diverse tactics to maximize player performance. Most critically, he will emphasize fundamental skills and strive to rectify the issues of missed assignments and coverage breakdowns that contributed to the unit’s struggles in 2025. Although there may be a period of adjustment for Parker in his new role and with the personnel at his disposal, the combination of improved talent and Parker’s coaching acumen is likely to position the Cowboys as a formidable competitor in the upcoming season.
**NFC NORTH**
Kyler Murray as a Strategic Acquisition for the Minnesota Vikings
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has the opportunity to enhance his reputation as a quarterback specialist by rehabilitating Kyler Murray’s performance within the Vikings’ offensive framework. There are legitimate concerns regarding whether the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback can regain his confidence following a lackluster conclusion to his seven-year tenure in Arizona. Currently signed to a one-year, “prove it” contract with Minnesota, Murray must compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting position. However, I maintain that he has the potential to quickly restore his proficiency in a quarterback-friendly system that boasts an elite wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, along with skilled complementary players such as Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. With Coach O’Connell devising innovative strategies that leverage Murray’s dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and passer, the competitive landscape in the NFC North may witness a significant transformation due to the Vikings’ revitalization at the quarterback position.
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LIONS STARTING S BRIAN BRANCH, KERBY JOSEPH TO START CAMP ON PUP LIST
The Detroit Lions will be without starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph when training camp begins, as they were placed on the physically unable to perform list on Sunday.
The Lions also placed veteran tight end Tyler Conklin — signed as a free agent in March — on the PUP list with an injury.
Branch, 24, sustained a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 last season. Joseph, 25, dealt with a knee injury last season that limited him to six games.
Players can be placed on the active/PUP list only before the start of training camp. The Lions begin camp on Wednesday.
Players on the active/PUP list count against the 90-man roster limit and can attend team meetings and use team facilities in the preseason. They can be removed from the list at any time during camp and begin practicing immediately. Otherwise, while on the list, they cannot participate in any part of practice.
A player on the reserve/PUP list doesn’t count against the active roster but must sit out at least the first four games.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2024, Branch played in 12 games (all starts) last season, making 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and nine passes defensed.
For his career, Branch has 258 tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 20 tackles for loss and 38 passes defensed in 43 regular-season games (37 starts) since 2023.
Detroit selected Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
A first-team All-Pro in 2024 when he led the league with nine interceptions, Joseph played in just six games (all starts) last season. He had 18 tackles, three interceptions and four passes defensed.
Joseph has played in 55 regular-season games (52 starts) and has 265 tackles, 20 interceptions (one returned for a TD) and 35 passes defensed.
Detroit selected Joseph in the third round of the 2022 draft out of Illinois.
Conklin, who turns 31 on Thursday, had seven receptions on 10 targets for 101 yards in 13 games (five starts) last season for the Los Angeles Chargers.
He has 270 career receptions for 2,645 yards and 11 touchdowns in 127 games (69 starts) for the Minnesota Vikings (2018-21), New York Jets (2022-24) and Chargers.
Minnesota drafted Conklin in the fifth round in 2018 out of Central Michigan.
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