3 mins. ago
Deebo Samuel reveals reason for returning to 49ers, joining Brock Purdy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A fresh start is usually what most players crave when entering NFL free agency. Deebo Samuel did not quite have the same thought process. After his sole year with the Washington Commanders, he is back to catch passes from Brock Purdy. The 30-year-old weapon unveiled why he made such a choice.
Deebo Samuel is returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, including incentives. General manager John Lynch and Coach Kyle Shanahan reached out with this deal after they saw Ricky Pearsall go down with a season-ending PCL injury.
More than the fact that it was a need for the 49ers, deals in the NFL go both ways. For Samuel, he wanted to go back to the offense led by Brock Purdy because of his familiarity with the 49ers organization and the schemes of Coach Shanahan, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
"It kind of felt like I didn't even go nowhere, to be honest. When I got back, I was just like, 'Well, I know what's going on. I know the people here. Staff still the same.' So it's kind of like the same for real. Conversations with me, John, and Kyle have just always kind of been the same. It was just a matter of time before it happened," the 49ers' seven-year veteran said.
#samuel #kind
A fresh start is usually what most players crave when entering NFL free agency. Deebo Samuel did not quite have the same thought process. After his sole year with the Washington Commanders, he is back to catch passes from Brock Purdy. The 30-year-old weapon unveiled why he made such a choice.
Deebo Samuel is returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, including incentives. General manager John Lynch and Coach Kyle Shanahan reached out with this deal after they saw Ricky Pearsall go down with a season-ending PCL injury.
More than the fact that it was a need for the 49ers, deals in the NFL go both ways. For Samuel, he wanted to go back to the offense led by Brock Purdy because of his familiarity with the 49ers organization and the schemes of Coach Shanahan, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
"It kind of felt like I didn't even go nowhere, to be honest. When I got back, I was just like, 'Well, I know what's going on. I know the people here. Staff still the same.' So it's kind of like the same for real. Conversations with me, John, and Kyle have just always kind of been the same. It was just a matter of time before it happened," the 49ers' seven-year veteran said.
#samuel #kind
13 hours ago
The NFL has seen its fair share of stunning early retirements. This week, another surprising departure occurred as a once-promising Day 2 wide receiver prospect decided to walk away from the game.
Former New England Patriots second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk has decided to retire from football. His new team, the New Orleans Saints, placed him on the Reserve/Retired list over the weekend.
MORE: Former NFL first-round pick ready to break out
The Patriots traded Polk to the Saints last year after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. The deal sent Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Now, the former Patriots receiver has chosen to end his playing career.
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#round #orleans #saints
Former New England Patriots second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk has decided to retire from football. His new team, the New Orleans Saints, placed him on the Reserve/Retired list over the weekend.
MORE: Former NFL first-round pick ready to break out
The Patriots traded Polk to the Saints last year after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. The deal sent Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Now, the former Patriots receiver has chosen to end his playing career.
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#round #orleans #saints
14 hours ago
Linebacker Kain Medrano is ready to get on the field at Commanders training camp.
Medrano was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp, but the team announced that he has been activated on Monday morning. Medrano has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Medrano was a sixth-round pick last year and he appeared in nine games as a rookie. He had five tackles and a fumble recovery while playing exclusively on special teams.
Washington still has cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and defensive end Deatrich Wise on the PUP list. Punter Tress Way is on the non-football injury list.
#injury #kain
Medrano was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp, but the team announced that he has been activated on Monday morning. Medrano has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Medrano was a sixth-round pick last year and he appeared in nine games as a rookie. He had five tackles and a fumble recovery while playing exclusively on special teams.
Washington still has cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and defensive end Deatrich Wise on the PUP list. Punter Tress Way is on the non-football injury list.
#injury #kain
15 hours ago
The Washington Commanders are back on the practice fields of Ashburn for Day 4 of training camp, and this is the first one in pads. There are only five practices scheduled to be open for all fans, but those tickets sold out quickly. There are also several days open for season ticket members to watch the team prepare for the new season. There has been a lot of turnover on the roster and coaching staff since last year's disappointing 5-12 finish. Dan Quinn has new coordinators on both sides of the ball with David Blough taking over the offense and Daronte Jones installing his scheme on defense. Hogs Haven will be covering everything over the next month as we prepare for the new season!
#open
#open
15 hours ago
One question still looms over the Washington Commanders one week into training camp. Will they sign a veteran wide receiver, specifically Stefon Diggs?
Through three days of training camp, Washington has yet to have a player take hold of the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Terry McLaurin. While several players have flashed and the depth is improved, the Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels need someone to consistently prove they can win against every type of coverage.
In a recent chat with Marshall Kramsky of WUSA Channel 9 in Washington, Daniels specifically named one receiver who has stood out in his eyes.
"Truthfully, I think the whole room, honestly," Daniels said when asked to name one receiver. "I commend Trey, Treylon Burks, for what he's done and the stuff that he's battled throughout his career to get to this point. So, it seems like the guy has a brand new energy about him and stuff."
Daniels then makes sure again to praise the rest of Washington's receivers room.
#daniels #camp #room #stuff
Through three days of training camp, Washington has yet to have a player take hold of the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Terry McLaurin. While several players have flashed and the depth is improved, the Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels need someone to consistently prove they can win against every type of coverage.
In a recent chat with Marshall Kramsky of WUSA Channel 9 in Washington, Daniels specifically named one receiver who has stood out in his eyes.
"Truthfully, I think the whole room, honestly," Daniels said when asked to name one receiver. "I commend Trey, Treylon Burks, for what he's done and the stuff that he's battled throughout his career to get to this point. So, it seems like the guy has a brand new energy about him and stuff."
Daniels then makes sure again to praise the rest of Washington's receivers room.
#daniels #camp #room #stuff
2 days ago
During the early days of training camp, ESPN reporter John Keim caught up with Ben Sinnott to discuss how offensive coordinator David Blough plans to utilize the Commanders tight ends this season. Clearly, Sinnott was excited about the possibilities in Washington's new offense.
"It's not even close," Sinnott said. "So many different variations. Today we're lining up at number one, we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends."
Head coach Dan Quinn has also detailed to reporters the role they see for free agent addition Chigoziem Okonkwo.
"Long play-action passing, over routes, pylon routes, things that are down the field, crossing routes that are catch-and-run to use some of his speed," Quinn said. Previously, we examined how much the Washington Commanders might run heavy personnel this season, but today we look at a couple of examples of what it might look like on the field.
Likely the personnel grouping most utilized by the Commanders offense this year, 12 personnel involves one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers. The team has emphasized the need for multi-dimensional running backs while adding Okonkwo as a big receiving threat. To gain an understanding of how Blough might use Chig out of 12 personnel, we take a look at an All-22 breakdown of Sam LaPorta with the Lions in 2023. Ben Johnson was Detroit's offensive coordinator and then-Lions quarterback David Blough was on the practice squad that year.
#sinnott #Commanders #ends #offense
"It's not even close," Sinnott said. "So many different variations. Today we're lining up at number one, we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends."
Head coach Dan Quinn has also detailed to reporters the role they see for free agent addition Chigoziem Okonkwo.
"Long play-action passing, over routes, pylon routes, things that are down the field, crossing routes that are catch-and-run to use some of his speed," Quinn said. Previously, we examined how much the Washington Commanders might run heavy personnel this season, but today we look at a couple of examples of what it might look like on the field.
Likely the personnel grouping most utilized by the Commanders offense this year, 12 personnel involves one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers. The team has emphasized the need for multi-dimensional running backs while adding Okonkwo as a big receiving threat. To gain an understanding of how Blough might use Chig out of 12 personnel, we take a look at an All-22 breakdown of Sam LaPorta with the Lions in 2023. Ben Johnson was Detroit's offensive coordinator and then-Lions quarterback David Blough was on the practice squad that year.
#sinnott #Commanders #ends #offense
2 days ago
After a few days of training camp, one undrafted Washington Commanders rookie continues to stand out: wide receiver Jaden Bradley.
This isn't new for Bradley, the 6-foot-3 wideout from UNLV. He stood out during the spring in OTAs and minicamp. That trend has continued early in training camp. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin was seen mentoring Bradley last week.
McLaurin shared his excitement about the undrafted rookie.
"I think he has a unique skillset where he's a bigger receiver, but he moves very smoothly," McLaurin said. "His releases are very smooth. He's sudden in his releases. He has really good feet at the top. He kind of has a pro-like feel. For him, it's just gonna be about detailing it, splits, timing. When you're running down the field, keeping your shoulder close so you can track the ball over your shoulder. Red zone, it's not as much ***** e, so you gotta hold that defender off so you can give the quarterback more ***** e to throw in that back corner of the end zone. Just little tidbits like that I try to pass along with him, but he's a sponge, man. He's been asking questions since he first got here and obviously he's undrafted."None of this means that Bradley will make the 53-man roster. While much has been made of the Commanders' need for a legit No. 2 receiver, there is great depth at the position. Could Bradley have a strong enough summer to force his way into one of those final spots?
Now, it's head coach Dan Quinn's turn to praise Bradley.
#wide
This isn't new for Bradley, the 6-foot-3 wideout from UNLV. He stood out during the spring in OTAs and minicamp. That trend has continued early in training camp. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin was seen mentoring Bradley last week.
McLaurin shared his excitement about the undrafted rookie.
"I think he has a unique skillset where he's a bigger receiver, but he moves very smoothly," McLaurin said. "His releases are very smooth. He's sudden in his releases. He has really good feet at the top. He kind of has a pro-like feel. For him, it's just gonna be about detailing it, splits, timing. When you're running down the field, keeping your shoulder close so you can track the ball over your shoulder. Red zone, it's not as much ***** e, so you gotta hold that defender off so you can give the quarterback more ***** e to throw in that back corner of the end zone. Just little tidbits like that I try to pass along with him, but he's a sponge, man. He's been asking questions since he first got here and obviously he's undrafted."None of this means that Bradley will make the 53-man roster. While much has been made of the Commanders' need for a legit No. 2 receiver, there is great depth at the position. Could Bradley have a strong enough summer to force his way into one of those final spots?
Now, it's head coach Dan Quinn's turn to praise Bradley.
#wide
2 days ago
It's never too early to get ready for the start of another NFL season. As training camps have begun around the league, we're releasing 2026 team previews in reverse order of our initial power rankings. Frank Schwab's previews will come out every weekday from now until early August, when he reveals his No. 1 team.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Here are the previews we've launched so far.
No. 32 Dolphins | No. 31 Jets | No. 30 Cardinals | No. 29 Browns | No. 28 **** ans | No. 27 Raiders | No. 26 Falcons | No. 25 Giants | No. 24 Saints | No. 23 Panthers | No. 22 Bucs | No. 21. Colts | No. 20 Steelers | No. 19 Vikings | No. 18 Commanders | No. 17 Bengals | No. 16 Jaguars | No. 15 Packers | No. 14 Chargers | No. 13 49ers | No. 12 Chiefs | No. 11. Bears | No. 10 Texans | No. 9 Eagles | No. 8 Cowboys | No. 7. Ravens | No. 6 Lions | No. 5 Patriots | No. 4 Broncos
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
#early #august #play
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Here are the previews we've launched so far.
No. 32 Dolphins | No. 31 Jets | No. 30 Cardinals | No. 29 Browns | No. 28 **** ans | No. 27 Raiders | No. 26 Falcons | No. 25 Giants | No. 24 Saints | No. 23 Panthers | No. 22 Bucs | No. 21. Colts | No. 20 Steelers | No. 19 Vikings | No. 18 Commanders | No. 17 Bengals | No. 16 Jaguars | No. 15 Packers | No. 14 Chargers | No. 13 49ers | No. 12 Chiefs | No. 11. Bears | No. 10 Texans | No. 9 Eagles | No. 8 Cowboys | No. 7. Ravens | No. 6 Lions | No. 5 Patriots | No. 4 Broncos
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
#early #august #play
2 days ago
Each season, Washington fans hear a new name, see a new player in preseason games, and wonder, 'Where did he come from?'
It happens every single year without exception. One of the names Commanders fans will be hearing for the first time this 2026 training camp and preseason is Jeffrey M'ba, an undrafted free agent. The rookie has been given No. 60 by the team. When he is out on the field, you probably won't be able to not notice M'ba because he stands 6 feet 6 inches tall. Weighing 312 pounds, the Commanders have M'ba listed as a defensive tackle.
M'ba is already 26 years old (27 on September 14) and yet is still an NFL rookie. This is because of a couple of factors differing from the typical American path for football careers of high school, college and then the NFL. You see, first of all, M'ba did not grow up in the United States. He was born in France, lived in Cameroon, and returned to France. Therefore, when playing sports, Soccer was a constant. He also delved into track, judo, and horse riding.
At 18, M'ba moved to Baltimore and began playing football. With his size and athletic ability, he was declared to be a 4-Star recruit and committed to the University of Virginia. There were legitimate issues for M'ba regarding Visa and transcripts, resulting in his not going to Virginia but Independence Community College instead, where he played in 2020 and 2021.
M'ba has mysteriously remained a bit unsettled, moving from place to place on his football journey. For instance, M'ba was an Auburn Tiger for only one season (2022), before playing in 2023 and 2024 for the Purdue Boilermakers. His final college stop was in the Dallas, Texas area, where he played for the SMU Mustangs in the 2025 season. In 2025, M'ba achieved career highs of 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 7.5 TFL in his final college season.
#m 'ba #college #virginia
It happens every single year without exception. One of the names Commanders fans will be hearing for the first time this 2026 training camp and preseason is Jeffrey M'ba, an undrafted free agent. The rookie has been given No. 60 by the team. When he is out on the field, you probably won't be able to not notice M'ba because he stands 6 feet 6 inches tall. Weighing 312 pounds, the Commanders have M'ba listed as a defensive tackle.
M'ba is already 26 years old (27 on September 14) and yet is still an NFL rookie. This is because of a couple of factors differing from the typical American path for football careers of high school, college and then the NFL. You see, first of all, M'ba did not grow up in the United States. He was born in France, lived in Cameroon, and returned to France. Therefore, when playing sports, Soccer was a constant. He also delved into track, judo, and horse riding.
At 18, M'ba moved to Baltimore and began playing football. With his size and athletic ability, he was declared to be a 4-Star recruit and committed to the University of Virginia. There were legitimate issues for M'ba regarding Visa and transcripts, resulting in his not going to Virginia but Independence Community College instead, where he played in 2020 and 2021.
M'ba has mysteriously remained a bit unsettled, moving from place to place on his football journey. For instance, M'ba was an Auburn Tiger for only one season (2022), before playing in 2023 and 2024 for the Purdue Boilermakers. His final college stop was in the Dallas, Texas area, where he played for the SMU Mustangs in the 2025 season. In 2025, M'ba achieved career highs of 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 7.5 TFL in his final college season.
#m 'ba #college #virginia
2 days ago
The Washington Commanders have a day off on Sunday before putting on the pads for the first time in training camp on Monday. Through three practices, it's clear to some who've attended Washington's early practices that the Commanders still need a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.
Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains a free agent, despite interest from around the NFL, including the Commanders. Could that change soon?
Three teams have stood out as potential options for Diggs this summer: the Commanders, Ravens and Chiefs. Diggs wants to play, but he's been clear that he'd love to play for Washington, his hometown team. However, something happened on Saturday that could lead Kansas City to make a move for Diggs.
Starting wide receiver Xavier Worthy left practice on a cart with what was believed to be a shoulder injury. Fellow wideout Cyrus Allen was also injured in Saturday's practice. That led to some panic amongst Chiefs fans.
Fortunately for Kansas City, it received a positive report on Worthy and Allen.
#diggs #receiver #washington #allen
Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains a free agent, despite interest from around the NFL, including the Commanders. Could that change soon?
Three teams have stood out as potential options for Diggs this summer: the Commanders, Ravens and Chiefs. Diggs wants to play, but he's been clear that he'd love to play for Washington, his hometown team. However, something happened on Saturday that could lead Kansas City to make a move for Diggs.
Starting wide receiver Xavier Worthy left practice on a cart with what was believed to be a shoulder injury. Fellow wideout Cyrus Allen was also injured in Saturday's practice. That led to some panic amongst Chiefs fans.
Fortunately for Kansas City, it received a positive report on Worthy and Allen.
#diggs #receiver #washington #allen
2 days ago
For the first time since training camp opened on Wednesday, fans were in attendance for Day 3 of camp for the Washington Commanders. The day began with some injury news, as head coach Dan Quinn revealed tight end John Bates was dealing with a strained hamstring and would miss "a couple of weeks."
But there was some good injury news: after missing only one practice with a sore foot, wide receiver Treylon Burks was back.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels had his best practice of the week so far, making multiple excellent throws. Daniels and Burks connected for an impressive conversion during third-down drills. Overall, though, it was another day where the defense held the upper hand.
So, which players stood out on Day 3? We look at four standouts from the third day of Washington's training camp.
Every day, it seems like a running back is making this list. Rachaad White is off to a fast start, and so is Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Jeremy McNichols, the 30-year-old, 10-year veteran, said, "Don't forget about me."
#camp
But there was some good injury news: after missing only one practice with a sore foot, wide receiver Treylon Burks was back.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels had his best practice of the week so far, making multiple excellent throws. Daniels and Burks connected for an impressive conversion during third-down drills. Overall, though, it was another day where the defense held the upper hand.
So, which players stood out on Day 3? We look at four standouts from the third day of Washington's training camp.
Every day, it seems like a running back is making this list. Rachaad White is off to a fast start, and so is Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Jeremy McNichols, the 30-year-old, 10-year veteran, said, "Don't forget about me."
#camp
2 days ago
The Las Vegas Raiders are days into training camp and Friday made their first transactions, including waiving injured RB Chris Collier. They went about trying to find his replacement on Saturday.
The Raiders held tryouts for running backs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson.
#raiders held tryouts for RBs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson, per the league’s transaction wire.
McIntosh was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks after spending all three seasons of his career with the team from 2023-25. He last played in the 2024 season and recorded 172 rushing yards that year.
Ogunbowale has played in nine seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders (2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-19), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-21) and Houston Texans (2022-25). He most recently recorded 25 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in 2025 with the Texans.
#rushing #dare
The Raiders held tryouts for running backs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson.
#raiders held tryouts for RBs Kenny McIntosh, Dare Ogunbowale and James Robinson, per the league’s transaction wire.
McIntosh was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks after spending all three seasons of his career with the team from 2023-25. He last played in the 2024 season and recorded 172 rushing yards that year.
Ogunbowale has played in nine seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders (2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-19), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-21) and Houston Texans (2022-25). He most recently recorded 25 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in 2025 with the Texans.
#rushing #dare
2 days ago
Daron Payne isn't the longest-tenured Commanders player. Punter Tress Way holds that **** le.
The defensive tackles has been around the block a few times now, entering his ninth season in Washington. The Alabama product has seen some things during that time.
He has been to the playoffs twice, including 2024's deep postseason run. Results, however, have largely been unpleasant. Payne has experienced just one winning season (in 2024) since being selected No. 13 overall in the 2018 NFL draft.
Payne has worked with four defensive coordinators and five defensive play callers heading into this season, when Daronte Jones now taking control.
As someone who has been to the puppet show and seen the strings, we can trust Payne when he says something feels different in the best possible way.
#Commanders #tress #washington
The defensive tackles has been around the block a few times now, entering his ninth season in Washington. The Alabama product has seen some things during that time.
He has been to the playoffs twice, including 2024's deep postseason run. Results, however, have largely been unpleasant. Payne has experienced just one winning season (in 2024) since being selected No. 13 overall in the 2018 NFL draft.
Payne has worked with four defensive coordinators and five defensive play callers heading into this season, when Daronte Jones now taking control.
As someone who has been to the puppet show and seen the strings, we can trust Payne when he says something feels different in the best possible way.
#Commanders #tress #washington
2 days ago
The San Francisco 49ers brought back wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million yesterday. Their offseason has been a case of "keeping up with the Joneses" in the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to defend their Super Bowl LX ****** le. The Los Angeles Rams made one of the biggest trades in the history of the sport for Myles Garrett. From Seattle's perspective, though, this should only make them even more excited about where they're at right now.
Skip to the 0:15 mark of this video to see why:
In one of the most iconic plays of his rookie season, Nick Emmanwori dominated Samuel as thoroughly as you'll ever see. The Washington Commanders schemed up a screen for Deebo on 1st-and-10. It came right after Samuel, working out of the slot, caught and ran for a 19-yard gain — the Commanders' biggest play of the night through three quarters. Emmanwori read the play like a book. He blew up his blocker and beat Deebo to the spot for a tackle for loss. The stark difference in athleticism and gameplan in this area of the field was as apparent as it's ever been.
The 49ers are banking on that same weapon, now a year older and further from his prime, against the same matchup locksmith for the Seahawks. He's also a year older, but heading toward his prime instead of leaving it. That math doesn't favor San Francisco.
At this point, Samuel must be a locker-room signing for Shanahan's group. Mike Evans alluded to as much in this press conference yesterday.
#samuel #year
Skip to the 0:15 mark of this video to see why:
In one of the most iconic plays of his rookie season, Nick Emmanwori dominated Samuel as thoroughly as you'll ever see. The Washington Commanders schemed up a screen for Deebo on 1st-and-10. It came right after Samuel, working out of the slot, caught and ran for a 19-yard gain — the Commanders' biggest play of the night through three quarters. Emmanwori read the play like a book. He blew up his blocker and beat Deebo to the spot for a tackle for loss. The stark difference in athleticism and gameplan in this area of the field was as apparent as it's ever been.
The 49ers are banking on that same weapon, now a year older and further from his prime, against the same matchup locksmith for the Seahawks. He's also a year older, but heading toward his prime instead of leaving it. That math doesn't favor San Francisco.
At this point, Samuel must be a locker-room signing for Shanahan's group. Mike Evans alluded to as much in this press conference yesterday.
#samuel #year
2 days ago
Ricky Pearsall's 2026 season is over before it even started. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver will undergo season-ending surgery to treat a PCL injury that's nagged him since the 2025 campaign, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
After bursting out the gate with 16 catches and 281 yards in his first three games of 2025, Pearsall suffered the PCL injury and was never the same. The former first-round pick missed eight games with the injury and looked hampered upon his return, leading to more receiving work for Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
PCL injuries are notoriously difficult to play through because they lead to knee instability, according to Harvard Health. Brock Bowers and Drake London also dealt with PCL injuries in 2025 and didn't exactly play up to their elite standards while recovering.
Pearsall is a massive loss for the 49ers, who are hoping to make a deep playoff push after the rival Seattle Seahawks blasted them 41-6 in the Divisional Round last postseason.
Brandon Aiyuk is still away from the team as he's lobbying for a trade to the Washington Commanders, plus Jauan Jennings is now on the Minnesota Vikings. However, the 49ers added reinforcements in longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Evans and second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling. Here's a look at how the unit could shake out this season.
#injury #according #first
After bursting out the gate with 16 catches and 281 yards in his first three games of 2025, Pearsall suffered the PCL injury and was never the same. The former first-round pick missed eight games with the injury and looked hampered upon his return, leading to more receiving work for Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
PCL injuries are notoriously difficult to play through because they lead to knee instability, according to Harvard Health. Brock Bowers and Drake London also dealt with PCL injuries in 2025 and didn't exactly play up to their elite standards while recovering.
Pearsall is a massive loss for the 49ers, who are hoping to make a deep playoff push after the rival Seattle Seahawks blasted them 41-6 in the Divisional Round last postseason.
Brandon Aiyuk is still away from the team as he's lobbying for a trade to the Washington Commanders, plus Jauan Jennings is now on the Minnesota Vikings. However, the 49ers added reinforcements in longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Evans and second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling. Here's a look at how the unit could shake out this season.
#injury #according #first
2 days ago
The San Francisco 49ers on Saturday officially announced the signing of wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In a corresponding move the 49ers placed WR Ricky Pearsall on season-ending IR as he deals with complications from the PCL injury he sustained last season.
Reports first surfaced Thursday of the reunion between the 49ers and their 2019 second-round pick one year after trading him to the Washington Commanders. Samuel had a visit with the 49ers on Friday according to the NFL's transaction wire. Now he's put pen to paper on a one-year contract that could pay him up to $7 million.
It appears based on wide receiver Jacob Cowing's switch from No. 19 to No. 6 that Samuel will be back in his original jersey number when he suits up for the red and gold.
As for his role? That remains to be seen as the team navigates the preseason.
The 49ers would ideally have Samuel work in as a third receiver behind veteran Mike Evans and rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling who has drawn praise from Evans and quarterback Brock Purdy early in camp. If Stribling can get up to speed quickly enough to be the team's No. 2 WR, it paves the way for Samuel to fit in as a third WR where he can be deployed in ways that maximize his skill set.
#season
Reports first surfaced Thursday of the reunion between the 49ers and their 2019 second-round pick one year after trading him to the Washington Commanders. Samuel had a visit with the 49ers on Friday according to the NFL's transaction wire. Now he's put pen to paper on a one-year contract that could pay him up to $7 million.
It appears based on wide receiver Jacob Cowing's switch from No. 19 to No. 6 that Samuel will be back in his original jersey number when he suits up for the red and gold.
As for his role? That remains to be seen as the team navigates the preseason.
The 49ers would ideally have Samuel work in as a third receiver behind veteran Mike Evans and rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling who has drawn praise from Evans and quarterback Brock Purdy early in camp. If Stribling can get up to speed quickly enough to be the team's No. 2 WR, it paves the way for Samuel to fit in as a third WR where he can be deployed in ways that maximize his skill set.
#season
3 days ago
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — It was around Week 3 last season that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton felt something was wrong with his shin.
That didn't stop Horton from returning a punt 95 yards for a touchdown in the third game of his rookie season, or hauling in two touchdown catches against the Washington Commanders in November.
But, Horton knew he was playing through an injury, and learned there was a crack in his shin after getting his leg checked out. Horton underwent surgery on his leg in February after missing the second half of the 2025 season, and had a metal rod inserted into it.
"I felt like I let the team down a bit, not being able to go back out there as much as I wanted," Horton said Friday. "There were times I still tried to go out there and run some routes and the trainers had to tell me to take it easy. Dealing with a bone thing, you have to let that heal."
The plan was originally for Horton to return during the Seahawks' Super Bowl run, but that never transpired.
#felt #touchdown
That didn't stop Horton from returning a punt 95 yards for a touchdown in the third game of his rookie season, or hauling in two touchdown catches against the Washington Commanders in November.
But, Horton knew he was playing through an injury, and learned there was a crack in his shin after getting his leg checked out. Horton underwent surgery on his leg in February after missing the second half of the 2025 season, and had a metal rod inserted into it.
"I felt like I let the team down a bit, not being able to go back out there as much as I wanted," Horton said Friday. "There were times I still tried to go out there and run some routes and the trainers had to tell me to take it easy. Dealing with a bone thing, you have to let that heal."
The plan was originally for Horton to return during the Seahawks' Super Bowl run, but that never transpired.
#felt #touchdown
3 days ago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after warmups before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
A familiar face is back with the San Francisco 49ers.
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel signed a one-year contract worth up to $7 million with the 49ers on Thursday.
Samuel was a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2019 and played the first seven seasons of his career with the franchise. Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders during the 2025 offseason for a fifth-round selection, but is back in San Francisco just one year later.
The addition of Samuel was needed due to injuries at the position. Per The Athletic's Matt Barrows, 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall currently has knee swelling and receiver Christian Kirk injured his calf in the 49ers' first practice.
#receiver #francisco #nevada #wide
A familiar face is back with the San Francisco 49ers.
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel signed a one-year contract worth up to $7 million with the 49ers on Thursday.
Samuel was a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2019 and played the first seven seasons of his career with the franchise. Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders during the 2025 offseason for a fifth-round selection, but is back in San Francisco just one year later.
The addition of Samuel was needed due to injuries at the position. Per The Athletic's Matt Barrows, 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall currently has knee swelling and receiver Christian Kirk injured his calf in the 49ers' first practice.
#receiver #francisco #nevada #wide
3 days ago
I hate to break it to ya, but football season is here. NFL training camps have opened for all teams this week with players reporting and prepping for preseason and the 2026 regular season. For fantasy football managers, this is the time to consume as much news and information as possible to make sound decisions come draft time.
We're here to help you with that. Below is a roundup of all the relevant news from this week to note for fantasy football. There's a lot to break down so let's get into it.
You never want to see this to open camp. The 49ers WR is dealing with swelling related to the PCL injury that held him out for most of 2025. The team has "some concern" and now more reports are coming out painting a murkier picture.
As a result of the Pearsall news, the Niners decided to bring back veteran wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. on a one-year deal. The 30-year-old finished last season with 72 catches for 727 yards and five TDs for the Commanders. If Pearsall is sidelined long-term, it's a boost for both Samuel and rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling, who has looked good at camp so far. We already know TE George Kittle is coming back from an Achilles tear and Mike Evans is 32 and has had injury issues the past two seasons.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
#fantasy #samuel #break #time
We're here to help you with that. Below is a roundup of all the relevant news from this week to note for fantasy football. There's a lot to break down so let's get into it.
You never want to see this to open camp. The 49ers WR is dealing with swelling related to the PCL injury that held him out for most of 2025. The team has "some concern" and now more reports are coming out painting a murkier picture.
As a result of the Pearsall news, the Niners decided to bring back veteran wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. on a one-year deal. The 30-year-old finished last season with 72 catches for 727 yards and five TDs for the Commanders. If Pearsall is sidelined long-term, it's a boost for both Samuel and rookie WR De'Zhaun Stribling, who has looked good at camp so far. We already know TE George Kittle is coming back from an Achilles tear and Mike Evans is 32 and has had injury issues the past two seasons.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
#fantasy #samuel #break #time
4 days ago
The Washington Commanders made a good amount of offseason moves in 2026, including bringing in new offensive and defensive coordinators. One of general manager Adam Peters' biggest goals was to fix the defense, and that's where most of the Commanders' roster changes took place.
As teams enter training camp and the Hall of Fame game is a week away, The Athletic released a new set of power rankings ahead of the 2026 season. The Commanders checked in at 23.
Last season: 5-12Last ranking: 26What's new? The defenseWashington signed 11 defensive free agents, and more than half of them are probably going to start, an admission that QB Jayden Daniels' return to full health won't be enough without a better defense. The Commanders were 27th in the league last year in points allowed (26.5), and coach Dan Quinn enters the season on the hot seat.
We won't go so far as to say that Dan Quinn is on the hot seat, but if the Commanders don't perform better in 2026 than they did in 2025, there will be serious discussions about his ability to get the job done. But context matters, and if the Commanders suffer a slew of injuries as they did in 2025, it's unlikely that Quinn's job is in jeopardy.
Still, signing that many free agents, plus adding Sonny Styles in the draft, makes for a difficult path forward. These players have never been a unit before this season, so it's not just about preparing them for the game plan on the field; they have to form connections with each other. Those connections build trust. That trust allows players to anticipate each other's moves and adjust accordingly.
#season #quinn
As teams enter training camp and the Hall of Fame game is a week away, The Athletic released a new set of power rankings ahead of the 2026 season. The Commanders checked in at 23.
Last season: 5-12Last ranking: 26What's new? The defenseWashington signed 11 defensive free agents, and more than half of them are probably going to start, an admission that QB Jayden Daniels' return to full health won't be enough without a better defense. The Commanders were 27th in the league last year in points allowed (26.5), and coach Dan Quinn enters the season on the hot seat.
We won't go so far as to say that Dan Quinn is on the hot seat, but if the Commanders don't perform better in 2026 than they did in 2025, there will be serious discussions about his ability to get the job done. But context matters, and if the Commanders suffer a slew of injuries as they did in 2025, it's unlikely that Quinn's job is in jeopardy.
Still, signing that many free agents, plus adding Sonny Styles in the draft, makes for a difficult path forward. These players have never been a unit before this season, so it's not just about preparing them for the game plan on the field; they have to form connections with each other. Those connections build trust. That trust allows players to anticipate each other's moves and adjust accordingly.
#season #quinn
4 days ago
The Washington Commanders opened training camp on Wednesday, and by all reports, the defense has the early advantage over the offense. That's not a surprise. It's how things usually go this time of the year, especially when each side is installing a new scheme.
After an uneven start on Day 1 of training camp, quarterback Jayden Daniels was better on Thursday. Far too often on Wednesday, Daniels held onto the ball for a split second too long. While no contact is allowed right now, Daniels would've been sacked multiple times if it were a game.
Again, much of this is expected right now. It's nothing to be alarmed about. But there is something that should concern Commanders' fans. Check out this X post from Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.
Obviously, Jhabvala is posting a GIF of Stefon Diggs, indicating that her takeaway from two days of camp is that the Commanders need the free-agent wideout.
Various reports have indicated Washington receivers have had trouble gaining separation or have dealt with drops. This is excluding Terry McLaurin, of course. It's not a complete surprise because general manager Adam Peters spent the offseason trying to land another top receiver opposite McLaurin. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was long thought to be a potential option, but that's now off the table for various reasons.
#mclaurin #reports
After an uneven start on Day 1 of training camp, quarterback Jayden Daniels was better on Thursday. Far too often on Wednesday, Daniels held onto the ball for a split second too long. While no contact is allowed right now, Daniels would've been sacked multiple times if it were a game.
Again, much of this is expected right now. It's nothing to be alarmed about. But there is something that should concern Commanders' fans. Check out this X post from Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.
Obviously, Jhabvala is posting a GIF of Stefon Diggs, indicating that her takeaway from two days of camp is that the Commanders need the free-agent wideout.
Various reports have indicated Washington receivers have had trouble gaining separation or have dealt with drops. This is excluding Terry McLaurin, of course. It's not a complete surprise because general manager Adam Peters spent the offseason trying to land another top receiver opposite McLaurin. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was long thought to be a potential option, but that's now off the table for various reasons.
#mclaurin #reports
4 days ago
On late Thursday night, we finally had some free-agent wide receiver news. And it involved the Washington Commanders, sort of, as Deebo Samuel returned to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal. Samuel spent last season with the Commanders, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
With Samuel off the board, could we soon learn the fate of Stefon Diggs?
Per ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders are continuing to monitor the situation.
"There's only one guy that I think Washington would sign, and it's Stefon Diggs," Keim said on his podcast, the "John Keim Report," on Thursday.
"I would say they continue to monitor that situation, and you can take that however you want. When you monitor it, you are not doing it from afar; you're not doing it like, 'Oh, I wonder what's going to happen?' If you're monitoring it, what do you think that means? It means you're in the know. Where that goes, I don't know. I don't know how many teams are interested in Diggs. We do know he'd like to play here. We do know this team could use another receiver. The fact that Diggs has not signed yet would suggest that no offer has been made to his liking, or his agent's liking."
#samuel
With Samuel off the board, could we soon learn the fate of Stefon Diggs?
Per ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders are continuing to monitor the situation.
"There's only one guy that I think Washington would sign, and it's Stefon Diggs," Keim said on his podcast, the "John Keim Report," on Thursday.
"I would say they continue to monitor that situation, and you can take that however you want. When you monitor it, you are not doing it from afar; you're not doing it like, 'Oh, I wonder what's going to happen?' If you're monitoring it, what do you think that means? It means you're in the know. Where that goes, I don't know. I don't know how many teams are interested in Diggs. We do know he'd like to play here. We do know this team could use another receiver. The fact that Diggs has not signed yet would suggest that no offer has been made to his liking, or his agent's liking."
#samuel
4 days ago
Other NFL team previews: 32. Dolphins | 31. Jets | 30. Cardinals | 29. Browns | 28. ******* ans | 27. Raiders | 26. Falcons | 25. Giants | 24. Saints | 23. Panthers | 22. Buccaneers | 21. Colts | 20. Steelers | 19. Vikings | 18. Commanders | 17. Bengals | 16. Jaguars | 15. Packers | 14. Chargers | 13. 49ers | 12. Chiefs | 11. Bears | 10. Texans | 9. Eagles | 8. Cowboys | 7. Ravens | 6. Lions | 5. Patriots
Among the countless interesting tidbits in an ESPN story shadowing Sean Payton for a week before last season's AFC Championship game was one of Payton's "playoff myths" he shared with the team.
The myth he showed his players was, "We'll Be Back Next Year." Payton followed that by telling the team, "Nothing is promised."
The Denver Broncos had a remarkable season with a weird ending. Not long after the Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in one of the most thrilling games of last postseason, Payton returned to the podium and shared with the media that Bo Nix had broken his ankle and was out for the rest of the season, including the AFC championship game.
The Broncos battled in that AFC ******* le game against the Patriots with Jarrett Stidham starting at quarterback, but one massive turnover by Stidham and a questionable fourth-down gamble in the first half, along with a blinding snowstorm in the second half, might have cost them a win and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. As Payton told the team before the game, being in that position might not happen again.
#team
Among the countless interesting tidbits in an ESPN story shadowing Sean Payton for a week before last season's AFC Championship game was one of Payton's "playoff myths" he shared with the team.
The myth he showed his players was, "We'll Be Back Next Year." Payton followed that by telling the team, "Nothing is promised."
The Denver Broncos had a remarkable season with a weird ending. Not long after the Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in one of the most thrilling games of last postseason, Payton returned to the podium and shared with the media that Bo Nix had broken his ankle and was out for the rest of the season, including the AFC championship game.
The Broncos battled in that AFC ******* le game against the Patriots with Jarrett Stidham starting at quarterback, but one massive turnover by Stidham and a questionable fourth-down gamble in the first half, along with a blinding snowstorm in the second half, might have cost them a win and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. As Payton told the team before the game, being in that position might not happen again.
#team
4 days ago
The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with Deebo Samuel. The team signed him to a one-year on Thursday, adding a proven NFL wideout to its wide receiver-needy roster.
He spent the first six seasons of his pro career with San Francisco he was traded to the Washington Commanders in March 2025. Samuel enjoyed his best season in 2021, recording 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. He also recorded 365 yards on the ground and eight scores. Samuel's strong performances earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods.
MORE: Commanders WR Deebo Samuel receives $700K news ahead of Eagles matchup
His contract is for $7 million and the signing happened amid the 49ers' training camp.
Samuel has played 81 regular-season games for San Francisco, including 73 starts. His addition provides the team with insurance the the wide receiver position. Ricky Pearsall is dealing with swelling in the posterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Christian Kirk, on the other hand, missed recent training camp sessions due to a strained calf.
#deebo
He spent the first six seasons of his pro career with San Francisco he was traded to the Washington Commanders in March 2025. Samuel enjoyed his best season in 2021, recording 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. He also recorded 365 yards on the ground and eight scores. Samuel's strong performances earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods.
MORE: Commanders WR Deebo Samuel receives $700K news ahead of Eagles matchup
His contract is for $7 million and the signing happened amid the 49ers' training camp.
Samuel has played 81 regular-season games for San Francisco, including 73 starts. His addition provides the team with insurance the the wide receiver position. Ricky Pearsall is dealing with swelling in the posterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Christian Kirk, on the other hand, missed recent training camp sessions due to a strained calf.
#deebo
4 days ago
Deebo Samuel is back! 49ers pull off stunning reunion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers are turning to a familiar playmaker to strengthen their offense, bringing back veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million.
Samuel returns to the franchise where he spent the first six seasons of his NFL career after a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders. The reunion comes at an ideal time for San Francisco, which has already dealt with injuries to wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk during training camp.
The 49ers originally selected Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he quickly developed into one of the league's most unique offensive threats. His combination of receiving ability, physical running style, and versatility made him a centerpiece of Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Although his time in Washington lasted only one season, Samuel remained an important contributor. He led the Commanders with 72 receptions while totaling 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, his trademark role as a hybrid weapon was used far less frequently than in previous years. Samuel carried the football only 17 times as Washington's injuries at wide receiver forced him into a more traditional receiving role.
#sporting #francisco #washington #reunion
The San Francisco 49ers are turning to a familiar playmaker to strengthen their offense, bringing back veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million.
Samuel returns to the franchise where he spent the first six seasons of his NFL career after a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders. The reunion comes at an ideal time for San Francisco, which has already dealt with injuries to wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk during training camp.
The 49ers originally selected Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he quickly developed into one of the league's most unique offensive threats. His combination of receiving ability, physical running style, and versatility made him a centerpiece of Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Although his time in Washington lasted only one season, Samuel remained an important contributor. He led the Commanders with 72 receptions while totaling 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, his trademark role as a hybrid weapon was used far less frequently than in previous years. Samuel carried the football only 17 times as Washington's injuries at wide receiver forced him into a more traditional receiving role.
#sporting #francisco #washington #reunion
4 days ago
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back former All-Pro Deebo Samuel for a second stint after starting receiver Ricky Pearsall got sidelined by a knee injury.
A person familiar with the deal said Samuel agreed on Thursday to return to the 49ers on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced.
NFL Network first reported the agreement.
Samuel spent his first six seasons with the 49ers after being drafted in the second round in 2019, helping the team reach the Super Bowl twice and earning All-Pro honors in 2021 when he had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Samuel was traded to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick and had 72 catches for 727 yards and five TDs for the Commanders last season. He became a free agent in March and now will join the Niners to provide reinforcement with Pearsall out.
#deal #first #yards #clara
A person familiar with the deal said Samuel agreed on Thursday to return to the 49ers on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced.
NFL Network first reported the agreement.
Samuel spent his first six seasons with the 49ers after being drafted in the second round in 2019, helping the team reach the Super Bowl twice and earning All-Pro honors in 2021 when he had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Samuel was traded to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick and had 72 catches for 727 yards and five TDs for the Commanders last season. He became a free agent in March and now will join the Niners to provide reinforcement with Pearsall out.
#deal #first #yards #clara
4 days ago
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back an old friend. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is signing a 1-year deal worth $7 million. This comes after the news that Ricky Pearsall might not play in 2026. Earlier on Thursday we asked what Deebo was up to. We're about to find out.
Deebo needs no introduction. He spent the entireity of his career in the Bay Area before a one-year stint with the Commanders last year. Samuel saw more targets last season than he had since 2021. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.
Most of Deebo's targets came near the line of scrimmage. His average air yards per target was the lowest since 2022, at 5.3. Of those 99 targets, 67 came under 10 yards.
Washington used Samuel primarily as a slot receiver. He ran 260 routes in the slot, compared to 141 out wide. It's worth noting that Samuel also ran 15 routes from the backfield. If the 49ers are looking for somebody to take some of the workload off Christian McCaffrey with Jordan James sidelined, who better than the player who we coined the term "wideback" for?
We're projecting here, but Samuel would likely play in the slot while Stribling gets familiar with "Z." That is, unless Demarcus Robinson or Christian Kirk prove that they can contribute as outside receivers in this offense.
#samuel #targets #slot #christian
Deebo needs no introduction. He spent the entireity of his career in the Bay Area before a one-year stint with the Commanders last year. Samuel saw more targets last season than he had since 2021. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.
Most of Deebo's targets came near the line of scrimmage. His average air yards per target was the lowest since 2022, at 5.3. Of those 99 targets, 67 came under 10 yards.
Washington used Samuel primarily as a slot receiver. He ran 260 routes in the slot, compared to 141 out wide. It's worth noting that Samuel also ran 15 routes from the backfield. If the 49ers are looking for somebody to take some of the workload off Christian McCaffrey with Jordan James sidelined, who better than the player who we coined the term "wideback" for?
We're projecting here, but Samuel would likely play in the slot while Stribling gets familiar with "Z." That is, unless Demarcus Robinson or Christian Kirk prove that they can contribute as outside receivers in this offense.
#samuel #targets #slot #christian
4 days ago
Amid injuries to a couple of their top wide receivers, the San Francisco 49ers have turned to an old friend.
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel is returning to the team that drafted him on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, according to NFL Media and ESPN insider Ian Rapoport.
He'll join a wide receiver corps that includes veteran Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Christian Kirk and Ricky Pearsall were expected starters for San Francisco entering training camp, though Kirk is dealing with a calf injury and Pearsall has had a flare-up with the PCL injury in his knee that he suffered last year.
Samuel played the first six years of his career for the 49ers after the team drafted him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, where he led the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (727) and receiving touchdowns (5) amid injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels and wideout Terry McLaurin.
This story will be updated.
#samuel #veteran #injuries #receiver
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel is returning to the team that drafted him on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, according to NFL Media and ESPN insider Ian Rapoport.
He'll join a wide receiver corps that includes veteran Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Christian Kirk and Ricky Pearsall were expected starters for San Francisco entering training camp, though Kirk is dealing with a calf injury and Pearsall has had a flare-up with the PCL injury in his knee that he suffered last year.
Samuel played the first six years of his career for the 49ers after the team drafted him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, where he led the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (727) and receiving touchdowns (5) amid injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels and wideout Terry McLaurin.
This story will be updated.
#samuel #veteran #injuries #receiver
4 days ago
Deebo Samuel is headed back to the San Francisco 49ers.
After a single season with the Washington Commanders, the former All-Pro wide receiver is signing a one-year deal with the Niners worth up to $7 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
This article will be updated with more information.
#headed
After a single season with the Washington Commanders, the former All-Pro wide receiver is signing a one-year deal with the Niners worth up to $7 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
This article will be updated with more information.
#headed
5 days ago
Other NFL team previews: 32. Dolphins | 31. Jets | 30. Cardinals | 29. Browns | 28. ****** ans | 27. Raiders | 26. Falcons | 25. Giants | 24. Saints | 23. Panthers | 22. Buccaneers | 21. Colts | 20. Steelers | 19. Vikings | 18. Commanders | 17. Bengals | 16. Jaguars | 15. Packers | 14. Chargers | 13. 49ers | 12. Chiefs | 11. Bears | 10. Texans | 9. Eagles | 8. Cowboys | 7. Ravens | 6. Lions
There aren't many teams through NFL history who won 14 games and a conference championship.
The list of Super Bowl participants who won 14 games and then were ignored like the New England Patriots were this offseason might be a party of one.
It seems odd. The Patriots had a magnificent season with new coach Mike Vrabel, who won NFL Coach of the Year. Quarterback Drake Maye would have won NFL MVP in his second NFL season had just one voter flipped his or her first-place vote from Matthew Stafford to him. Typically, that profile gets hyped up all offseason as the next in line to win a Super Bowl or two. Instead, the most you've heard about the Patriots this offseason had to do with Vrabel's off-field missteps.
The Patriots being dismissed started late last season, when talk of strength of schedule crept into the conversation in a way it rarely has in NFL circles. It was the third easiest by DVOA since 1978, according to Aaron Schatz of FTN Fantasy, with only the 1991 Bills and 1999 Rams having an easier schedule. The chatter about strength of schedule probably cost Maye the MVP award. It was also probably overdone.
#offseason
There aren't many teams through NFL history who won 14 games and a conference championship.
The list of Super Bowl participants who won 14 games and then were ignored like the New England Patriots were this offseason might be a party of one.
It seems odd. The Patriots had a magnificent season with new coach Mike Vrabel, who won NFL Coach of the Year. Quarterback Drake Maye would have won NFL MVP in his second NFL season had just one voter flipped his or her first-place vote from Matthew Stafford to him. Typically, that profile gets hyped up all offseason as the next in line to win a Super Bowl or two. Instead, the most you've heard about the Patriots this offseason had to do with Vrabel's off-field missteps.
The Patriots being dismissed started late last season, when talk of strength of schedule crept into the conversation in a way it rarely has in NFL circles. It was the third easiest by DVOA since 1978, according to Aaron Schatz of FTN Fantasy, with only the 1991 Bills and 1999 Rams having an easier schedule. The chatter about strength of schedule probably cost Maye the MVP award. It was also probably overdone.
#offseason
