Buchanan (knee) could return ‘sooner than later’

The deal is worth “up to” $7 million, presumably with the “up to” doing some heavy lifting. Trying to wait out underwhelming free agent offers until the right opportunity presented itself, 30-year-old Samuel has found the perfect opportunity in reuniting with coach Kyle Shanahan and company. Although his efficiency had been declining even before last season’s trade to the Commanders, we have little doubt it will rebound to a degree under Shanny. The question becomes where he fits in a receiver jigsaw that includes an injured Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk, aging Mike Evans, and unproven De’Zhaun Stribling. Samuel isn’t going to be the usage monster of his prime, but then again, the 49ers also lack proven backfield touches behind Christian McCaffrey. Perhaps even “rushing Samuel” will be in for something of a revival. Although summer fantasy drafters might have been hoping for Samuel to end up in a skill corps with less touch competition, this is ultimately a good outcome for those hoping for top-40 upside.

Darrisaw suffered a multi-ligament tear in his left knee in October 2024 and struggled in his return last year. He told reporters today that he thinks he “turned the corner this offseason.” The Vikings plan to give him regular rest days during training camp and the regular season, but he believes he is on track to be a full-time player once again.

Per Weinfuss, through eight days of training camp, veteran RB Tyler Allgeier “has been getting the majority of the carries with the first team, with Love getting the rest.” This should, helpfully, keep Love’s ADP somewhat suppressed. It is a worthwhile buying opportunity. The No. 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft should be expected to take over as the starter in-season at the latest. Allgeier will be worth stashing on benches. The team does trust him.

The Cardinals began training camp very early, with both rookies and veterans reporting on July 22nd. Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love is the only other Cardinals back to take first-team reps. Should we now view Allgeier as the season-long lead back? No. Allgeier may end up having standalone value early in the year, but the team drafted Love to be their star. It would even be unsurprising to see Allgeier split first-team snaps 50-50 with Love before the season starts.

A January 2025 car crash sidelined Whitehead for the entire season. He was cleared for football activity just over a week ago.

Per Lewis, Murray connected on a notable deep pass at one point, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert also noted that Murray is pushing the ball downfield. Fellow Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy “spent more time with the No. 2 group” and attempted fewer downfield passes. If this is an indicator that Murray is pulling away, that’s a good thing. The sooner one quarterback begins taking all first-team reps the better.

Late in June, the Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. identified All as a key cog in the Bengals’ intended schematic switches this season. The team hopes to run more plays from under center while also increasing its play-action rate. It remains to be seen how much receiving involvement All will garner, but the team is very clearly excited about his blocking ability, both in-line and as a fullback. A pair of knee surgeries limited All’s availability through his two NFL seasons. If he can truly return to form, who’s to say he can’t be the Bengals’ long-term TE1? All recently told Dehner that getting hit by a three-wheeled truck in Greece this summer restored his confidence in his ability to take a hit. A modern-day odyssey.

Pettis, 30, caught 9-of-11 targets for 127 yards with the Saints last season. The Bills correspondingly released WR Jalen Virgil with a non-football injury designation.

Arnold is facing felony kidnapping and armed robbery charges. It was previously reported that three NFL teams had expressed interest in him after the Lions cut him. The Jets are apparently one of them. The Texans had been identified as another. Glenn characterized his team’s inquiry as doing its “due diligence.” He previously coached Arnold during his time as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. A deal does not appear imminent.

The Broncos kicked things off with two “acclimation practices and officially open training camp to fans on Friday morning,” so we should get a clearer picture of Nix’s participation level tomorrow. Broncos RT Mike McGlinchey said Nix’s hard work this offseason is “the reason why he’s in position to be full-go from Day 1 to start.” It sounds like Nix should participate fully tomorrow. Stay tuned.