Samuel Returns to 49ers on One-Year Deal Amid Receiver Injuries
Samuel reunites with 49ers on one-year deal to address receiver depth amid training camp injuries.
Event / Sports
NFL 2025-2026 Offseason
Free agent signings, trades, and roster moves during the NFL offseason
4 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 25 Jul, 00:28 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Daniel Jones posted career-high statistics in 2025 season debut with Colts
In his first season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, quarterback Daniel Jones completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions across 13 starts. He also rushed for 164 yards and 5 touchdowns. These statistics included career highs in completion percentage (68%), quarterback rating (63.0), and passing yards per attempt (8.1).
Colts regular season opens against Baltimore Ravens
The Indianapolis Colts are scheduled to host the Baltimore Ravens in their regular season opener on September 13, 2026, at home in Indianapolis.
Colts preseason opener scheduled against New England Patriots
The Indianapolis Colts are scheduled to play the New England Patriots in their preseason opener on August 13, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Daniel Jones signed two-year, $88 million contract extension with Colts
Following his strong 2025 season performance with the Colts, quarterback Daniel Jones signed a two-year contract extension worth $88 million with Indianapolis in March 2026. The deal could be worth up to $100 million with additional incentives following his receipt of the franchise tag.
Daniel Jones suffered torn Achilles and fibula fracture in 2025 season
During the 2025 NFL season, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones suffered two leg injuries: a left hairline fibula fracture in Week 12 against Kansas City, and a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 14 against Jacksonville. The injuries forced him to miss the final four games of the season. Jones had led the NFL with 2,659 passing yards through Week 10 before the injuries.
Colts offense ranked first in NFL through Week 11 of 2025 season
Through the first 11 weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts offense ranked first in the league, averaging 32.1 points and 428.1 yards per game. This ranking was achieved during the period when Daniel Jones was the starting quarterback.
Daniel Jones cleared for full participation in Colts training camp
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in December 2025, was fully cleared to participate in training camp. Jones announced his clearance on July 28, 2026, and stated he would participate in full 11-on-11 team drills starting Wednesday of training camp week. He described his recovery progress as positive and indicated he felt no physical limitations, though acknowledged continued work remained before the start of the regular season.
Indianapolis Colts trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh Steelers
The Indianapolis Colts traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a late-round pick swap. The six-year veteran had recorded his fourth 80-catch season in 2025. The trade occurred shortly after the Colts re-signed Alec Pierce in March 2026.
Alec Pierce signs four-year, $114 million contract with Indianapolis Colts
Wide receiver Alec Pierce re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a four-year, $114 million deal during the legal tampering period in March 2026. Pierce was on the verge of free agency but the Colts secured him before other teams could pursue him. In the 2025 season, Pierce posted career highs with 47 receptions, 1,003 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 15 games. He also led the league in yards per catch for the second consecutive year in 2025 with 21.3 yards per reception.
Indianapolis Colts waive RB Lincoln Pare with non-football injury
The Indianapolis Colts announced they waived undrafted running back Lincoln Pare with a non-football injury.
Indianapolis Colts place WR Alec Pierce on active/physically unable to perform list
The Indianapolis Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Pierce is recovering from left ankle surgery performed in March 2026. He underwent the surgery to address an ankle issue that persisted since 2024 after a platelet-rich plasma treatment in January 2026 did not resolve the problem. Pierce is expected to need 4-6 months post-surgery, which will sideline him through training camp. Players on the PUP list can return once they pass a physical before the August 30 roster cut-down deadline.
Indianapolis Colts place LB CJ Allen on active/physically unable to perform list
The Indianapolis Colts placed linebacker C.J. Allen on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Allen, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, tweaked his calf during a workout. The injury is not believed to be long-term. Players on the PUP list can return once they pass a physical before the August 30 roster cut-down deadline.
Will Grier joins Dallas Cowboys coaching staff as offensive assistant
Will Grier, who retired as a player on July 15, joined the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff as an offensive assistant just days before the team's training camp. Grier will work with the Cowboys quarterbacks, including Dak Prescott, Sam Howell, and Joe Milton, under offensive coordinator Klayton Adams.
Dallas Cowboys sign Sam Howell in free agency at quarterback
The Dallas Cowboys signed quarterback Sam Howell in free agency to add depth at the quarterback position following Will Grier's departure and retirement.
Will Grier retires from NFL after brief stint with Panthers
Will Grier retired from playing professional football on July 15 after signing with the Carolina Panthers before the NFL Draft. The 31-year-old quarterback had spent his NFL career since 2019 primarily on practice squads with multiple teams including the Panthers, Cowboys, Bengals, Chargers, Eagles, and Patriots, starting only two games during his rookie season in 2019.
DeAndre Hopkins expressed interest in re-signing with Ravens
DeAndre Hopkins has indicated interest in re-signing with the Baltimore Ravens after the 2025 season ended, though the Ravens have not reciprocated interest in bringing him back.
Mike Vrabel and DeAndre Hopkins reunite at Patriots after previous collaboration in Tennessee
Mike Vrabel and DeAndre Hopkins have worked together on multiple occasions. They first overlapped in Houston from 2014-2017 when Vrabel served as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. They most recently worked together in Tennessee in 2023, when Hopkins had his seventh and most recent 1,000-yard receiving season.
DeAndre Hopkins played 2025 season for Baltimore Ravens with reduced production
DeAndre Hopkins signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. He appeared in all 17 games, recording 22 receptions on 39 targets for 330 yards and two touchdowns, posting career lows in catches, yards, and scores.
Patriots acquire Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown in offseason trade
The New England Patriots acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown, adding him to their receiving corps alongside recently signed Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas. The Patriots also cut 2025 leading receiver Stefon Diggs after the Super Bowl.
DeAndre Hopkins identified Bengals and Vikings as potential landing spots
DeAndre Hopkins pointed to the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings as other teams he would be willing to join if pursuing a playing contract.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Steelers Navigate Offseason With Ramsey Injury, Jones Recovery
Steelers manage injury roster adjustments with Ramsey sidelined, Jones cleared, and Kent on PUP.
Eagles Lock Up Carter Long-Term as Defensive Line Cornerstone
Eagles extend Carter to record deal as highest-paid defensive tackle, pairing it with Davis extension.
Safety Jamal Adams Joins Vikings on Free Agency Move
Safety Jamal Adams signed with the Vikings, his sixth NFL team.
Daniel Jones Leads Colts Offense to NFL Top Ranking Through Week 11
Daniel Jones leads Colts to NFL's top-ranked offense through Week 11 with career-high debut stats.
Jones Cleared for Full Training Camp After Achilles Recovery
Jones cleared for full training camp participation following Achilles and fibula recovery.
Colts Overhaul Receiver Room Amid Pierce Injury, Pittman Trade
Colts trade Pittman, place Pierce on PUP list after $114M deal amid receiver overhaul.
Will Grier Retires from NFL After Brief Panthers Tenure
Will Grier retires from NFL after brief Panthers stint; now coaching with Dallas Cowboys.
Cowboys Add Sam Howell, Bring Will Grier to Coaching Staff
Cowboys signed Sam Howell at QB and added Will Grier to coaching staff.
Hopkins Eyes New Home After Ravens Season, Bengals and Vikings in Frame
Hopkins evaluates free agency after Ravens season, considering Baltimore, Cincinnati, or Minnesota.