HEADLINES

Robert Saleh Addresses Decision To Return To 49ers

May 13th, 2025 at 9:50am CST by Adam La Rose

While his first head coaching gig ended midway through the 2024 season, Robert Saleh was a busy candidate during the interview cycle this winter. After received a look from the Cowboys, Raiders and Jaguars for another HC opportunity, he returned to San Francisco to reprise his role as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Saleh had a second interview lined up with Jacksonville, and he may well have been the team’s top choice after Liam Coen. The latter briefly appeared to be out of the running for the Jaguars, but he wound up agreeing to take charge of the team. That left Saleh to head back to the Bay Area where he spent the four years preceding his Jets tenure as the 49ers’ D-coordinator. When reflecting on his decision, the 46-year-old said he was not interested in a DC gig with any other team.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for this organization,” Saleh said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). “They gave me so much and during the first two years, if you think about those first two years as the coordinator in ’17 and ’18, it wasn’t easy and it could have been very easy for them to move on for me… They stuck with me and we made it happen. We did what we needed to do and the rest is history and I’m excited about the opportunity to get a chance to do it again with them.”

San Francisco ranked 25th and 28th in scoring defense during Saleh’s first two years as DC. His unit took a notable step forward after that, though, and the 49ers posted a top-five finish in yards allowed during each of the following two campaigns. That level of success made Saleh a head coaching candidate, although his stock took a hit over the course of his stint in New York. The Jets went 20-36 under Saleh, struggling during that time to produce on offense (while, on the other hand, ranking in the top four in total defense over each of the past three years).

In 2024 – Nick Sorensen‘s first and only season as defensive coordinator – the 49ers finished eighth in the NFL in points allowed but 29th in scoring defense. Improvement in the latter category will be critical to the team’s efforts at returning to the postseason. If Saleh can duplicate the success from his first stint in San Francisco, that could take place while also helping to rebuild his coaching stock for the future.

Browns Place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah On PUP List

May 12th, 2025 at 10:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah‘s recovery process will extend through the coming campaign. The Browns placed the Pro Bowl linebacker on the Reserve/PUP list Monday, meaning he will miss the entire 2025 season.

The four-year veteran had his 2024 campaign come to an abrupt end due to a scary neck injury. His availability for the coming season remained in question as a result, although the team held out hope Owusu-Koramoah would be able to suit up at some point in 2025. Instead, his attention will turn to a lengthy rehab.

“Jeremiah’s health is of the utmost importance to us and although he has made progress towards recovery, we’ve made the decision to place him on Reserve/PUP,” a statement from general manager Andrew Berry reads in part. “Jeremiah has the full support of our team, and we expect him to continue to be a part of the organization even though he will not return to the field this year. We will not make any predictions on Jeremiah’s football future at this time.”

During his third season in the NFL, Owusu-Koramoah enjoyed a breakout campaign in terms of production (101 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions). Those figures helped earn him a Pro Bowl nod and land him a long-term extension last summer. The Notre Dame product is attached to a $12.5MM-per-year pact which runs through the 2027 campaign.

“I’m grateful to the Browns organization for their full support, and to the world-class doctors guiding me through recovery,” Owusu-Koramoah said in a statement of his own. “While I won’t suit up this season, I’m focused on what I can control—my healing, my mindset, and my faith. The body may rest, but the calling never sleeps. I’ve given my heart to this game. I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll continue trusting my medical team, serving the community, and backing my brothers on the field.”

Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush each played key roles at the linebacker spot for Cleveland last season. They are both under contract for 2025, so they can be expected to remain important defensive contributors. The Browns used the No. 33 pick in last month’s draft on Carson Schwesinger, and the UCLA product stood to handle significant playing time as a rookie even if Owusu-Koramoah had managed to play at some point during the year. With the latter now officially sidelined, Schwesinger’s development early in his career will be critical for Cleveland.

Considering Owusu-Koramoah’s statement, a return to the field in 2026 or a later date is far from certain. The Browns clearly aim to have him reprise his role as a starting defender in the future, but whether or not that will be possible will depend on his progress in rehabbing the injury over the coming year.

Asante Samuel Jr. Underwent Neck Surgery In April, Visited Saints

May 12th, 2025 at 10:06pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. underwent neck surgery in April after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He is planning to play this season, but is waiting until an early July check-up to sign with a new team.

Samuel started just four games for the Chargers last year before landing on injured reserve in October. At the end of the season, he said he was dealing with “stinger symptoms” in both shoulders as part of a lifelong health condition. It’s unclear if his neck surgery was related to that ailment. He played in 12 games as a rookie in 2021 and appeared in all 34 of the Chargers’ regular-season games in 2022 and 2023.

If Samuel’s health checks out, he should have multiple suitors as teams put together their training camp rosters. The Saints will likely be one of them; Samuel visited New Orleans on Monday, per Fowler. (He also visited the Cardinals in March, though that was before his surgery.)

New Orleans makes sense as a destination after parting ways with their two most experienced cornerbacks in the last year. 2024 starters Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor are set to reprise their roles this season, but Samuel would be an upgrade over re-signed slot corner Ugo Amadi. Samuel could take over at nickel or play on the boundary with Taylor in the slot.

Samuel is also familiar with the Saints’ new coaching staff. He played under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when he was the Chargers’ head coach from 2021 to 2023. Samuel also knows Saints head coach Kellen Moore from his season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/12/25

May 12th, 2025 at 10:04pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The following 2025 draft picks signed their rookie contracts today:

Arizona Cardinals

Dallas Cowboys

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/12/25

May 12th, 2025 at 9:56pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

  • Signed: CB Jeremiah Walker
  • Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Tory Taylor

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

  • Signed: LB Jordan Turner, WR Kyrese White, LS Zach Triner, TE Cole Fotheringham
  • Waived: CB Kendall Bohler, LB K.J. Cloyd, NT Christian Dowell, TE Thomas Yassmin
  • Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Jeremy Crawshaw

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: QB Taylor Elgersma
  • Released: OL Marquis Hayes

Indianapolis Colts

  • Signed: C Mose Vavao
  • Waived: DT Joe Evans

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Signed: WR Dalevon Campbell, LB Kana’i Mauga
  • Waived: OL Bucky Williams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

  • Signed: DT Isaiah Iton, G Mehki Butler, DT Wilfried Pene
  • Waived: OT Cole Birdow

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

  • Signed: CB T.J. Moore
  • Waived: DB R.J. Delancey, DB Tommy McCormick

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

  • Signed: TE Drake Dabney,WR TJ Sheffield
  • Waived: CB Virgil Lemons, S Jerrin Thompson

Hoyland converted 79.3% of his field goal attempts for the Wyoming Cowboys across the last five years. He was ultra-consistent on extra points with 147 makes on 148 tries. Hoyland will compete with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop for the Ravens’ kicking job after the team released Justin Tucker.

Sheffield brings some much-needed experience to the Dolphins’ cornerback room, though he hasn’t started since 2020. He could provide crucial veteran depth in Miami, especially if Jalen Ramsey is traded.

Elgersma was the starting quarterback at Wilfried Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, for the last three years. In 2024, he won the Hec Crighton Trophy – the Canadian equivalent to the Heisman – and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, the first-ever for a Canadian QB. Elgersma was drafted in the second round of the 2025 CFL Draft by the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, but a successful tryout with the Packers will give him a chance at making an NFL roster.

Browns Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents

May 12th, 2025 at 7:36pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Browns have signed 13 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 20 players. Here are Cleveland’s initial UDFA signings:

  • Adin Huntington, DE/DT (Tulane)
  • Jason Ivey, OT (North Carolina A&T)
  • LaMareon James, CB (TCU)
  • Dom Jones, CB (Colorado State)
  • Gage Larvadain, WR (South Carolina)
  • Ahmani Marshall, RB (Appalachian State)
  • Eason Mascarenas-Arnold, LB (Southern California)
  • Bret Matiscik, LS (TCU)
  • Donovan McMillon, S (Pittsburgh)
  • Justin Osborne, C (SMU)
  • Ja’Seem Reed, WR (San Diego)
  • Dartanyan Tinsley, OG (Cincinnati)
  • Eli Wilson, FB (Appalachian State)

Huntington spent three years at Kent State before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and breaking out with 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across 12 games. That earned him renewed interest in the transfer portal, but he could not sustain his production at Tulane against better competition in 2024. Huntington put together an extremely impressive performance at his pro day, but his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame doesn’t have a clear positional fit in the NFL. His athleticism gives him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher and his ability to line up at multiple spots along the D-line could help him find a role in Jim Schwartz‘s defense.

Matiscik, the younger brother of Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik, spent three years as TCU’s starting long-snapper and will compete for the same role in Cleveland. The Browns used two long snappers last season: veteran Charley Hughlett for the first five games and rookie Rex Sunahara for the remaining 12. Hughlett was released this offseason after 10 years in Cleveland, leaving Sunahara as the incumbent to fend off Matiscik this summer.

McMillon started his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Pittsburgh in 2023 to take over a starting role. He recorded 220 tackles in 25 games across the last two years, but he didn’t make many splash plays with just two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound McMillon has the requiste size and athleticism for the NFL, but he lacks a standout strength that could help him carve out a role as a rookie. He’ll need to establish himself on special teams to make the roster as he develops as a safety.

Osborne is a strong, explosive athlete who brings positional versatility and experience to the NFL. He logged starts at all five offensive line positions at SMU, primarily at tackle before playing guard and center in 2024. Despite that pedigree, he’s still a raw player who relies on his solid instincts to win blocks.

WR Gabe Davis Visits 49ers

May 12th, 2025 at 6:35pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Less than a week after he was released by the Jaguars, veteran wide receiver Gabriel Davis visited the 49ers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

Davis arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a three-year, $39MM deal, but struggled to make an impact before tearing his meniscus in November. He underwent season-ending surgery, but is expected to complete his recovery in time for the 2025 season, per Schultz.

Wide receiver isn’t a significant roster need for the 49ers, but they did trade Deebo Samuel this offseason and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in October. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, leaving veteran Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco’s top wideouts heading into the summer.

The 49ers have reason to be confident in that duo. Jennings stepped into a bigger role after Aiyuk’s injury and broke out with 975 receiving yards, more than double his production from his first three seasons. Pearsall’s rookie year was stunted by a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery, but he showed promise at the end of the season. Behind them are 2024 fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing and veteran Demarcus Robinson, the latter of whom signed in San Francisco on a two-year deal in free agency. The 49ers also used Day 3 picks Jordan Watkins (fourth round, No. 138) and Junior Bergen (seventh round, No. 252).

Still, Jennings and Robinson are the only healthy and proven receivers currently on the roster. Though Davis disappointed in his debut year in Jacksonville, he established himself as a deep threat in his previous four seasons in Buffalo. He can line up on the outside and free the 49ers’ more dynamic receivers to play out of the slot if he beats out fellow veteran receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Russell Gage, and Trent Taylor for a roster spot.

However, Davis’ significant statistical regression with the Jaguars (compared to his time with the Bills) will likely force him to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with his next team, whether that be the 49ers or another club.

Seahawks Sign First-Round OL Grey Zabel

May 12th, 2025 at 4:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Grey Zabel is the latest first-rounder to sign his rookie deal. The Seahawks’ top choice has inked his first NFL contract.

This four-year pact is worth $18.47MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is guaranteed in full. Like all other Day 1 selections, Zabel could be kept under team control through through the 2029 season if Seattle picks up his fifth-year option.

Finding an effective combination along the interior of the offensive line in particular has proven to be a challenge in recent years for the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider acknowledged in the build-up to the draft Seattle would be in the market for O-line additions. As a result, it came as little surprise when Zabel came off the board at No. 18. He will look to help a Seahawks offense in need of much better pass protection and a more consistent running game in 2025.

The North Dakota State product saw time at each guard and tackle spot during his college career. He also took center reps during the Senior Bowl, and some viewed him as a candidate to begin his NFL career at that spot. For now, at least, Seattle’s plan is to use Zabel at left guard. That would put him in position to replace veteran Laken Tomlinson, who departed in free agency (after himself joining the team as a fill-in for Damien Lewis following his big-ticket Panthers contract).

This marks the first draft pick signing of the year for the Seahawks. The team still has 10 more deals to work out on that front, but the most lucrative one has now been taken care of.

Saints To Sign WR Donovan Peoples-Jones

May 12th, 2025 at 3:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Saints have lined up a post-draft addition at the receiver spot. Donovan Peoples-Jones is signing with New Orleans, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Peoples-Jones took part in the Saints’ recent rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, as noted by Matthew Paras of the Times-Picayune. His performance in that setting has obviously earned him a look. The 26-year-old will now attempt to carve out a depth role in New Orleans’ WR room.

A sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2020, Peoples-Jones increased his production during each of his three full seasons in Cleveland. The deep threat was traded to his hometown Lions midway through the 2023 season after seeing his usage rate drop considerably, however. Peoples-Jones made just five catches in eight Detroit appearances upon arrival.

The Michigan product remained with the Lions through last summer, but he did not survive roster cuts. Peoples-Jones was immediately retained on a practice squad deal; that pact did not yield any regular season action, though. As a result, expectations will be limited in New Orleans as he aims to secure a roster spot this summer.

The Saints have Chris Olave on the books for the next two years given their decision to exercise his fifth-year option. The former No. 11 pick has dealt with multiple concussions early in his career, something which has led to questions about his long-term health outlook. New Orleans also has Rashid Shaheed coming off an encouraging season which was cut shot by a meniscus tear. The WR depth chart now includes Brandin Cooks as well after he returned to the team following five years away.

Of course, the Saints need to use the summer to sort out their post-Derek Carr setup at quarterback. Regardless of who is in place under center at the start of the campaign, though, Peoples-Jones may be in place on offense.

Browns, S Rayshawn Jenkins Agree To Deal

May 12th, 2025 at 1:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns are having a busy day in terms of veteran safety additions. Rayshawn Jenkins has a deal in place with the team, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Jenkins joins Damontae Kazee as an experienced option at the position who has agreed to a Browns pact today. Kazee had not previously been linked to Cleveland, but that was the case for Jenkins. The latter conducted a free agent visit last month, so the news of this signing comes as little surprise.

After four years with the Chargers and three with the Jaguars, Jenkins spent the 2024 campaign in Seattle. The 31-year-old made 13 appearances and nine starts, handling a 65% snap share on defense. In spite of that workload, Jenkins was among the veterans cut by the Seahawks prior to the start of free agency. That move resulted in a lengthy free agent spell.

Jenkins’ deal will no doubt be a low-cost investment on the part of the Browns. Rodney McLeod gave the team a veteran presence in the secondary last year, but he remains unsigned and is a candidate to retire. Both Kazee and Jenkins will look to fill the role McLeod had in 2024.

The Browns – who still have Grant Delpit atop the depth chart along with Ronnie Hickman as a safety in line to see defensive snaps – fared better against the pass last season than they did in many other defensive categories. There is still room for improvement in that area, though, and one or both of Jenkins and Kazee could play a role in meeting that goal.

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