NFL News Tracker: Deebo Returns to Niners, Olave Cashes In, Injuries Mount

We have some NFL news to discuss today, so let's jump right into things!

We have a signing, extension, injuries and more to discuss, so it's a good mix of material.

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Deebo Back in San Fran

Deebo Samuel Sr. is headed back to the San Francisco 49ers after signing a one-year deal worth $7 million on Thursday.

The 30-year-old has been in the league for seven years, and spent the first six of them in San Fran before joining the Commanders a year ago. Across 16 games, Samuel had 727 receiving yards and five scores on 72 catches and 99 targets, while adding 75 yards and a touchdown across 17 carries.

Samuel has had some big seasons with the Niners in the past, but he's likely to be more of a complimentary piece at this point of his career. He could still be a fantasy asset for the Niners, especially if he stays healthy and other pass catchers are injured.

The Niners come into the year banged up already, with tight end George Kittle returning from a big injury, and wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk dealing with injuries.

Kittle is hoping to be ready for week 1, but signing Samuel adds a veteran who can pick up the slack so the Niners can ease Kittle back into things.

Kirk was brought in as wide receiver depth, but the Niners needed another body in the wideout room with Pearsall out with an injury. There's concern that Pearsall's injury could hold him out the entire season in what is a potentially big issue.

The Niners added Mike Evans this offseason, and he should lead the pass catching group in 2026. Kittle will be another big part of things, with Samuel and Kirk helping out too. The Niners have second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling as well, along with Jacob Cowing, Demarcus Robinson and others.

I see Samuel being a deep-league fantasy asset right now, and an injury to Kirk could help Samuel be efficient enough to add in some standard leagues too. Evans and Kittle are weekly starters in all leagues, and there's room for others to step up in secondary roles, so that's something to monitor as the season nears.

Adding Samuel adds another pass catcher for quarterback Brock Purdy, so his fantasy value goes back up, after dipping a bit after the injury news with Pearsall and Kirk.

Running back Christian McCaffrey will be a major offensive force again, but Samuel can help him out a bit there too. Jordan James is the top-projected backup, with rookie Kaelon Black and Isaac Guerendo as other options.

The Niners' offense should be good, even if Pearsall is out for the season. There's enough playmakers around to try in fantasy leagues, and a few surprise ones could step up if injuries plague the Niners again.

Olave Extends with New Orleans

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave signed a four-year extension worth up to $132 million on Thursday.

He's been the top pass catcher for the Saints the past few years, and that should continue moving forward now. New Orleans did draft Jordyn Tyson in the first round, but I'd still expect Olave to lead the team for the next few seasons, at least.

This extension is a good thing for the Saints' offense, and quarterback Tyler Shough. It doesn't impact much in the backfield, which has Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara now.

Devaughn Vele is the other projected starting wideout, with rookies Bryce Lance and Barion Brown and Ja'Lynn Polk as other options right now. With Olave and Tyson leading the way, the “others” are just secondary options.

Tight end Juwan Johnson should still be involved offensively, especially in 2026. Noah Fant and rookie Oscar Delp are other tight end options.

The extension gives Olave a clearer dynasty picture, but doesn't impact too much for the coming season. We'll see if he can deliver big, just like he did a year ago.

Carolina Rookie Done for Year

Rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is done for the season already after suffering a torn LCL. He was placed on the injured reserve list.

He was the No. 83 overall pick in the most recent draft, and was expected to fill a notable role in the Carolina offense in 2026.

Tetairoa McMillan will lead the wideout group, with Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as the other projected starters. John Metchie III and Jimmy Horn Jr. are among the reserves, which is why losing Brazzell for the season is such a big deal. We'll see if the Panthers add another depth option before the season kicks off.

If they don't, tight ends Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans could be a bit more involved. Maybe running back Jonathon Brooks can stay healthy and factor in offensively behind projected starter Chuba Hubbard too.

Bryce Young's fantasy outlook takes a slight hit from the Brazzell injury. There's still enough there in the pass catcher room for the quarterback to deliver, and there's enough offensive talent for the Panthers to be solid and push for a postseason spot.

Bengals' Defender Avoids Scare

Defensive end Shemar Stewart came away with just a hyperextended knee during Wednesday's practice. At first, most expected Stewart to be out for the season with a big injury, so the hyperextension was great news.

The Bengals reloaded on defense, and that unit should be much better in 2026. With Stewart around, that definitely helps in that effort.

We'll see if the second-year player, and former first-round selection, can break out in 2026. Stewart had 11 tackles and a sack across eight games played as a rookie.